Alldata Discs

["Al Powell" <APOWELL@agcom.tamu.edu>]

In response to a recent question.....how good are the Alldata CD's.

I bought the Alldada CD for my 1985 Chevy pickemuptruck.  Its 
information is basically a reproduction of most of the factory 
manual.  The indexing is pretty good, and there are many diagnostic 
procedures.  

One MAJOR, MAJOR weakness:  There are numerous mechanical 
diagrams and flow charts for troubleshooting, but these CANNOT be 
printed.  You can only print the text portions of the information.

I have tried printing both at home on an HP Deskjet 500: no graphics 
at all - and at work on an HP4 Laserjet: this locked up the printer 
and overloaded its memory.

I talked with my local hi-tech mechanic, and he has the same problem 
with the professional Alldata CD-ROM library - he can't print out any 
of the diagrams or graphics.

But consider the cost-benefit.  You can buy the Alldata CD for about 
$40 all together.  This is about 4x the cost of a Chilton's, but IF - 
and I note again, IF - they used the Bentley for a source, it will be 
a great bargain.  If they used a Chilton, Haynes or other source (?) 
it will be no bargain at all.  

Here's a thought: You might ask them about their return policy before 
ordering!!


.......................................................
Al Powell, Ph.D.                 Voice:  409/845-2807
107 Reed McDonald Bldg.          Fax:    409/862-1202
College Station, TX 77843      
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