Encyclopedic, extensive, deep, thorough... pretty much sum up this expanded version of the "Pocket Ref" I have used for years. If you're looking for an excellent offline reference that doesn't take up your whole bookshelf (if you even still have a bookshelf), this is a good place to start.
Pros
* Extensive listings across a broad range of disciplines (see 'Other thoughts' for some sample topics)
* High-quality cover
* Offers a table of contents and an index
* 1,224 pages of tables, lists and a few photos and diagrams
* The index alone is 42 pages long (though see cons)
Cons
* Currently unavailable as an e-book, which would have been far preferable for keyword searching
* I would have preferred a still-larger index. Some index entries are not cross-listed with alternative but common terminology; for instance, "Stockpile Volume and Weight" doesn't have a index entry for "Angle of Repose", a common concern in the raw materials industry and a term used on that page. I don't need a concordance, but a bit deeper coverage here would have been nice
* Some tables do not have information that was official and available as of this printing (2011); for instance, the periodic table of elements is current as of 2004 (and thus misses Dubnium [Db 105] and heavier) -- though to the authors' credit, elements at least up through Copernicum [Cn 112] are listed in a nearby table
Other thoughts
This enormous storehouse of information seems best suited for librophiles and offline reference. A few random topics, to indicate the depth of coverage:
Wire classes and insulation
Box nails and brads
Car rental toll-free numbers, worldwide
First aid
Right triangle formulas
Worldwide phone area codes and country codes
Gold, silver and diamond classification
Capacities of large tanks and cylinders
Apparent dip
Knots (with photos)
Water discharge through 100 feet of hose
Just... on and on. It's pretty amazing.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Frequently bought together
This item: Desk Ref
$24.95
Only 20 left in stock (more on the way).
+
+
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
What do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Top reviews from other countries
Douglas Haley
Phenomenal cosmic power! Well, an engineer’s dream.
Reviewed in Australia on May 31, 2024Mike
don't need my glasses as much as when I use the pocket ref
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 10, 2014
Luther Flamestrike
Purchased as a gift...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 21, 2019
