Out of the basement and onto a CD-ROM

Article Abstract:

Mindscape's The Complete National Geographic is a collection of 30 CD-ROMs with fascinating content that overcomes weak reproduction quality and software. Browsers can view a digitized version of every page, with the exception of large map supplements, from the magazine's 1888 founding through the Dec 1996 edition. Including the advertising pages will draw interest from readers such as cultural historians, artists and graphic designers. The software's annoyances start with an installation program that requires registration for each disk. The search engine cannot allow simultaneous complex searches through both the editorial content and the ads, plus it lacks sophistication. Two-page displays and two magnifications make it difficult to read smaller type. Some keys do not respond to commands, and fuzzy text can be difficult to read. Production of the disk in 256-color palettes allows better clarity for photo browsing, but it weakens reproduction quality. Windows- or Macintosh-compatible versions cost about $200.

Database Vendors NEC, Database industry, Electronic reference books, Mindscape Inc., MIND, Electronic reference, Complete National Geographic (Educational/training software)

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Leonardo on disk: 16th century deal

Article Abstract:

Corbis Corp's $50 CD-ROM, Leonardo da Vinci, includes an ingenious Codescope that transforms the text of its namesake's 16th-century manuscript while providing other far more disappointing features. The Codescope, like a magnifier, slides up and down the screen transcribing the manuscript into Italian or translating the text into English. The magnification displayed, however, extends beyond the screen. The included 3D art gallery provides a limited array of 256 colors visible at any one time. Only the small images in the gallery can be seen in their entirety, while larger images appear differently than in the original manuscript. The disc lacks an index and it does not allow the user to go forward or back to a particular image of interest. General explanations prevail over specific ones throughout the work, and a glossary is omitted. The Windows edition of the CD-ROM is currently available and a Macintosh version is due around Dec 25, 1996.

Literature Retrieval Vendors, Corbis Corp., Electronic book, Bibliographic databases, Leonardo da Vinci (Electronic book)

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