ScienceMan.com

Software Review: Periodic Table

ScienceMan Rating:

Relevant Links:	Periodic Table
Company/Vendor:	Synergy Creations
Price:	$20 US - Academic Licenses are available
Platforms:	Windows XP, Mac OS 9, OS X
Latest Version:	3.5.2
Last Review Revision:	April 1, 2005

Pros:

Fully featured periodic table reference.

Cons:

None.

The Review:

By all accounts, Periodic Table from Synergy Creations is a real winner for the high school classroom. The most important feature of a science reference program is information. Is it displayed clearly? Is it complete? Is it is easily obtained? Periodic Table definitely delivers on all these fronts, and arguably has the best, easiest-to-use interface of all the atomic reference programs.

Periodic Table (PT) is indeed well designed - there are a number of ways you can access the information you need.

You may be one of those people who does not like doing a lot of clicking - so if you prefer to just type in the symbol of the element you need information on, just enter it in the top left hand corner of the main window (above). Preferences allow you to shrink this display to just the upper portion, which is perfectly adequate if you're going to search by entering the atomic symbol.

But what if you wish to browse? PT is perfectly suited to skimming and browsing - I found making my way though the program and different screens of information to be a breeze. The element screens are fantastic, offering a wealth of information, plus many buttons to learn even more;

The info screen above is incredibly well designed and jam-packed with features. Note the grid in the bottom left hand corner of the table - it's a nice touch to be able to see "where you are" on the periodic table. Note that almost every possible tidbit of element information is displayed in this splash screen - but not only that, you can change the units of most of them with convenient pop-ups.

Note that in the bottom right hand corner is a set of arrows that allows you to browse your way through the periodic table with ease - just click on the right arrow for example, and the whole display changes to reflect the next element in table.

Periodic Table is so ridiculously packed with features and information I can't possibly mention them all in this review - but sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference. The author has thoughtfully included a Quick Reference picture that can be printed out - and helps immeasurably when first learning the program. Nice touch!

Periodic Table distinguishes itself as the most flexible source for atomic information for the MacOS. Oooops, did I say for MacOS? Because Periodic Table is now for Windows XP too! Brett Thornton from Synergy recently informed ScienceMan:

"Now, normally I wouldn't send an email just to talk about such a minor second-decimal-point revision to software! But this minor revision has a big change: Periodic Table now supports Windows XP."

With that news, ScienceMan couldn't wait to give it a try! Guess what - the Windows version is every bit as good as the amazing Mac version:

Conclusion: