Computer Technology Books

The Unofficial LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Inventor's Guide

David J. Perdue

Amazon Price: $19.77 List Price: $29.95 By: No Starch Press Amazon Marketplace: 40 new & used starting at $17.50

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Computer Science -> Artificial Intelligence -> Computer Mathematics
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Computer Science -> Artificial Intelligence -> Robotics
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Computer Science -> Artificial Intelligence -> Theory of Computing

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Fantastic manual to the Mindstorms NXT 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

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!

Fun, helpful, informative for beginner and intermediate 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I've had NXT for about 10 months and have three other books. I wish I had know about this first. My strong point is programming, my weak point is gearing and this is the only book that really shows how to build gear trains. I love rover bots and have designed many but he has several fresh takes on the genre. His ball caster is much more elegant than mine and his bumper is quite sturdy. (My method of picking a random angle for a turn is better than his though: random block set for 0 to 6 wired to a switch block with 7 conditions, the equivalent of 45,90,135 degrees left and right and 180. save the whole thing as a myblock to use with all your rovers.)
I highly recommend this book if you are starting out or if you want to get some new ideas for rovers.

The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Idea Book: Design, Invent, and Build

Martijn Boogaarts, Jonathan A. Daudelin, Brian L. Davis, Jim Kelly, Lou Morris, Fay and Rick Rhodes, Matthias Paul Scholz, Christopher R. Smith, Rob Torok

Amazon Price: $19.77 List Price: $29.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: No Starch Press Amazon Marketplace: 45 new & used starting at $16.38

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Software -> General
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Software -> General AAS
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

If you're serious about having fun with LEGO robotics, you've come to the right place. The team behind The NXT STEP blog - the authoritative online source for MINDSTORMS NXT information and advice - has packaged its considerable skills and experience in this book. Inside, you'll find some of the team's best ideas for creating cool and sophisticated models, including instructions for eight robots you can build yourself.

Follow along with the MINDSTORMS NXT experts as they explain the fundamentals of programming and design, accompanied by CAD-style drawings and an abundance of screenshots that make it easy for you to master the MINDSTORMS NXT system. You'll get an overview of the NXT parts (beams, sensors, axles, gears, and so on) and clear instructions for combining them to build and program working robots.

The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Idea Book delves into the complexities of the NXT programming language (NXT-G) and offers tips for designing and programming robots, using Bluetooth, creating an NXT remote control, troubleshooting, and much more.

Here are just a few of the robots you'll learn to build in The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Idea Book:

RaSPy, a robot that plays Rock, Scissors, Paper

3D PhotoBot, a robot that will help you take photographs that can be converted into 3D images

Slot Machine, complete with flashing lights and a lever

ScanBot, a robot that scans black-and-white pictures and displays the images on the NXT's LCD

Beach Buggy Chair, a roving, rambling robot

CraneBot, a crane-like grabbing robot

LEGO fans of all ages will find this book to be an ideal jumping off point for doing more with MINDSTORMS NXT. The only ingredient you need to add is your imagination!

LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT: The Mayan Adventure (Technology in Action)

James Floyd Kelly

Amazon Price: $16.49 List Price: $24.99 By: Apress Amazon Marketplace: 42 new & used starting at $7.58

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Games & Strategy Guides -> General AAS
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Programming -> Software Design, Testing & Engineering -> Software Development
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT has hit the world by storm, giving you the ability to build your own robots and program them to perform all types of actions. What kind of robots? How about five exploratory robots, used to explore the newly discovered tomb of an ancient Mayan king?

You are along for the ride with Evan and his archaeologist uncle as they explore a Mayan pyramid complete with traps and treasures. Using a variety of NXT robots, the archaeology team is able to move deeper into the tomb towards the secrets of King Ixtua. But beware of the traps! The pyramid's design has successfully deterred unwanted visitors through the centuries, and your team will need to be careful and alert.

