When it comes to choosing the best, most comprehensive book for learning Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, it’s hard to choose between David Pogue’s “OS X Mountain Lion: The Missing Manual” (see our thoughts on it at http://macte.ch/R8QcV) and Bob “Dr. Mac” LeVitus’ “OS X Mountain Lion for Dummies” (http://macte.ch/G9tJZ).

Both books offer just about all the info you need to know about the latest rev of Mac OS X. Pogue’s book may have a bit more detail, but LeVitus’ title has color illustrations, which are helpful, and is a little less expensive ($24.99 compared to $34.99 for print editions). You won’t go wrong whichever you pick; both are fun, informative reads.

“OS X Mountain Lion for Dummies” is 480 pages of info that:

° Covers OS X basics, including working with the Dock, Launchpad, and Mission Control; setting up your e-mail; surfing the web with Safari; organizing your files; navigating with multi-touch gestures; managing your contacts and calendars; connecting a printer; and printing documents;

° Walks you through the new-to-OS-X features, such as Messages, Notes, Reminders, Notification Center, Power Nap, Dictation, Twitter and Facebook integration, Game Center, and Gatekeeper;

° Gets you up and running with iTunes and the latest apps from the Mac App Store and shows you how to enjoy music, movies, DVDs, and digital photos on your Mac;

° Provides troubleshooting tips, advice on customizing and maintaining your Mac, and keeping your information safe with Time Machine.

LeVitus has been one of the Apple community’s best known writers for more than 25 years and has written or co-written more than 60 books on, among other things, the iMac, iPhone and iPad. He’s also a columnist for the “Houston Chronicle” and “The Mac Observer.”