For shoppers in the magazines, textbooks, and reference space, these two 1970s handbooks from TAB Books are a natural head-to-head. The Electronic Circuit Design Handbook by EEE Magazine Editors is a circuit-focused handbook priced at USD 15.99. The Giant Handbook of Computer Projects by 73 Magazine Editors is a project collection priced at USD 25.00. This guide compares the two across format, page count, and scope so you can pick the one that matches how you like to learn.
Quick Verdict
If your main interest is circuit design, the Electronic Circuit Design Handbook is the lower-priced pick. If you want a broader collection of computer projects with a sturdier binding, the Giant Handbook of Computer Projects asks for a higher listed price. The $9.01 difference between them is the choice between scope and portability.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Electronic Circuit Design Handbook | The Giant Handbook of Computer Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 15.99 | USD 25.00 |
| Price bar | ||
| Format | Paperback | Hardcover |
| Page count | 415 pages | 503 pages |
| Edition | 4th Edition, 3rd Printing (Aug 1974) | 1st Edition (1979) |
| Focus | Electronic circuit design | Computer projects |
| Special features | - | Ex-Library, Illustrated |
Where Each Product Wins
- Electronic Circuit Design Handbook wins on listed price, coming in at the lower end of the two.
- The Giant Handbook of Computer Projects wins on scope and binding, offering a bigger project collection.
- Electronic Circuit Design Handbook is the more specialized of the two, with a title that clearly points to circuit design.
- The Giant Handbook of Computer Projects is the broader reference, with a focus on computer projects and illustrated content.
Both titles are in good condition and come from the United States, so the meaningful difference is mainly scope.
Product Notes
Electronic Circuit Design Handbook by EEE Magazine Editors 4th Edition
This fourth-edition paperback from August 1974 covers electronic circuit design across 415 pages. It's the more affordable of the two, so it suits a shopper who wants a focused reference without spending at the higher end. The condition is good overall, with cover wear and dirt and a previous owner's stamp on an inside page. So while the content is intact, the physical copy shows clear signs of handling. Choose this one if you're after a circuit-specific handbook and prefer a paperback that's easy to carry. The limitation is that it is a paperback and does not share the broader computer-project scope of the Giant Handbook of Computer Projects.
The Giant Handbook of Computer Projects by 73 Magazine Editors 1979 Hardcover
This 1979 first-edition hardcover is an ex-library copy and includes 503 pages of computer projects and illustrations. It's the higher-priced of the two, with the extra cost roughly matching a larger page count and a sturdier binding. This volume's educational level is adult and further education, so it suits readers who want a project-based approach to computer science. The trade-off is the price premium and the ex-library status. If you want an illustrated hardcover reference that goes beyond circuits and into computer projects, this is the one to pick.
Final Choice by Use Case
- For a lower-priced, circuit-focused handbook, choose the Electronic Circuit Design Handbook.
- For a larger computer-projects reference, choose The Giant Handbook of Computer Projects.
Your own study style and project goals will point you to the right one.