You will learn and use a design methodology that will teach you about the new motors and sensors that your robot can use. Complete building and programming instructions are provided for each robot, allowing you to follow along and learn as you build.

Can you help Evan and the team of explorers navigate through the old pyramid and discover King Ixtua's tomb? Read the stories, examine the environments, and build and program the robots that will allow the team to move closer to the secrets of The Mayan Adventure.

• This book shows how to design a NXT robot to solve real-world problems.
• It includes worksheets that encourage constructive brainstorming techniques.
• You'll gain access to four new and unique robot designs.
• This book is suitable for both adults and kids exploring NXT.

AutoCAD 2009 & AutoCAD LT 2009 Bible (Bible (Wiley))

Ellen Finkelstein

Amazon Price: $31.49 List Price: $49.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Wiley Amazon Marketplace: 52 new & used starting at $26.75

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Graphic Design -> 3D Graphics
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Graphic Design -> CAD
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Graphic Design -> General

Editorial Review:

Even Autodesk developers keep this book on hand!

Eight previous editions of fans ranging from novices to Autodesk insiders can't be wrong. This bestselling, comprehensive guide is your best, one-stop, go-to guide for everything you'll need to master AutoCAD. Whether you're an AutoCAD veteran exploring what's new or a novice seeking to start with the basics and progress to advanced programming, every feature is covered. Start drawing today with the one book you need to succeed with AutoCAD 2009.

• Start drawing right away with the Quick Start project
• Draw, view, and edit in 2D, then add text and dimensions
• Reference other drawings and link data to objects
• Build, view, and present complex 3D drawings
• Customize commands, create shortcuts, and use scripts and macros
• Program AutoCAD using AutoLISP and VBA

What's on the DVD?

• Trial versions of AutoCAD 2009 and AutoCAD LT 2009
• Over 300 before-and-after drawings from working AutoCAD professionals
• A selection of helpful add-on programs
• The entire book in searchable PDF

System Requirements: Please see the DVD appendix for details and system requirements.

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: The Basics of ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo Updated for ArcGIS 9 (Getting to Know series)

Tim Ormsby, Eileen Napoleon, Robert Burke

Amazon Price: $46.76 List Price: $59.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Esri Press Amazon Marketplace: 70 new & used starting at $21.95

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Computer Science -> Software Engineering -> Information Systems
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Computer Science -> Modeling & Simulation
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Graphic Design -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 69 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Good primer for ArcGIS 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I used this book for an online GIS course through the University of Washington and found the contents to be very helpful. The step-by-step process is instructive and helps to gain an understanding of the basic functions of ArcGIS.

Conversely, there are times when the book does not give enough detail to allow for troubleshooting. I found there were situations that arose in certain processes that the book did not cover, even though I was following the step-by-step process.

Editorial Review:

With revised material and new exercises based on ArcGIS version 9, this updated work acquaints geographers and GIS professionals with the principles of GIS as it teaches the mechanics of using ArcGIS software. Conceptual material is followed by scripted software exercises. Necessary GIS skills are presented in a variety of areas--map symbology, data overlay, map projection, and data conversion--as the making of maps and the analysis of geographic data is conceptualized. Spatial modeling exercises using the Model Builder technology of ArcGIS version 9 are also provided. Other topics covered include organizing data, planning a GIS project, creating derived data, and presenting results.

101 Spy Gadgets for the Evil Genius

Brad Graham, Kathy McGowan

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: McGraw-Hill/TAB Electronics Amazon Marketplace: 46 new & used starting at $12.49

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Computer Technology -> Robotics & Automation
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Electrical & Electronics -> Electronics -> General
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Electrical & Electronics -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Endless fun 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I got this for my friend's 16 year old son and he LOVES it! He is so excited about just knowing how all these things work, even though his mother refuses to let him into a Radio Shack in case he tries to build some of it! I've made him promise not to use any of his evil knowledge against our family and in return, I'll get him book 2 for his birthday! Great fun!

