CompuServe Thread

#Comptons Interactive ??

3 messages in this thread
#38579From: Steve BaxendaleJan 30, 1993 12:31 PM
I have been offered an upgrade from my current copy of Comptons Multi Media Encyclopedia (v1.01) to their new Comptons Interactive Encyclopedia for $150. Can anyone give me their views on this version and if upgrading is worthwhile. I am not looking for any "serious" academic tome and am happy with the level of the CMME. Its target users are 7 and 4 with the odd look by myself. Steve
#38641From: Jim ClementsJan 31, 1993 6:31 AM
Steve, I have the Compton's Interactive and have only seen/read about the other versions. From what I know about the CIE, it is substantially an updated version of the others, some updating of articles, much more in the way of multimedia effects such as animation and graphics, a new virtual workspace that allows any number of Windows to be open — very nice additional ability, but probably not something young users would particularly use. If I can make a suggestion rather than a recommendation: Hang on to your upgrade card until you have an opportunity to see and use the CIE yourself in a computer store or at a friend's. The suggested full list price is $395, mail order companies are selling it for $260 or less. I'd guess that it won't drop a lot from there soon so it would be worth hanging on to the upgrade offer in case you do see enough in it to justify the extra money. Another way to look at it is that you probably could sell your CMME for at least $100, to the upgrade would only end up costing you $50 — in that case I would probably go for it. Cheers!
#38650From: Steve BaxendaleJan 31, 1993 9:52 AM
Jim Thanks for the info. The option to sell the old one is ruled out as it is a trade in deal. I may hold fire for the time being as you suggest, especially as I have just come across an offer for Groliers at 30 ($45). Probably an older version but it gets a good press on this forum (and the upgrades seem cheaper). Steve