Rating: 
Summary: I don't recommend it
Review: I bought this book because it says it explains both the BS1 and BS2. Only a couple of pages at the beginning are dedicated to explain the Most Basic commands of both BS1 & 2. Almost the rest of the book are complex example programs (projects) with a LOT of commands which were not explained before. I don't recommend this book, specially if you're planning to use other than the BS1.
It would have been a much better book if the author dedicated more time explaining all the commands and what they do, instead of putting so many examples which are hard to understand without this knowledge.
Rating: 
Summary: THE guide to the powerful, popular BASIC Stamp.
Review: If you want to take advantage of the popular PIC Microcontroller for your electronics projects, but are intimidated by the programming involved, your worries are over. This guide gives you a comprehensive tutorial on the easy to use BASIC Stamp single-board computer, which runs a PIC Microcontroller, and doesn't require you to do any assembly langauge programming. Written by the original author of the widely read "Stamp Applications" column for Nuts & Volts magazine, Programming and Customizing the BASIC Stamp Computer offers you*A primer on basic electronics--including reading schematics, identifying components, and constructing prototypes. * Thorough yet accessible coverage of both BASIC Stamp I and II -- from reading and understanding BASIC programs, to PBASIC toolboxes, to detailed applications. * BASIC Stamp Quick Reference Guide * 12 complete projects that demonstrate various BASIC Stamp applications and allow you to put your new knowledge to work. * An accompanying CD that provides all the software tools you need to begin developing Stamp applications on your own. With the range of skills you'll develop using the guide, you'll see why it can be easier to build sophisticated projects with microcontrollers than with conventional electronic parts -- and even more fun!
Rating: 
Summary: Great Introduction to the Stamp
Review: Scott Edward's book is targetted for the beginner that wants to get into electronics and has heard that the Stamp is a pretty neat thing. The book starts out with an introduction to the Stamp and Electronics in general. Included is a pretty good primer on prototyping circuits. From this, the user is give more detail on the Stamp (including how to build programmer cables) followed by "Boot Camp": an introduction to programming the Stamp and basic I/O. Scott spends equal time on the BS1 and BS2 and notes differences between the two. My only disappointment with the book is while he introduces the more advanced I/O functions ("DEBUG", "SERIN", "SEROUT" and "BUTTON") in the example projects and appendices, he doesn't explicity explain them or give hints based on his experience. The majority of the book is dedicated to the twelve projects presented in the book and this is where the reader will learn the most abo! ! ut the Stamp. The projects focus on interfacing to other devices and this is where the book really shines. LCD (not surprisingly), RS-232 Serial, Keypad, Servo, temperature probe and an Ultrasonic (!) interfaces caught my eye.
Rating:
Summary: The essential reference for Basic Stampers
Review: Scott Edwards is a Basic Stamp expert with an eminently readable style. This book fills in the holes in the Stamp manual and presents plenty of complete projects to choose from. It's also a great introduction to microcontrollers in general.
Rating:
Summary: Great job Scott.......:o)
Review: The (Ultimate) resource for the Basic Stamp enthusiast. Scott has done a fantastic job with this book. Clear and concise coverage of everything from A-Z for the Basic Stamp. Outstanding code examples,schematics and projects. Scott goes well beyond the Basic Stamp to cover some necessary basic electronics fundamentals as well. If you use the Basic Stamp I or II, you will want this book. "Most Highly Recommended".
Rating: 
Summary: The worst book I have ever read
Review: The worse book I have ever read. I cannot believe how some "authors" throw anything on paper".
First the CD does not include anything really new you can download free and better stuff from Parallax or the internet.
The book starts with the first sevens chapters explaining some basic electronics that even an elementary school kid will know like how potentiometers and solder-less breadboards work also some very basic programs, after a few mistakes no major problems even though most programs are loops and LED blinkers. But after what the author call the" boot camp chapters" (2) ,the book gets really crazy right away after you finish the "boot camp", which only included some easy basic 4 to 8 lines programs it gets you to 3 pages programs on the next chapter a big leap I think ,also all the projects are practically impossible to build as you will need to spend a fortune in parts available from different vendors and from the author himself, like the $50 (2X16) serial LCD from Mr. Edwards (I got a parallel (4X20) for $10 and a serial kit for $5 from Ebay and made my own) a real headache it is harder to get the parts than to do the projects, then in some of them the author does not give you enough information like with one device (X-10) he uses from Radio Shack that connect the BS2 to a modem and then he provides a phone number for you to call to get the info.
Rating: 
Summary: A good starter book
Review: This is really good starter book. I liked the way Scott explained the variables and other memory structure stuff. However, there are some mistakes. THis program line for Basic Stamp 2 reads: debug "Go!", cr and there is no explanation what is the purpose of cr. Another line reads: debug DEC dogAge, " dog years" and no explanation on what DEC stands for. Small things like this can be big obstacle for novice.
Rating:
Summary: this book was so bad i think i got aids from it
Review: this is the worth book i have ever had the pleasure to put in the trash (the only place where it belongs) 3 pages showing a photo of a potentiometer and the constant nagging of buying things from to person who wrote the book (he calls himself an "AUTHOR") he should call himself a salesperson. the book is aimed at the mentally challanged, it has such a slow pace , i felt i was in a movie with slow playback, and most of the crap was not complete.Do your self a favor dont waste your money if you want a sales catalog, just call any electronics vendor and you will get one for free (including shipping)
Rating:
Summary: It's really horrible
Review: This was the worst book I ever read. It was boring and did not get to the point. It is obviously for newbies and is not needed for the advanced. The authors writing style was also really boring.
Rating:
Summary: A well-guided introduction to the fascinating BASIC Stamp
Review: Well-known from his BASIC Stamp column in Nuts&Volts Magazine Scott Edwards summarizes most of the aspects of dealing with Parallax's BASIC Stamp Single-Chip Microcontrollers. The beginner can get help in understanding electronic fundamentals as components and building electronics circuits before starting with BASIC Stamp experiments. Scott imparts the first knowledge about the BASIC Stamp in two didactic well-guided chapters before some interesting applications follow. The appendix gives a BASIC Stamp Quick Reference Guide and some fundamentals needed in the practical work always again. The added CD contains the development environment for both types of BASIC Stamp and a lot of source text completed with information from Parallax and Nuts&Volts magazine. I am sure, Scott's book will help people with different background to understand the small but fascinating BASIC Stamp and will be widely read therefore.
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