Computer books are SO expensive!

[downhiller80]

As many of you know I'm getting serious about learning some stuff, and I don't mean just reading posts on here all day about the latest whoop-de-do grpahics card etc.

I've bought, completely randomly in the last few days:

"C++: How to Program" - Deitel and Deitel
"OpenGL Superbible" - Richard S Wright
"Beginning Active Server Pages 3" - David Buser

What a random selection!

I'm addicted though. There's so many cool things to learn, AI, 3D, XML etc etc. I just don't know where to start! I wish I had time to learn it all!

What I do know is these books cost £20 - £40 each and I'm a student so should be buying beer with my loan. What's wrong with me???

 

[beat mania]

yeah, and so is software and computer.
Try thinking that the books are the cheapest of all 3, that'll make you feel better.

 

[Mem]

Sebfrost,I have a idea you do the reading & I`ll do the drinking for you.

 

[downhiller80]

After the other night I don't wanna drink again anyway . . . yeah, like that'll last!

Seb

 

[Mday]

heh... it gets more expensive... especially if you take graduate level comp sci courses... or more sophisticated comp sci books (not on anything specific like c++, just the advanced programming, advanced programming theory books, the ones requiring some extensive math background)... how do i know? because i went to the comp sci section of the university book store and saw what they had and how much they were...

i am thinking of getting the deitel and deitel book on c++ (how to program that is...)

 

[vi edit]

Ah yes, but think about how much of a raise learning the knowlegdge in those books can get you

I think they pay for themselves quite nicely.

Or...you can do like me and put your computer books on the companies credit card

 

[GT1999]

Books for college suck around here.. I was thinking about looking on the net for a better deal but that would be too much work.

 

[downhiller80]

I just use Amazon (.co.uk for me). The prices are pretty good and I always get it the next day, even when I order at like 4pm.

Seb

 

[Tripleshot]

sebfrost

I get a wide selection from my membership in computer books direct.You na access them and get some good stuff cheap from computer books direct

Give a look see and let us know what you think.

 

[eyor]

hmm. I am thinking about joining this computer books direct thing. what are the catches? it says 4 books for $5.97 when you join. what are you required to do? thanks

 

[eyor]

btw, seb: I own c++:how to program. it is an interesting read. all the way from code syntax for beginners to polymorphism.

 

[Tripleshot]

Just follow the directions.When I joined I picked some really great books for like $9.79 and then promised to buy 2 books in the next year.They send a catalog and automatic selection every month and If I don't want them to send a book automatically(especially one I may not want),I tear off a coupon, deselect and mail it to them.
One of my instructors in W2K class (Scott Mueller) is an author and I have bought his books through the club.
You can get some great deals through the club and the books you want are far less with 50% discounts than Amazon or some of the other sellers.
You just sign up on the web.All other business is snail mail I believe, as I have yet to buy anything else from them online.

 

[eyor]

Thanks. How long does it take the books you pick out when signing up to come? do you just have to mail the cards back for 1 year?

 

[Thom]

It's because every time software companies release a new version, books have to be updated and altered, making all the older ones obsolete. Think about how quickly office suite goes through a change. What are we on now, borland c++ 7 or something? they have a very short shelf life, and when you consider a specialised book like the OpenGL superbible a very small niche market for sales. you try buying chemistry textbooks at £80 a throw. (thats sterling)

 

[Tripleshot]

I order and get the books within 10-14 days.I am past buying my required 2 books and now evry time I buy, I get discounts.You only need to fulfill the purchase requirements of 2 or 4 or whatever it is.Believe me,They have a pretty good selection.

 

[eyor]

Thanks, triple. Just ordered $130 worth of books for $124 off! hot deal! also, it says you only have to order 1 book now. and from what I gather you can choose to cancel anytime after ordering a book?

 

[Silverbullet28]

Thx Triple, Good Site!!