5 comments about The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Idea Book: Design, Invent, and Build.

1. This book contains very clear instructions and diagrams for NXT-G program. The sample robots are creative and very well designed. You can feel the intelligence behind when you build. I especially like the binding of this book, so it can lay open while you build. So I will probablly purchase more book from this press. In fact I have pre-order one. One thing I doesn't like is one of the samples requires two NXT kits, which I don't have at the moment. I guess it's because this book is targeting more senior builders.



2. 'The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Idea Book: Design, Invent, and Build' is an absolutely wonderful book with one MAJOR flaw in that the entire book is in black and white. Packed with 16 chapters written wonderfully with exciting examples and content, this would have been a easy 5 star recommendation but I simply cannot do that. Legos are bold, bright, and full of color, the decision to publish this in black and white was a terrible one. I understand this decision was made to no doubt save costs, but it shouldn't have been published (no matter how good the content is) in this form. Some books would benefit from color, some books require it and this is one of those cases. If you enjoy Legos and want to learn how to use Mindstorms NXT and all the fun, amazing things you can do with them this book will show you how, but I would wait for version 2.0 of this book with color. Not only is the black and white unfavorable, it's downright hard to follow.
   
   Great content, great layout, thumbs WAY down for no color
   
   **** RECOMMENDED



3. The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Idea Book: Design, Invent, and Build
   
   I read this book and I really enjoyed it. This was the first Mindstorms book that I read and it was really easy to understand and got me off to a quick start. The only reason that I didn't give it 5 stars was that the graphics and text are printed on an off white background and it made it a little harder to read and the graphics themselves are all black and white and some of them were a little hard to figure out the robot designs because of it. But dont let this keep you from getting this great robotics book. [...]



4. Lots Of good information on NXT G-code,Bluetooth programming for the NXT, and an informative guide to designing your NXT bots.I thought this book was well worth the money. The "LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT-G Programming Guide (Technology in Action) is a very good intro to this book.



5. The problem with this book is it has black and white photos of black and white pieces. They don't give a close up of what your adding to your structure. Writing is too small to look at without a magnify glass.
   Programming was screwed up in some places.

2 comments about Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics.

1. This is a fairly good text; however the authors have found it necessary to include silly "Bio-Connections" and "Environment" editorals at 5 to 10 page intervals. These are nothing more than warm-fuzzies for bio-engineers who may be taking a thermo-class, and PC "global warming" editorials that have little technical benefit to teaching the core material. It became particularly infuriating when you see a 3/4 page silly "bio-connections" editorial on fluorocarbon global warming and they in the same section neglect having an explanatory figure on the P-v vapor dome. Or they devote 3/4 page on a "bio-connections" essay on storing bananas in zip-lock bags (trying to connect bio-chem with thermodynamics), and give short shrift to the Kelvin-Plank statement (and only supply a very skimpy 2"x2" figure for the explaining Kelvin-Plank).
   
   The editorial board and tag-along sub-authors damaged this text. Stick with engineering and the fundamentals - and for crying out loud if you want to add "bio", "nano-nano" and carbon credits DON'T do it at the expense of Kelvin and Clausius.
   
   I like the text's general concise-ness, and the problem sets and example problems are pretty good. The Cengel text gives better explanations, but is more wordy.



2. This is a very good text book, it is well written and keeps it short and sweet. It gets to the point. One great feature is that it boxes in derivations that are not nessacary to understand, this way you don't get bogged down in a lot of text. There are tons of examples in the book and no mistakes that I could find. You really can read and understand everything from the text, you don't really need a teacher, which is saying alot, because most books are impossible to read and figure out what's going on. I agree the bio part is worthless, but Moran is obviously into that stuff because he always mentioned it in class. It's really not a bad thing...just skip it, who cares if it's in there. Overall if you want a good thermo book, whether it's self taught or in a class, it's a good choice.

No comments about AutoCAD 2009 & AutoCAD LT 2009 Bible (Bible (Wiley)).

5 comments about Making Things Talk: Practical Methods for Connecting Physical Objects.

