If you’re like me, you probably have more stuff than you know what to do with. DVDs, CDs, books, video games, it can get to the point where you don’t even know what you own! Luckily, there’s a solution – Delicious Library for Mac OS X (sorry PC users).
Delicious Library allows you to catalog virtually any type of media using an innovative scanning feature which makes excellent use of the iSight camera built into Apple computers (if you have an earlier Mac, don’t worry, a camera isn’t required). All you have to do to catalog something is hold the bar code of the product up to the iSight camera and let the program scan it for you. A window pops up on the screen (similar to Apple’s Photo Booth program) which has several red bars running through it. Once you have lined up the bar code across these lines (it doesn’t have to be perfect, the code just has to hit a few of them) your item is entered into the virtual library. This feature works surprisingly well and actually makes cataloging your stuff fun. However, what if you don’t have an iSight camera? Luckily, Delicious Library allows you to type in the title of the item and it will go out and retrieve the information for it, or you can manually type in the UPC, ISBN or ASIN code. I have found that just entering in the title of an item is usually the fastest method, although it is still fun to use the scanning feature.
What’s neat about the program is how it retrieves the information about the items you are entering. Delicious Library uses Amazon.com’s vast databases to gather information of everything from release date to the current value of an item. The program places all your items onto virtual wooden shelves and since it retrieves cover art information, it really does feel like you’re browsing through a real library. Delicious Library’s representation of items is simply breathtaking. Instead of just placing static images onto the shelves, Delicious Library actually places them within the packaging associated with that item. So, if you enter in a DVD, the cover art will appear inside of a virtual DVD case. If you bring in a CD, you will be treated to artwork seen through a virtual jewel case. All of the graphics are extremely sharp and are really a testament to how much emphasis the people at Delicious Monster (the company behind the program) placed on creating an actual experience. Delicious Library is just as much about cataloging as it is about viewing and showing your collection off to friends. I must say, it’s actually fun to be able to just browse through your digital collection and admire all the beautiful artwork. Since Delicious Library gets its information from Amazon, there are sometimes instances where the cover art does not mesh well with the program’s layout. For instance, if the default Amazon photo was shot at an angle, that is how the picture will be placed within the digital packaging, resulting in an awkward and unappealing cover. To fix this, you’ll have to go onto the Internet and look for another picture that is straight-on, usually these aren’t too hard to find, but still, it can be a hassle when Amazon doesn’t provide what you’d like it to.
Delicious Library starts off with four default categories – “Books”, “Movies”, “Music” and “Games” for organizing your items. However, you get add additional “shelves” to organize your items even further. For instance, you could organize all of your video games by creating different shelves for each system (e.g. one for Wii, Xbox 360, etc…).
Since the program is tied to Amazon.com, it will offer recommendations for you based on the items in your library, just as Amazon does based on your purchases. You can even lend items out to other people. All you have to do is specify the number of days that the item will be on loan and Delicious Library automatically adds a due date event in iCal. Another neat feature is the ability to print out a list of your library. This is especially useful for insurance purposes. You can also add a Delicious Library widget to the Mac OS X Dashboard which allows you to quickly look up a particular item. Clicking on the item in the widget will automatically open up Delicious Library, bringing you right to that item’s information. You can also use Spotlight to search for items, which will also cause Delicious Library to open once you’ve found what you’re looking for.
So, you may be thinking, “Well, all that sounds great, but what if the item I want to enter isn’t on Amazon?”. Should this occur, you can enter all of the information by hand and can also usually find a picture online for the cover. While this may sound like a hassle, it’s actually quite simple and doesn’t take long at all.
You can download a trial version of Delicious Library from its website, which will allow you to scan up to 25 items, at which point you’ll have to purchase a full license for $40. It should also be mentioned that Delicious Library can only be purchased online, there is no box or disc that accompanies the product.
Granted, Delicious Library is not for everyone. Some may find it difficult to justify spending $40 just to be able to catalog their items. However, for those who are into collecting, or who simply want an easy way to keep track of their different products, Delicious Library is definitely a must try. From its innovative way to scan in items to its beautiful layout and ease of use, Delicious Library is certainly unique. Although it may not be for everyone, Delicious Library is a useful and well-built program that will help you get organized and let you have fun while doing it.
Filed under: Apple, Mac OS X, Reviews Tagged: | Amazon, Apple, books, CD, Delicious Library, Delicious Monster, DVD, games, iCal, iSight, Mac, Mac OS X, movies, music, Video Games, Wii, Xbox 360
