OVERALL SCORE: 9.0
As a Geek I’m plagued by unseen costs, both in a monetary sense and then there’s that pesky matter of shelving space to display your collection. And if you are anything like me, you probably enjoy sharing these items with your friends, but oftentimes it becomes a bit difficult to keep track of everything. Two years ago with a move on the horizon, I wanted to make sure I knew not only what I had, but could easily track them if lent out. Like most of us do, I turned to the fabled Google in search of a solution.
To my surprise, there was a program that seemed perfectly suited to solve my predicament: the Delicious Library 2. I’ve used the program exclusively these past two years. So when I caught wind of an update, I was more then excited, especially with the timing as I had just made what I hoped was my final move.
How does Delicious Library 3 compare to it’s previous version? Is this the ultimate in collection database program fun?
The Program
First to use Delicious Library 3 you have to understand it’s purpose. It’s essentially a Database of all your items, or anything you scan into the program. Instead of a boring Excel spreadsheet, you are given a visual representation of your item. I primarily use if to keep track of Books, Movies and Video Games. What is more then nice is just how detailed the visual is. When you scan a Blu-Ray disc, the album artwork is placed in what looks like a Blu Ray box. A nice subtle change in Delicious Library 3 is that the boxes are now 3D rendered, having a slight lighting effect to them giving it a more realistic look. Each has the basic information inserted for easy reference, and the library can be sorted by information.
To insert items into DL3, you either scan the item’s barcode or enter it manually. Once the entry has been entered it queries the Amazon database and compiles most, if not all, the necessary data. One of the greatest new features of DL3 is a companion App, available from the iTunes store, allowing you to scan using your iPhone. This may not seem too amazing at first, but consider: I scanned about 500 items via my webcam, which equates to me sitting at my computer with a stack of stuff and passing them under the webcam one by one. You quickly realize just how much of a time saver this is. With a little sync, you are off to the races.
Another nice feature of the App is being able to scan and sync later. If you are away from your computer and purchase something, you can scan, then return home to enter them in when the iPhone syncs.
One of my other fav features with DL3 is the checkout screen. Essentially if your friend would like to borrow a DVD, you can check it out to them. Simply add their contact info into the program and drag the item onto their name. Even better, you can set an alarm to remind you that the item’s checked out. Or even take it a step further and email them to remind your friend that they still have Game of Thrones Season 1. This has saved my butt many times, as I’m able to keep track of things even with friends out of state.
Presentation
Something that must be mentioned is the program’s aesthetic style. Apple’s borrowed much of the look of the iBooks App from Delicious Library 2, so I was more then a little curious to see what the visuals would be like. While it’s still the skeuomorphism look, it has a nice unique flare to it. The general layout has a somewhat Grecian layout, with columns and such surrounding the bookcase. As mentioned above, the Box design is now in 3D, adding an extra-realistic look to your library. The information panes have a chalkboard style.
Another really intriguing feature is the Library information displayed, giving you a general concept of your library including its monetary value.
Overall: 9.0
Delicious Library 3 is a great update to one of the cornerstones to my digital life. It’s certainly not something I would recommend for everyone, only hardcore geeks with a sizable collection. Keep in mind that it is only for Mac when checking out this program.
I look forward to the future of Delicious Library and many more updates in the future.