1. Good written, and good for artist/hobbyist who wants to make great things with arduino e.g...
   So if you want to have all the most important possibilities clearly explained with example code and pixels, buy this book!



2. When I first heard about this book, I assumed it was about projects for speech synthesis. When I read the details on the publisher's site I was somewhat disappointed - talking meant communications in this case. However, I ordered it anyway and was quite delighted by the results. The book is well illustrated, well written, and contains 26 very interesting projects. If you are teaching networking to high schoolers or even to college students, these projects might make interesting case studies to drive home some of the points being studied.
   
   There is one thing I would caution you on though. Don't expect the lead-you-by-the-hand electronics-heavy methodology of most other project books. This book - although apparently targeted at electronics hobbyists - goes into painstaking detail on hardware needed and assembly. However, it oddly assumes the reader doesn't need much coaching on the Processing programming language or PHP. Of course, this book would be an unwieldy tome if tutoring on those subjects were included, but just be warned that you'll need some outside sources if you are not already familiar with either of these languages. The following is the list of contents of the book along with the names and locations of the 26 included projects.
   
   1. The Simplest Tools
   2. The Simplest Network
   Project 1 - Monski Pong
   Project 2 - Wireless Monski Pong
   Project 3 - Negotiating in Bluetooth
   3. A More Complex Network
   Project 4 - A Networked Cat
   4. Look Ma! No Computer
   Project 5 - Hello Internet
   Project 6 - Networked Air Quality Meter
   5. Communicating in (Near) Real Time
   Project 7 - A Networked Game
   6. Wireless Communication
   Project 8 - Infrared Transmitter-Receiver Pair
   Project 9 - Radio Transmitter-Receiver Pair
   Project 10 - Duplex Radio Transmission
   Project 11 - Bluetooth Receivers
   7. The Tools
   Project 12 - Reporting Toxic Chemicals in the Shop
   Project 13 - Relaying Solar Data Wirelessly
   8. How to Locate (Almost) Anything
   Project 14 - Infrared Distance Ranger Example
   Project 15 - Ultrasonic Distance Ranger Example
   Project 16 - Reading Received Signal Strength Using XBee Radios
   Project 17 - Reading Received Signal Strength Using Bluetooth Radios
   Project 18 - Reading the GPS Serial Protocol
   Project 19 - Determining Heading Using a Digital Compass
   Project 20 - Using an Accelerometer
   9. Identification
   Project 21 - Color Recognition Using a Webcam
   Project 22 - 2D Barcode Recognition Using a Webcam
   Project 23 - Reading RFID Tags in Processing
   Project 24 - RFID Meets Home Automation
   Project 25 - IP Geocoding
   Project 26 - Email from RFID
   A. And Another Thing
   B. Where to Get Stuff
   C. Program Listings



3. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have read it cover-2-cover.
   Granted - some of the projects are a little hokey. Perhaps that is why I kept finding alternate uses for the circuitry.
   
   Negative? The author covered a lot of ground and was forced to limit his depth. That makes it an excellent "Intro" book - but makes me wish for more.



4. I understand an author can't be expected to cover every microcontroller in every language but, Arduino ?? What the BLEEP !! Who uses Arduino...never heard of it ? I bought Igoe's Physical Computing and found it of some value on account that he was using Pic Basic Pro to program Microchip Pics when everyone else uses Assembler or C. He did however, in that book, include some other micros such as a Basic Stamp 2 and I could at least slightly empathize with his efforts to keep as many people happy as possible. I thought this book, being a latter work, would be using Microchip Pics with HOPEFULLY assembler or C. What do I get, Arduino in some proprietary language ?? JEEZUS !! How may Arduinos are sold every year compared to PICs ? Maybe I can use this book as a gross guide to some of the other technology introduced in the book such as XBee RF modules. I wish the publisher was upfront in their description in warning people that it's using this exceedingly rare and proprietary micro and programming language. It could have been a 5 star if he used PIC with C or Assembler.