Fun Book, Beware Of Typos 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is a fun book, with lots of great ideas. However, it really needed tighter editing. There are several instances where the text did not agree with the schematics (schematic has 50K ohm pot, text discusses 50 ohm, etc). This is unfortunate, since novice readers may not spot the problems, and end up with circuits which don't work.

I'd also recommend a more traditional, left-to-right layout of the schematics. Some are left-right top-down, others are right-left. This makes it more difficult to follow the "flow" through the circuits.

Regardless of these hiccups, I'd recommend this book to those who'd like to tinker with "spy gear" or who are looking for simplier project ideas.

Editorial Review:

101 projects that appeal to the spy in you

Utilizing inexpensive, easily obtainable components, you can build the same information gathering, covert sleuthing devices used by your favorite film secret agent. Projects range from simple to sophisticated and come complete with a list of required parts and tools, numerous illustrations, and step-by-step assembly instructions.

• Projects include: scanners and radios, night vision devices, telephone devices, computer monitoring, audio eavesdropping, hidden cameras, video transmitters, and more

The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Zoo!: A Kid-Friendly Guide to Building Animals with the NXT Robotics System

Fay Rhodes

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: No Starch Press Amazon Marketplace: 43 new & used starting at $11.97

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Obsessions -> Teddy Bears
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Science, Nature & How It Works -> General
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Science, Nature & How It Works -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Whether you're just beginning with your LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT set or are already an expert, you'll have hours of fun with these animal-like models that walk, crawl, hop, and roll!

The first part of the book introduces you to the NXT kit and reviews the parts you'll need in order to begin building. Next, you'll learn how to program with the NXT-G programming language, including how to make miniprograms called My Blocks that you can use to build larger programs. Finally, you'll learn how to build each robot and program it to act like its real animal cousins.

Learn to build and program the following robots:

• Ribbit, a jumping frog
• Bunny, a hopping rabbit
• Sandy, a walking camel
• Spiderbot, an eight-legged spider that avoids objects and walks forward and backward
• Snout, a walking alligator that opens and closes its jaws
• LEGOsaurus, a four-legged, plodding dinosaur
• Pygmy, a walking elephant that raises and lowers its head
• Polecat, a skunk on wheels that lifts its tail and shoots "darts"
• Strutter, a peacock on wheels that turns and flutters its tail feathers

Troubleshooting tips help you avoid problems like misarranged gears and incorrect programming, while a list of Internet resources is included to help guide you in further exploration with the NXT. Teachers and home educators will appreciate an appendix with helpful suggestions for using the models in the classroom.

The models in this book have been tested repeatedly - and built successfully - by novice builders, so all you have to do is follow the directions and watch them go. Now, let the building begin!

Mastering Revit Architecture 2009 (Mastering)

Tatjana Dzambazova, Greg Demchak, Eddy Krygiel

Amazon Price: $37.79 List Price: $59.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Sybex Amazon Marketplace: 45 new & used starting at $31.70

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Graphic Design -> CAD
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Software -> General
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Software -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Mastering Revit very helpful 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Mastering Revit Architecture 2009 (Mastering)
While anything as complex as Revit can't possibly be covered in one book, I found this book to be very helpful in my own development with the software. If you don't have a real live 'Revit Master' right at your elbow when you have questions, this is the next best thing.

Another Great Revit Book 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I used this book to teach my Revit class. I am very pleased by using this book. The book explores beyond the "picks & clicks" of the software. It really digs into how you can use the software beyond the orthagonal-type buildings. The client showcase within the middle of the book is great because it really shows what is possible within Revit Architecture. Keep up the good work.

