Apologies in advance to those people hoping to read a review based on the xml strengths of this collection - this will appear to be fairly thin and trivial. I am an owner of a number of O'Reilly titles, on varying subjects and always consider them the first port of call when I'm looking for information on an area new to me. As an owner of the first edition of xml in a nutshell, I thought the opportunity to upgrade to the second edition and in the process expand my collection to cover java/xslt and a number of other areas ideal, and sent for a copy of the new cd bookshelf edition.
Although the CD bookshelf format is one that proves much handier in terms of portability, and also provides a substantial saving in terms of cost there is also a downside to the format.
I am a great fan of the sample chapters, being particularly enamoured of the pdf formats as these can be printed for instant reference, scribbling ideas on and backup for long journeys when the laptop decides to pack up. Unfortunately, the xml cd bookshelf has none of its material in pdf format - instead being in html, and I find some of the illustrations and figures unfortunately illegible.
I also find the search engine while a good idea, a little hit and miss on an XP home edition platform with internet explorer, with the search results disappearing from view when the mouse is moved away from the submit button.
Please can the next edition also include complete pdf versions of the books - I would then consider this a definitive reference.
Many thanks for your patience.
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