Customer Reviews

Firewire System Architecture: IEEE 1394 (PC System Architecture Series)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you need a good intro to the 1394 spec, this book is a must-read. While the 1394 professional may find it somewhat redundant, Don Anderson's book is a God-send for the 1394 novice (in fact Mr. Anderson did specify his book was meant as an introduction). This book helped answer many of my questions and clarify some points which had been previously fuzzy. Especially useful are his diagrams and asynchronous/isochronous comparisons (Very useful if you're going from the asynchronous world to 1394 or even USB). Should be read along with the 1394 spec for optimum impact and benefit.

This book provides an excellent reference of the IEEE 1394 standard. It is written in easy-to-understand language, and is comprehensive in it's coverage. I have not opened my copy of the IEEE 1394-1995 standard since purchasing this book.

I didn't even get to reading this book because my copy looks to be printed on a 300 dpi laser printer, then photocopied, then bound. Many of the diagrams are difficult to read as a result. I was very surprised to see that Addison-Wesley was the publisher/printer of this book. Don't waste your time or money.

The author does a very good job describing much of the IEEE-1394 specification. He breaks the spec down into a number of very clear and readable chapters that will enable you be well on your way to using the 1394 technology. Also, the diagrams and figures are very helpful -- especially when you compare to the layout of the actual specification.

There are a few notable flaws, however. Though the cover says "Includes 1394a", it actually covers the preliminary version of 1394a (1998). This flaw is especially glaring since 1394a came out in 2000. Further, the book is pretty light on the OHCI for 1394 spec.

In short, the book is very good at what it does, but needs to be updated and expanded.

As is typical of Mindshare books, this book was concise and instructional. However, the misprints and typographical errors averaged about two per page. Sometimes, incorrectly stated information would lead the reader to incorrect conclusions about FireWire. I hope that the next edition will fix the many errors.

Like another reviewer, I've found the book difficult to process due to the TERRIBLE print quality. There are unmistakable artifacts of scanning, as if the entire book was photocopied, page by page.

Unfortunately, this makes the diagrams quite difficult to decipher at times, and makes for an uncomfortable reading experience. Items supposed to be discerned by shade are difficult to interpret, details are difficult to make out, and text quality is generally unacceptable.

It is worth noting that mine is a "second" edition - I have to wonder if perhaps Addison Wesley lost the master and then had to scan them for reprint.

This book is wonderful. It fully explains async and isochronous packets, the various layers, electrical components, etc... This book is wonderful for anyone wishing to gain a good understanding of FireWire's inner workings.

Grand triumphant book based on only Firewire, a great addition to any computer literate's library and a good read, outstanding, really impressive!!

After reading the standard I thought it was too many points I had to parse over again. Thankfully I found this book, clear and concise description of all the main topics covered by the standard.Hope to go on with 1394b!!