On the Armada Bookshelf.

After the massive printed version which Armada reviewed a couple of years ago (see Armada 3/99, page 74), the US Naval Institute has recently graced our bookshelf with a CD ROM version of its "Combat Fleets of the World 2000-2001" edited by A.D. Baker III. Substantially lighter and easier to handle than its paper version, this CD is just as heavy considering the information it contains, and it even offers an entry on St. Helena -- albeit unsurprisingly short. The disk is simplicity itself to install and a child's game to use. Its search facility is a joy to exploit: type "Meko" and a complete list of its users will appear. Typing "conversions" will also bring its load of surprises. Some users will also appreciate the "Favourites", "Copy and Paste" as well as unit conversion calculator facilities. Amazingly priced at just under US $150, this fully illustrated opus magnum (4400 photographs and 175 line drawings) probably offers the best value for money than any of its counterparts and shouldn't cause an account manager's eyebrow to rise.