Comments on: Small Book, Big Information (And Small Price)

By: Stuart Deutsch

Stuart Deutsch — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 19:07:43 +0000

Eric,

Thanks for the link!

Aftering skimming through the comparison, it seems that there is a lot of overlap between the two books, but also several unique portions. I’m slightly on the fence about purchasing the handyman version, so I’ll wait and see how much I like the pocketref before I decide.

By: Eric

Eric — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 05:32:55 +0000

Stuart,

I just got the Handyman in your pocket ref today. They are fairly similar. So far it seems that the handyman version contains less general information and focuses more on the properties of various materials and building techniques. if you go to the publisher’s page about the book there is a link to a .pdf chart comparing it to the rocket ref. Here’s the link: http://www.sequoiapublishing.com/pdt_handyman.htm

By: Stuart Deutsch

Stuart Deutsch — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 16:48:35 +0000

Can anyone vouch for the Handyman Pocket Ref by the same author? Currently it’s less than $7 at Rockler (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10215), and I’m debating if that’s reason enough to start going order-crazy again.

By: Nate Bezanson

Nate Bezanson — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 16:06:27 +0000

Chris, you’re obviously using the wrong computers in the shop! I’ve been carrying around one used Toughbook or another for years. I’ve used them as hammers, vises, wheel chocks, and yes, I even type on them sometimes.

Buying a new one is not for the faint of heart, but on the used market they’re quite affordable. Some models are tougher than others, but in general, any computer with a built-in carrying handle can take some punishment. If it has rubber-sealed covers over the ports, it’s probably dustproof.

Most rugged laptops also have touchpads that can be used with gloves, a big consideration for workers in the field. I adore my Toughbooks, and the Itronix hardware I’ve poked at is even sturdier. One of these days, I’ll end up with a Getac or a Melard, I know it.

With the right hardware, the only casualty when you bring a computer into the shop will be your productivity, because now you’ve got an MP3 player and a web browser and an RSS reader and a…. yeah. Maybe there’s something to be said for good old paper books, after all.

By: Chris Ford

Chris Ford — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 12:35:00 +0000

Blackberry?!?!?!?!?!?!? The pocket ref is for people that actually work with their hands, not people that worry about blisters. And as for looking things up on the internet, I’m sorry but I try to keep my computers out of the shop as actual work is done their and computers tend to turn into casualties very quickly.

P.S. If you’ve ever watched Mythbusters you’d know that Adam and Jamie are constantly referring to their pocket refs.

By: eschoendorff

eschoendorff — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:28:56 +0000

This edition is also available at HF. I love mine. An excellent use of $10. And it doesn’t take batteries.

By: T

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 19:07:31 +0000

I have an internet connection, Machinery’s Handbook on CD-Rom, and I still use the Pocket Ref. For a lot of things I find it’s quicker to open a book and flip through it then navigate a 20 MB pdf or wade through google results until you find the right one.

By: l_bilyk

l_bilyk — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:32:03 +0000

I keep one in the tool box

By: wogdgo

wogdgo — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 13:54:13 +0000

…and with all the metal on the stall doors, wireless is a no go in the staff bathroom. It’s going in my ‘other’ kit.

By: Adam

Adam — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 13:30:53 +0000

Despite having a blackberry, multiple computers, and heck, being a full-time IT consultant, i have an anachronistic streak a mile wide, and a pocket reference like this appeals to me. No matter what kind of internet connection you have, it doesn’t work everywhere! I’m buying one of these for the car and for my camping kit.

By: Roscoe

Roscoe — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:21:31 +0000

I’m with Nate- the Internet is pretty vast. I carry a Blackberry too, so once I find something I think I’ll want it again, I save it in my notes and always have it with me.

By: Nate Bezanson

Nate Bezanson — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 08:05:55 +0000

I haven’t used mine very much at all since I bought it, since the internet is not only faster to search, it’s also more up-to-date. But I still keep it in the car, because you just never know… It’s fun to flip through!

The “Pocket Partner” is even cooler. It’s targeted at law enforcement and first responders, and in addition to fun party games (which they blandly call “field sobriety tests”) and hand signals (SWAT charades!), there are some comedy gems, like the shift-work survival guide. “No doughnuts!”, it admonishes.

The back half of the Pocket Partner is a Haz-Mat reference, which decodes those placard numbers you see on trucks, so you can tell just how S.O.L. you’d be if it crashed. There’s also a phone book with everything from ATF field offices to the Fish & Wildlife service. Absolutely worth ten bucks just to say “wow, I’m glad I don’t have to keep all this in my head”.

By: Stuey

Stuey — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 03:51:04 +0000

69 out of 71 amazon reviewers gave it 5 stars with the 2 outcasts giving it only 4 stars out of 5.

This will definitely be included with my next amazon order!

By: Evan N.

Evan N. — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 03:19:52 +0000

Love this thing! Got mine at Restoration Hardware. I use it regularly in the machine shop. I also like the mineral composition section. Another book I like that I have because I did theater in college is the Backstage Handbook. It’s got a lot of good carpentry (guide to build a run of stairs, for example) as well as other things useful outside the theater as well.

By: PutnamEco

PutnamEco — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 02:25:57 +0000

There is a whole series of pocket refs.
http://www.sequoiapublishing.com/nav_products.htm

almost as much fun as the machinery handbook.