In most instances, I think I would still prefer the paperback versions of the guides. There is more information (including the Staten Island Ferry tidbit in the paper new York Guide, a comprehensive list of theaters in the Chicago guide, etc.), a slew of full color maps, and you have the ability to thumb through each guide easily. And, of course,  paperbacks are only about 15 bucks a pop. However, the trend in recent guidebooks is to give a history lesson. In that sense, the electronic guides are less verbose, thankfully, and electronic searching and organizing is a big plus. Did I mention the bookmark feature? Or the ability to take notes on the handheld?  Those are both very nice.

Conclusion

All, in all though, the guides are quite wonderful – presenting me with really useful information. Clear, concise and well organized. Supplementing them with a real map may be all you need.

Note: Springboard module with cities coming in August. But why you’d need it, I have no idea. The CD ROM (or downloading) seems just dandy. Maybe it’s the approx. 2MB the 4 cities take up. But I got 8, count em, 8 whole MEGABYTES and I’m not out yet!

---

Criteria  Rating Content 4 Organization 4 Usability 4 Installation 3 Overall (not an average)	Pros - Extensive - Easy to navigate - Fun to read - Demo version available
	Cons - Maps are hard to read - A bit pricey at $49.95 for 5 cities ($19.95 for one) - Some surprising omissions - Searching is sometimes a bit slow