5. I take my hat off to Tom for his contribution the rest of the amatures like me. I wish you well

5 comments about Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling.

1. The coverage of planning, costing, and cost control was detailed and careful. Use of case studies in construction, manufactoring, and service sectors added perspective, and suggested new possibilities that would not be as obvious from study of one industry alone.
   
   The definition and evaluation of what makes a project a success was identified, but the identifications were in many different sections of the book. The information was there, but was not presented as a persistent unified theme that was easy to follow.
   
   The early sections on business organization and structure was a little elementary for those with ten of more years experience. And, these sections did not drill down on the organizational differences specific to project management.
   
   A valuable book on most project management subjects.
   
   Choosing Project Success - A Guide for Building Professionals



2. This book is a great, comprehensive read, very useful to any project management student or professional.



3. Sin más vueltas, el Profesor Kerzner hace de la Administración de Proyectos en esta bibliografía , todo lo que se puede hacer para : aquel que no entienda la Aministración de Proyectos : Entienda !!!!!!!!!! Aquel que quiera profundizar sus conocimientos , encuentre los caminos, y como si fuera poco áquel que quiera certificar ante el PMI , tenga todos los elemntos y herramientas a su alcance.
   Un libro inolvidable, para tenerlo entre esos 5 libros que usted siempre consulta en su profesión. Ahora si se dedica a la Administración de Proyectos de esos 5 libros , le aconsejo que primero consulte a este.
   Angel M Neme
   Subject Matter Expert
   AS - SSA - Delivery Excellence
   IBM Argentina



4. This wordy book (1040 pages!) is filled with many unnecessary material. You have to be tortured with pages and pages (poor trees) just to get a few ideas, which makes it boring reading. I am reminded of Economics 101 texts of similar genre where each edition gets thicker and worse by assuming readers know less and less. It is not for intelligent readers.



5. This book is quite bad. You can tell it is the ninth edition because the material does not flow or build upon itself, it contradicts itself from section to section, and fails to use the same terminology from one section to the next. The questions at the end of the chapters often have nothing to do with the content in the chapter and sometimes even refer to non-existent figures or charts, which further leads me to believe that this book suffers from bad editing. Finally, there are literally thousands upon thousands of bullet points in this book (it reminds me of one big boring PowerPoint presentation), so it is really tedius to read. In fact this book put me to sleep more often than not, so if you suffer from insomnia, this might be just what you need.

2 comments about Machinery's Handbook Toolbox Edition (Machinery's Handbook).

1. it's all you need, the best in it's class. There is a little bit of everything inside...bible of engineering



2. Great reference book for the engineer or machinist. The book I purchased was listed as used and in excellent condition. It was as advertised, perhaps even better. Shipping was fast and ahead of projection. Couldn't be happier with my Amazon.com purchase!

5 comments about 507 Mechanical Movements: Mechanisms and Devices (Dover Science Books).

1. well... it is what it says it is. I was under-whelmed. This is just a reprinting of old old patent drawings with very incomplete descriptions of the mechanisms described. In fact all of this is duplicated in "1800 Mechanical Movements Devices and Appliances" down to the word for word copy of the descriptions.
   Most of the diagrams are self explanatory; of those that aren't, very brief 1902 style descriptions which are probably abridged versions of the original patent application are only a little helpful. The rest (about 15 percent) still don't make sense.
   I was disappointed and I only paid 5 dollars for it.



2. This is a great collection of mechanisms for the curious. There is no kinematic, static or dynamic analysis; nor is it a source book for contemporary mechanism design. Instead there is an inspiring collection of mechanical innovation from the boom era of mechanical design.
   
   I have seen far, far, larger collections (well over 5,000 items) in academic treatises and a modern mechanism sourcebook may be more useful to the busy mechanical inventor - but there is still a lot of value in having this gem to hand.
   
   Dover has again produced a clear (though small) and robust paperback version of an old classic at a very attractive price.



3. What more can be said about this essential book for all gizmologists? This is a great book just to get the brain working.



4. The illustrations are well done, many of the mechanisms are repeated. The descriptions are dated. All in all, I would not buy this book again.



5. Keep in mind that this book 1) is paperback, 2) measures 6 1/4 inches wide by 7 1/8 inches tall, and 3) most every illustration is less than 2" square. All the illustrations are clear - printed in a grid on the left handside with a SHORT explanation of what it does on the right. The movements are described, but a lot of them leave me wondering what the heck you'd use them for in the real world. Certainly not as detailed of a book as I was expecting, but a nice LITTLE reference. On with a search for something more detailed!

5 comments about The Unofficial LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Inventor's Guide.

1. The Unofficial Lego Mindstorms NXT Inventors Guide
   
   Author: David J. Perdue
   website: http://www.davidjpredue.com ; http://www.nxtguidedavidjpredue.com
   Strengths: Very nice schematics, parts listings and visuals to highlight or the parts for the machines. Easily readable. Good for novice robot builders but also advanced users will find it helpful as well.
   
   Weaknesses: The book has black/white text.
   
   Novice/Intermediate/Advanced
   
   Rating: 5/5
   
   reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS: (dreric1kansas@aol.com)
   
   
   Introduction
   
   I have been working with robot kits for many years. I started with the Fischertecknik robot turtle which I built and was able to use with the logo interface with my Apple IIE. Later on I heard about Lego Mindstorms and bought a set to use. It was tough going and after much delay because of the programming and the light issues with the brick, I was able to get legos finally working. Since then, I have worked with several kits and working with PC and Macintosh interfacing. But I was still looking for more a more helpful guides to build more interesting robots. I think I found one in The Unofficial Lego Mindstorms NXT Inventors Guide.
   
   This author David J. Perdue knows his stuff and Lego Mindstorms. He has been creating MINDSTORMS since 2001 and just won the NXT Camera Bot Building Challenge competition and is the author of Competitive MINDSTORMS (Apress, 2004). He has received three Special Mention awards for his creations on the official online MINDSTORMS and is a full time student, pursuing a degree in Management information Systems in Texas. So I opened the book to see what else I could find out and how I could use the book for my LegoMindstorms in the future.
   
   In the beginning, it was difficult to use Mindstorms. For me the kit did not work at all. Working with Macintosh was not an option. There were minimal additional information for working with the robots beyond the parts, software and initial schematics. I had to use a PC. This version works with PC (needs Windows XP or higher and will or already have shipped Vista version) or Macintosh OSX (version 103.9 and higher). It was not until later that I learned from a Legos salesman that the light in the room could be an issue. Its little things like this that kept me and possible others, from doing more with robotics.
   
   I was hoping that the book started with novice programmers and robot creators. This books has "novice " beginning information so this book can be used with those who are new to Lego Mindstorms or are upgrading to the NXT version. It is good to know that this advanced robotic author, is "down to earth" with his writing and when "speaking" the language of robots. I have not upgraded to the NXT version yet and so and wanted to see whether it is would be worth upgrading myself but if so how and what ways could the robots be used with this new version.
   
   The black and white screenshots are integrated within the instruction. The visuals are large enough to read and decipher what you need to know. The lack of color does not really hurt. I really liked the screenshots and illustrations listings of the parts for assembly. However it would have been nice if they were in color (the parts are a multitude or colors. Tables do however include numbers, piece names and the place color however. When you need more information about the parts, they are all there listed and illustrated/ photographed.
   
   Throughout the book, there are helpful ideas in the way of bold notes that are "peppered" throughout the tutorials. In addition, there are pointers that go along with the "balloons " which have text inside of them about related to the robot parts. Circles and arrows highlight the illustrated areas in the screenshots that the author is clearly targeting for his instructions. This makes the understanding of the parts even more explicit.
   
   The introduction introduces Lego Mindstorms, NXT, building , programming and starting and working with robotic projects. Here is an outline of the chapters and what is in store for you.
   
   Part I in entitled "Introduction to LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT". In the Chapter 1, LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT starts off with building robots, the programming of robots, activating robots and what can you do with robots and NXT. Chapter 2 is includes solid but easy to understand information about starting with the NXT robotic set.
   
