Hi All: I use the CD/DVD versions of the Scott catalogs, and while I prefer the paper versions, there is one subtle advantage that some folks might not have thought about... the search function.
I use this when sorting through a large pile of unidentified stamps. By typing in a term found on the mystery stamp into the box labeled "find," Acrobat will jump to that term anywhere in the document. Often the term is used in Scott's description of the stamp, and I've jumped straight to the proper description without flipping pages.
It doesn't work with every stamp, but it helps with a large percentage of them.
I know this is kind of obvious, but it took me a while before I thought to try it, and it saves me a good bit of time. Maybe this will help someone else.
re: Using the search function in Scott CD stamp catalogs
That's why I keep my older CD catalogue, even after buy a new paper one. However, I do have one major complaint about the Adobe and Nitro pdf readers. You can't designate a spot from which to start your search. Every search starts from page 1. If the country you want to search starts on page 1300, you sometimes have to slog through a seemingly endless number of matches in the first 1300 pages.
re: Using the search function in Scott CD stamp catalogs
I just downloaded the latest, Adobe Reader X. It works as you say. It begins searching from the page you are currently on. Thanks, B, what a timesaver that will be.
re: Using the search function in Scott CD stamp catalogs
Well, not actually the ONLY problem. A similar problem arises with place names or landmarks given on foreign stamps. Scott will list them with Anglicized versions of the name. Then there's the problem when an official name for a building is inscribed on the stamp, something like Palace of St Thomas, and Scott lists it as Governor's Mansion.