
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Nice collection and synthesis of digital processing topics - somewhat technical
I was attracted to the book by the suggestion in the [sub] title that it was going to be about digital audio, since I've been a dabbler in digital recording for some time. But, that is not really the topic of the book, since it ranges over quite a bit of the breadth of the analog to digital (and back) transition that has occurred in all areas within recent years. But, as a former comp sci guy who lived and worked through a fair amount of the history covered in this book, I found it accessible and very interesting.Now, as to organization, well, it reads a lot like it was assembled from essays that had been written over a span of time and edited and arranged into a book. That was done well, but it may not flow as smoothly as some would like.The technical information is probably a hurdle for some readers. Since it was familiar to me, though at times a distant, fuzzy familarity, it didn't become impossibly dense. The author does suggest in places some of the more gritty formulas and like can be skipped if too complex, but I expect that's going to make a complete reading feel disconnected. (I didn't come to the end of this book feeling like I did at, say, "A Brief History of Time," where I was just flipping pages, but it was in my domain, more or less. Others may find it less accessible.)
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and Detailed
This book is wonderfully written. So far (I'm a few chapters in), it's like a course in Digital Signal Processing, without any of the homework. If you are very curious about this topic and require almost excruciating levels of detail to satisfy said curiosity, buy this book!
4.0 out of 5 stars Well done
An incredible journey from vacuum tubes to quantum computing with a stop over for NP-Complete problems, which made my little data scientist heart go pitter pat. If you enjoy computers, their history, how they work, and why they evolved as they did, then I highly recommend this book.
3.0 out of 5 stars Only ok
It is not really well organized.
5.0 out of 5 stars On time and as described.
On time and as described.
High expectations, frustrating results.
The book starts very well, not aiming too high, with reasonably clear introduction to the world of digital computers and with a very basic reader in mind. Essentially it gives a basic introduction to the fundamental physics of modern digital transistors and explains why digital is superior to analog when transmitting data.A warning on this statement is that I am very familiar with these subject and I do not read them with the mind of the newcomer, so perhaps I have a 'positively' biased view here.The problem starts in the second half (Part III) of the book (on topics where I am less familiar) when the author tries to explain more conceptually sophisticated issues such as "computation complexity", the Turing machine, NP completeness, quantum computers and the like. None of these concepts is clearly explained and Einstein's recommendation of "Everything Should Be Made as Simple as Possible, But Not Simpler" is totally ignored. I do not think anyone - if not already familiar with these issues - can come out claiming any understanding of these problems and one is left with a sense of profound frustration with this book.I went back to an older book with a very similar content (G. W. Flake, The Computational Beauty of Nature) and I find this last book infinitely clearer and better written if one wants to get a feeling of what is going on with some of these modern fundamental issues, despite the fact that quantum computers are not discussed.
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The Discrete Charm of the Machine: Why the World Became Digital
AED12860
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Imported From: United States
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Visit the Princeton University Press Store
The Discrete Charm of the Machine: Why the World Became Digital

AED12860
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Nice collection and synthesis of digital processing topics - somewhat technical
I was attracted to the book by the suggestion in the [sub] title that it was going to be about digital audio, since I've been a dabbler in digital recording for some time. But, that is not really the topic of the book, since it ranges over quite a bit of the breadth of the analog to digital (and back) transition that has occurred in all areas within recent years. But, as a former comp sci guy who lived and worked through a fair amount of the history covered in this book, I found it accessible and very interesting.Now, as to organization, well, it reads a lot like it was assembled from essays that had been written over a span of time and edited and arranged into a book. That was done well, but it may not flow as smoothly as some would like.The technical information is probably a hurdle for some readers. Since it was familiar to me, though at times a distant, fuzzy familarity, it didn't become impossibly dense. The author does suggest in places some of the more gritty formulas and like can be skipped if too complex, but I expect that's going to make a complete reading feel disconnected. (I didn't come to the end of this book feeling like I did at, say, "A Brief History of Time," where I was just flipping pages, but it was in my domain, more or less. Others may find it less accessible.)
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and Detailed
This book is wonderfully written. So far (I'm a few chapters in), it's like a course in Digital Signal Processing, without any of the homework. If you are very curious about this topic and require almost excruciating levels of detail to satisfy said curiosity, buy this book!
4.0 out of 5 stars Well done
An incredible journey from vacuum tubes to quantum computing with a stop over for NP-Complete problems, which made my little data scientist heart go pitter pat. If you enjoy computers, their history, how they work, and why they evolved as they did, then I highly recommend this book.
3.0 out of 5 stars Only ok
It is not really well organized.
5.0 out of 5 stars On time and as described.
On time and as described.
High expectations, frustrating results.
The book starts very well, not aiming too high, with reasonably clear introduction to the world of digital computers and with a very basic reader in mind. Essentially it gives a basic introduction to the fundamental physics of modern digital transistors and explains why digital is superior to analog when transmitting data.A warning on this statement is that I am very familiar with these subject and I do not read them with the mind of the newcomer, so perhaps I have a 'positively' biased view here.The problem starts in the second half (Part III) of the book (on topics where I am less familiar) when the author tries to explain more conceptually sophisticated issues such as "computation complexity", the Turing machine, NP completeness, quantum computers and the like. None of these concepts is clearly explained and Einstein's recommendation of "Everything Should Be Made as Simple as Possible, But Not Simpler" is totally ignored. I do not think anyone - if not already familiar with these issues - can come out claiming any understanding of these problems and one is left with a sense of profound frustration with this book.I went back to an older book with a very similar content (G. W. Flake, The Computational Beauty of Nature) and I find this last book infinitely clearer and better written if one wants to get a feeling of what is going on with some of these modern fundamental issues, despite the fact that quantum computers are not discussed.
More from this brand
Similar items from “Electronics”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U0691229023