Book Design and Imaging

Apple iPhoto vs. Blurb / premium paper vs. regular paper.

This is my first time working with Blurb’s book program. I’m a longtime user and aficionado of Apple iPhoto’s “iBook” program, particularly the “Folio” theme, which I find gorgeous. Big fan.
- But -
Blurb offers some things Apple’s iPhoto program doesn’t. (I understand Apple’s books are printed and handled by MyPublisher.com, according to my Missing Manual to iPhoto ‘09, though neither side will confirm or deny that.)
Page length for one. Apple – and MyPublisher – books max out at 100 pages. Also, Blurb seems to offer much more user creativity.
My question is twofold, then.
1. As a first-time user (I’ve never ordered a Blurb book before) how does Blurb quality of printing, paper, binding, etc. compare with Apple’s program? I can’t help but notice Blurb’s prices are lower: A rational person might wonder, what’s the catch?
2. Premium paper vs. regular paper; what seems to be the general consensus. I see that Blurb’s books max out at 160 pages if one opts for premium paper. How does “regular paper” compare with Apple iBook’s paper and printing quality? Or is Apple closer to premium paper in quality?
This must seem like dumb, basic questions to any longtime Blurb user, so please forgive me for asking.
But if anyone has had any experience with both Apple/MyPublisher and Blurb, I’d be curious to know your opinion.
I specialize in photo books, and take my work very seriously. Some of the sample books in Blurb’s “Bookstore” showcase look simply stunning, but of course one can’t always judge things like photo quality and the benefits of premium paper over regular paper from the cover alone.

Replytopic_b_normal
Posted by
astrachn
Apr 8, 2011 11:34am PDT
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astrachn
 

I’m not familiar with Apple or MyPublisher but as Blurb books are so inexpensive, why not put together a small one and see what you think? I’ve made lots on premium lustre paper but recently tried a few on standard paper and found it to be almost identical, just a tiny bit thinner. If I had my time over I’d probably stick to standard paper unless the book’s really large.
Posted by
Maharg
Apr 8, 2011 9:32pm PDT
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Maharg
 

I’ve already made up my mind to do a small test. Still, thanks much for pointing out the (negligible) difference in paper quality. I’ll probably try the regular paper to start, and unless I’m really unsatisfied, will stick to that.

Always good to have feedback ahead of time, though.
Posted by
astrachn
Apr 12, 2011 2:00pm PDT
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astrachn
 

I too would be interested in the difference. I have used iPhoto before for calendars and books and the quality was very good and the presentation very nice. No problems with it at all.

But here I am at Blurb and trying to work out what is best for me. So feedback would be useful.
Posted by
Thordale
May 26, 2011 5:43am PDT
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Thordale
 

The blurb swatch kit is exactly what you’re looking for. I ordered mine, waiting for delivery.

http://www.blurb.com/swatch
lefslv.
Posted by
odedia
Apr 15, 2012 2:52am PDT
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odedia