   Part II illustrates the building with 4 chapters. There is electronic pieces, understanding the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT pieces, the need and building sturdy structures, and working with and building with gears
   
   Programming section is in Part III . Chapter 7 introduction has a nice introduction to the NXT-G system. Later 3 chapters involve advanced NXT-G programming a. There is also more in the form of unofficial programming languages for the NXT.
   
   Part IV involves 6 robot projects and that is where your in-depth robotic education really begins. You are taught the author's Mindstorms method, and working with 6 nice in-depth but easy to understand projects.
   
   Appendices are good resources. Appendix A has LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT piece library. The Appendix B NXT-G has nice quick reference guide section that includes information for advanced programming to perform more intricate tasks. The author details a lot of the complexity, not only with words but also visually illustrates how to and in what ways to to complete the array of blocks, sensors and programming information. While it is not easy to learn, this section takes you "once step at a time". Appendix C informs with other internet resources.
   
   Conclusions
   
   I recommend this book highly for its in-depth tutorials, the visual schematics and the quality of the reading that makes the information well understood. No one said building robots was easy but with this book, you will learn and go further than you thought you could achieve. What I like about this book and the way the author has crafted this book is that he actually invited you to build robots in a none intimidating way. The in-depth information, the visual assemblies and tables, and the easy to read information along with the tutorials will allow you not only start but develop your skills in robot building. You will learn to be creative but at the same learning the logic of the machines and how to build robotics. I know there are many books that teach Lego Mindstorms out there but I am glad I chose this one first.
   
   
   
   
   
   



2. This is a great beginner/intermediate level book for both kids and adults. The building section is excellent at explaining HOW to use the technic pieces. The programming section is a very good primer for those new to the NXT-G programming environment and language. It sets you up well for the building & programming projects found later in the book. As a middle school teacher running a robotics club, I set some of my more advanced 6th graders to work on whatever project they wanted to from the book. They jumped into taking on the guard-bot and the golf-bot which are the more advanced projects. With little guidance from me, they were very successful and had a blast. That shows how well written and designed the book is!



3. This "Unofficial" book is very good. David does a great job of showing exactly how to build each project with informative snapshots from the program Lego Digital Designer. The programming was missing a little of information on what to fill in the for each module, but his comments provided enough information to fill in the modules. I did have a question for David and he responded with the answer I was looking for.



4. I'm a coach of a FIRST LEGO League team and I bought this book to help my son "get to the next level." I am making this book mandatory for every team member next season! It is informative, yet easy to read. It covers all the bases from good robot design to programming explanations. I can't recommend it enough!



5. If you are new to Lego Mindstorms then you are also probably new to Lego Technics. This book not only covers how to program robots but also how to build them with Lego Technics parts and makes use of many well laid out and easy to follow diagrams. This book should be included with every lego Mindstorms set.

5 comments about The Insulin-Resistance Diet--Revised and Updated.

1. I bought this book about 6 months ago and have followed its basic principles. While I have not lost a ton of weight, that is probably due to my over active social life. However, most of the time I have followed it. I feel much better, healthier and more balanced with lots of energy and not feeling hungry.
   
   This book is simple, makes lots of sense and easy to follow. It is definitely not a fad diet and is one that you can stick to and make into a lifestyle. The authors are knowledgeable and present their points in a friendly way.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their general well being and lose fat as well as learning more about basic food groups and how to have a balanced diet.



2. Over the past 7 months of this diet, I have lost 20-25 pounds. It took me about 2 years to put that on. The last few months of that process, before I started this diet, I felt terrible: I was depressed, I had low energy, and I experienced constant sugar cravings.
   
   After getting the book and starting to follow the guidelines, I quickly felt an improvement in my mood and overall health. The weight loss came much more slowly, and at first I wasn't even aware of it. A few months ago I reviewed this book and stated that, while I had not lost dramatic amounts of weight, I did feel much better. That still holds true. Also, I got blood tests done recently, and compared to the ones a year ago, they were much better.
   
