I just got a new computer with Windows Vista. When I tryed to run my Perry's Handbook Electronic Version, I got an error message: "The version of this file is not compatible with the version of windows you're running. Check your computer's operating system information to see whether you need an x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) version of the program, and then contact the software publisher."
DO NOT buy this product if you have Windows Vista!

As a Chemical Engineer, I reference Perry's Handbook weekly. The CD-ROM version is much more accessible to those of us in this new computer saavy generation. The searchability (index? what's that?) and interactivity make this a worth-while buy, especially if you don't already have a paper copy of Perry's. You can select data from a table and paste into other applications, instead of staring at the tiny print of a huge book and typing all the numbers by hand. You can also find topics quickly by the contents (which are linked to other parts of the book) and the search features. All in all, a good buy for me. WARNING! This is ONLY compatible with Windows machines. A Mac user will be able to see the information, but not use the search functions or the interactive data tables.

Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook handbook is really a mixed bag, and how useful it turns out to be is really a matter of what kind of information you are looking for. I've always felt that this is the definitive book if you want raw facts and numbers. The entire volume is crammed with technical data that, for some, can't be found elsewhere. All the groundwork is covered; conversion factors, symbols, kinetics, interdisciplinary studies (several), thermodynamics, and just about anything else that coincides with the field of engineering. On a personal level, I've used it on several occasions when collecting field data, but its uses go well beyond that. For the sheer amount of information covered, the volume remains fairly well organized, and never veers too far from what you are researching.

The downside is that it can often seem overwhelming to students or those with passing involvement or interest. Despite the dependable presentation, it can be difficult to understand for people who haven't been brought up to speed on the variation of the topic they wish to examine. Even though the all the data is present, understanding it won't be easy until you've familiarized yourself and comprehend the tables and usage. Some claim that the book was written primarily for academics, though I don't see that as true. Anyone can use the book effectively once they get the hang of it.

Even though it might have some drawbacks, I truly can't see how anyone in the field of Chemical Engineering could not have this book on their shelf. It is the ultimate source of chemical data and interdisciplinary studies. If you don't yet own this one, I really can't see how you can go wrong in purchasing it.