Rating: 
Summary: The BEST book on electronics, period.
Review: I've been planning to write this review for quite the longest time. I first came across Dr Malvino via the 3rd edition of Electronic Principles. I happened to buy it for like 2$ at a library used book sale. I read the book and, almost magically, electronics, a subject I enjoyed but happened to be very weak in, made absolute sense. After this I bought the latest edition. Electronic Principles by Dr. Malvino is the greatest book on learning electronics. It has helped me master the field of electronics. Its a good book for beginners and a constant reference for advanced readers like myself. Especially as a university graduate I refer to the book constantly. Malvino was the only author who stresses Thevenin theorem's importance, which is true because it is everywhere in the book. He explains diodes, transitors including AC and DC equivalent circuits, with crystal clear clarity. For example, before reading Dr Malvino's book I had no clue how to calculate input and output impedance of ANY amplifier, after reading the book I can do these calculations. Malvino's clear explanations are excellent, and have helped me become an Electronics "wiz". Thank You Dr. Malvino for helping me learn a very beloved subject that was taught terribly to me in University, and probably many other Universities.
For the critics, sure its a beginners book, but if you know EVERY electronic concept Malvino writes about in the book and can prove it to me by writing it down on paper without referring to another book, then I'll accept your review of the book. And every discipline of humanity, from basketweaving, ballet, or electronics, is based upon solid principles. And Dr. Malvino has them all in his book, and builds upon them. I can't help you about Ballet or Basketweaving though :)
To the people who read the Pacific Northwesters review of this book and gives this book 1 star, and, sadly, suggests Thomas Floyd's books. Sincerely I say do not listen to this Pacific Northwesterner. To this critic I say this, your review uses such big words like Non-Absolutism. Non-Absolutism did not affect Dr. Malvino's abilty to explain electronics clearly. The issue of "epistemology" you babble about, and the "subversion of the learning process" I ask you this, why do so many people (including myself) learn electronics from Dr. Malvino's books? That is a true philosophical question for you to ponder. Now about books from Thomas Floyd, his books on electronics are "Electronic Devices" and "Electronics Fundamentals" Finding these books on Amazon and reading customer reviews you notice a few things. First you will not find 10 customers giving ratings of 4 stars or higher, maybe 2 customers at the most. And you'll see the usual bad comments like "their were many mistakes in the text" or "this book explains stuff terribly" or the best comment, "I hate this guy's books", these comments are death when you want to learn something well. So Pacific Northwest Person, maybe you have a personal beef with the author, nobody has argued with you because we silently read our copy of "Electronic Principles" knowing we have the best book available on the subject.
So, yeah its an AWESOME book!!
Rating:
Summary: An amazing book for all you beginners in Electronics.
Review: Principles of Electronics by AP Malvino is the definitive book to start learning Electronics from. Covers everything to get you started and the best part is that you understand everything. Moneys worth. Trust me.
Rating: 
Summary: great explanations.. but very basic
Review: some of the explanations (actually.. a lot of the explanations) are amazing.. but the analysis is basic...he shouldn't use the first (ideal) approximation to show us clipps, clampers, etc. etc... many times in the book.. the ideal approximation is used... which is only good for troubleshooting...
Rating:
Summary: Amazingly Excellent
Review: The first time I read this book was when I was a student in the Institute of Technology in 1976. At that time, I was fascinated by how exceptional this author is in his ability to simplify complex subjects. The book covers all the essentials of electronics, explained in a very clear and simple language. Very easy to follow. Not only do you learn the subject without suffering, but you really enjoy it. Today, I am a technical author/communicator. I am buying this new edition just for the memory. I just love it.
Rating: 
Summary: good for the beginner
Review: This book is good for someone who has not already developed strong fundamentals. It's easy to read. If you are the type that likes reading advanced texts written in a professional, Russian-text manner, then this is not for you. I recommend it for beginners.
Rating:
Summary: Electronic Principles
Review: This is an excellent book for those interested in electronics or seeking their Associates Degree in Electronics. The flow and format of the book is well structured and is very easy to follow. This book is worth the money if you need to understand electronics and need to depend on this information from memory. This one book has replaced many of my other electronic school books and lab manuals. I own this same book in the fourth edition by the same author. There is no comparision. The fourth edition stinks! (I haven't seen the fifth.) Albert Malvino has made an excellent come back with this sixth edition. Good job, Albert!
Rating:
Summary: An excellent book for the serious electronics learner!
Review: This is one of those books that stands out from the rest. It covers the whole subject of electronics in depth, clearly and right to the point. If you are really interested in learning more about electronics, and the tricks of the trade, then this is the book you were looking for.
Rating:
Summary: Builds strong foundation
Review: This text is simply the best. It explains the theory behind semiconductors in a manner that the reader will understand (if he puts his mind to it). The explanations are clear, but the author occasionally simplifies them when they get too 'technical' (as in involving alot of physics & math). The text is also interspersed with appropriate diagrams to illustrate the ideas and concepts explained (it does so very well). Besides providing the theoratical framework, the author also touches on application and gives advice on troubleshooting. I feel that the approach taken by the author is suitable for 1st yr electronic students, because it focuses on the CONCEPTS & not just the math portions. After getting the concepts right, the student can then deal with the mathematical aspect more rigorously through the use of intermediate (often terse) texts.
Because intermediate texts are terse, you need a good foundation to understand them, that is why you need to buy this book!
Rating:
Summary: An excellent book - albeit only for the beginner
Review: To begin with, this book is amazing. The basics have been explained very well in this book. Ok, so it lacks in the more advanced level analysis. However this book cares to explain details which many other books such as Boylestad would just consider for granted leaving readers in the lurch - not that Boylestad is a bad book, its good too. What I'd suggest for an undergrad student, is that they first read from this book and then move on to higher level books - books that include more mathematical analysis and problems. This is how I did it and frankly I owe everything to this book. The book will serve as a lifelong reference book. Its a masterpiece.
|