Editorial Review:

Move beyond the basics of Revit and BIM and redefine your designs with this new edition of Mastering Revit Architecture. With updated coverage of Revit Architecture 2009 features, this comprehensive guide will help you discover best practices and tips that will make your projects smoother and their implementation easier. You’ll learn how applying key Revit and BIM priniciples to your designs will increase your productivity and improve your workflow plus develop a more thorough understanding of topics like design options and features, advanced modeling, and presentation techniques with the clear explanations and practical examples found in this book.

GIS Tutorial Updated for ArcGIS 9.2: Workbook for Arc View 9, second edition

Wilpen L Gorr, Kristen S Kurland

Amazon Price: $50.37 List Price: $79.95 Usually ships in 2 to 4 weeks By: ESRI Press Amazon Marketplace: 18 new & used starting at $47.99

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Software -> General
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Software -> General AAS
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Computer Technology -> Remote Sensing

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Very thorough 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book as an alternative to a workplace-offered course that was going to cost me $300, and I'm glad I did. This book took me about a month to get through, working on in my free time, as opposed to the 2-day class, but I've come away with a much more extensive grasp of how to use GIS. The book is quite extensive in what it introduces you to, and is great for referencing if you're already an experienced ArcGIS user. It's obvious the book was originally designed to be used as a college textbook.
My two main complaints are: some of the assignments require downloading information off the web, and it's extremely difficult to locate the information required for the assignment, and in several cases, was impossible, due to the ever-changing nature of websites.
My other complaint is that there is no index, so you have to be very familiar with the textbook and table of contents to know what you're looking for in terms of referencing.
I highly recommend the book, but I would suggest to ESRI to incorporate an index and dedicated companion website for it in future editions.

Editorial Review:

This study guide meets a growing demand for effective GIS training by combining ArcGIS tutorials and self-study exercises that start with the basics and progress to more difficult functionality. Presented in a step-by-step format, the book can be adapted to a reader's specific training needs, from a classroom of graduate students to individaul study. Readers learn to use a range of GIS functionality from creating maps and collecting data to using geoprocessing tools and models for advanced analysis. the authors have incorporated three proven learning methods: scripted exercises that use detailed step-by-step insturctions and result graphics, Your Turn exercises that require users to perform tasks without steo-by-step instructions, and exercise assignements that pose real-world problem scenarios. A fully functioning, 180-day trial version of ArcView 9.2 software, data for working through the tutorials, and Web-based teacher resources are also included.

MRI in Practice (3rd Edition)

Catherine Westbrook, Carolyn Kaut Roth, John Talbot

Amazon Price: $53.99 List Price: $59.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Wiley-Blackwell Amazon Marketplace: 50 new & used starting at $43.16

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Medicine -> Allied Health Professions -> Radiologic & Ultrasound Technology
Subjects -> Medicine -> Specialties -> Radiology -> Diagnostic Imaging
Subjects -> Medicine -> Specialties -> Radiology -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 22 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Since the first edition of MRI in Practice was published in 1993, the book has become the standard text for radiographers, technologists, radiology residents, radiologists and even sales representatives on the subject of magnetic resonance imaging. This text is essential reading on postgraduate courses. Furthermore, MRI in Practice has come to be known as the number one reference book and study guide in the areas of MR instrumentation, principles, pulse sequences, image acquisition, and imaging parameters for the advanced level examination for MRI offered by the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in the USA. The book explains in clear terms the theory that underpins magnetic resonance so that the capabilities and operation of MRI systems can be fully appreciated and maximized. This third edition captures recent advances, and coverage includes: parallel imaging techniques, functional imaging techniques and new sequences such as balanced gradient echo.



Building on the success of the first two editions, the authors have now re-conceptualized the design of the book. The third edition contains a wealth of additional illustrations and chapter enhancements draw on the depth of the authors' experience in delivering MRI education and training. To promote accessibility of difficult concepts, extended analogies have been developed to relate the complexities of MRI physics to everyday phenomena. Learning points are clearly articulated, and frequent summaries are included to assist the reader in digesting the information.