   If I had any advice, though, it would be to take everything about the book very seriously, not just he dietary instructions part. Balancing carbs and protein is just the beginning: an overall change in lifestyle eventually becomes necessary, and that takes realizing that you have to dedicate more attention to your body and give it what it needs, even if it doesn't want it--exercise, more vegetables, etc.



3. While it will probably get swept under the rug as just another fad, "The Insulin-Resistance Diet--Revised and Updated" is actually really well written. Within the first 30 pages, they've explained the what and why, and are already offering suggestions on how to improve your diet. As I checked this out from the library, I wasn't able to try any of the recipes, but the image of the seesaw to balance carbs with protein stuck with me - I see it in my mind's eye every time I sit down to eat. The premise is simple and very easy to incorporate into any eating habits - no matter how on-the-go.



4. The Insulin Resistance Diet is very easy to read, understand, and follow. After getting the book I began reading first and then my "official" start date was June 1st, 2008. According to my doctor's scale, I lost 4 lbs in the exactly two weeks between my last visits. That's about 2 lbs. per weeks, which is a good rate according to my doctor. I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, insulin resistance, as well as a family history of diabetes. I wanted to break the cycle of high and low blood sugar level spikes before my pancreas is used up!
   
   Once you understand how your body reacts when you consume different types of food, and learn to recognize the different types, it is easier to eat out at restaurants, parties, and at home. The biggest changes for me is just finally feeling better, as well as recognizing true hunger signs for the first time that I can remember. I eat every 2-3 hours, always combine protein with any carbs... I will feel hungry 2-3 hours after eating, but not the extremes that I would feel before. I can even prepare meals and have started my whole family on the same healthy foods that I eat.. no more preparing two separate meals.. besides, I do not want my sons to get diabetes either.
   
   Try this... for the $15-16.. how much better you will feel is worth the price.



5. This book was easy to read and gave a lot of helpful information as well as examples and menu ideas. If you are insulin-resistant, it really helps you understand what is going on inside your body, with good tips to improve your health.

5 comments about Build Your Own Electric Vehicle.

1. The book is practically a collection of mind maps of various decision trees and other concepts... The text probably is adequate for designing a decent conversion. It's pretty useful if you don't mind the author's quirks.



2. I liked this book a lot, it reads well, it provides the "how to" information in the title but also a lot of background information. The only real defect I can find in it is the date of last update (1993). Suprisingly, most of what is said is still valid, but there are some things missing which did not exist then or were not mature enough. Some recommendations actually got even better: the "AC propulsion" system, which is already much praised in the book, went on to even greater success in the Tesla roadster. Just get someone (the author, if still active, or someone else) to update it for 2008 new technologies.



3. In general I found this book of value as a technical reference volumne but was extremly disappointed in the bias shown toward hybrid vehicles and larger cars of all types and the attitude that EV'S are for short shopping runs and you should use an ICE for anything else. This attitude has been what has slowed the uptake of EV's and kept the creation in the hands of mainly gifted amateurs. Yes I certainly will be using the formulae in the book but will be looking beyond the USA most of the electrics and electronics for my electric touring car



4. This book was written in the early 90's. It's so out of date that it's almost usless. Whish I had know before I spent $$$.



5. I read the book because I was interested in converting a car. At times, it became waaay more technical than I bargained for. But it gave me the confidence to go ahead with my project.
   
   I later learned that what I wanted to build was going to be so expensive, that I would not be able to afford it. This led me to see the book on a different light. For example, I would have liked it to be more specific info on the ranges and speeds one could get with a certain system. I did not find that... maybe I skipped it when I blew off the extremely technical info.
   
   But other than that I thought the book was AWESOME. I would not recommend anyone to start a project like this without first talking to people who have done it already. (That is how I found out that I was being too ambitious).
   
   I have not converted a car yet, since I decided to wait until batteries get better so I can get the range and speeds I need. But when the time comes, I going to pick up this book again. This puppy is NOT going to the used-book bookstore.