Is there still room for printed catalogs?

For connectors I never understood why the electronic ones never cross referanced the matting connectors. INstead we must hunt down the mate, then hunt down the pins. So I have to agree that paper catalogs are much easier as the pins and mates are usually listed together. I don't see why there isn't (or can't be) a link to the connector mate and it's pins.

For passive components, I almost always use the search engine with specific paramaters. However, when looking for connectors (Molex for example), or somthing that requires several components to make a part, I almost always use the catalog.

Mike

I use the website for probably 90% of the time I want to buy something. If you are looking for things like capacitors, resistors, and similar components, the search engine is the best way to see your options.

Some things like connectors are really hard to find with searches. It takes time to thumb through the catalog looking for just the right connector but is is faster than the web site. 

The other nice thing about printed catalogs is that you often just come across interesting components you didn't know about as  you are looking for the parts you need today. 

While I like the comfort of having a nice large parts catalog sitting on my book shelf to riffle through and find the parts I might be able to use. Its better having a digital catalog where more specific specs about the product can be pulled up. Often times a printed catalog doesn't include diagrams or images of every part. But there is something to be said about being able to find a non-specific item in a printed catlaog. Its much easier to find a general item that will fit your specs. But if you know what you need then a digital catalog is the way to go.

Overall I think we need both available. I much rather request a printed catalog then spend the time printing it myself. In the end I'll have a printed copy one way or another for when I need to quickly reference an item.  Which reminds me I need to make the rounds and request updated printed catalogs from the vendors.

Hi

I agree with you about Molex connectors, in fact there are so many parts where catalog is still essential. I would rather flip through a catalog, than spend much longer on some website, filling out parametrics to filter hundreds of parts. Then still have to go through 50 or so pages, only to find out that they haven't bothered to put a photo up.

Definitely still room for catalogs...

When you know exactly what you want, then a printed catalog isn't required, but when you are looking for "something about this size, with something like these specs", then a printed catalog is a must, or at the least, a good online catalog search engine with photos. Sometimes you don't know that a pully is listed as a sheave in one catalog, and as a transmission in another.  Trying to find the correct Molex terminal for a particular header connector can be a challenge also without having pictures.  At least in most catalogs they are listed together.

The best sites list products by several different specs and/or by application, include photos, and have data sheets in PDF format available.

Scott

I used to think that electronic catalogues were the only way to go, whether it be online or downlodable PDF. Then I moved into doing a job where I dont't have regular access to a paper catalogue - the joys of being self employed - my personal purchases don't warrant Farnell sending me one. Then I realised that I was just not as aware of the range of products available. It is just so much easier to flick through a paper catalogue and get an impression of the product and pricing at a glance. Whereas on an electronic version, even on a fast PC, it takes a couple of seconds to change pages, and PC screens are inherently the wrong aspect ratio. Yes, tablets are the correct aspect ratio, but even on an iPad3 with ultra high resolution screen and fast multi-core processor, it isn't as fast to navigate as paper. Despite what marketing people think, most engineers don't have the sort of income that can justify a trendy new £600 tablet. Hell, some engineers are struggling along with PCs made last century!

I, for one, would gladly pay maybe £20-30 for a catalogue. Perhaps once a year, with quarterly new product / update booklets. It doesn't matter that prices aren't 100% accurate to the penny, so long as we get a close indication.

On a similar matter, I mourn the demise of the printed data sheet / app note. I always end up printing out the important ones and stapling them up.

Make them Digital (I hate wasting trees and throw 3 or 4 of those 4 inch think catalogue away every couple of months).

Make them searchable.

Make them "as like a printed catalogue" as possible.

Allow Bookmarks or "ear marks" so we can flip back and forth.

Allow highlighting and able to add notes.

Just a pdf doesn't quite cut it, which is why some still prefer the paper catalogues.

If you must send them out, then put them on a flash drive (reusable), not a CD.

While using the internet to search is ok, I have found at times the search engine doesn't find what I'm after and so I go back to old faithful to find the product. Improve the search facility before you dump the catalogue.

Lee.

I to find electronic catalogue better but it also fun to imagine what to build with a paper one

Anna