...when I first read this thread I had been to a meeting and was wearing a coat and tie, much too formal I think. So I slipped on some old jeans and a Tee shirt so I can now take your informal survey!

My first advise is "GOOOO BACK!!! GOOOO BACK!! Once you start you cannot stop!!"

I started collecting not too very long ago with just a handful of chips and as my collection grew I got more serious. Soon I faced the same dilemma you now face. While my collection is still in it's infancy, I knew I had better come up with a plan early so as not to be overwhelmed later. I had been down that route with my currency collection. I scanned my chips and kept uniform images on my computer, I bought CheckMate (personal preference) and began cataloging the chips and using the images I had stored on my computer already. Having a way to keep a trade list up to date and in an exchangeable format was another important point. Excel seems to be a widely recognized format so CheckMate filled the bill there. It will export your lists in many formats, Excel being one of them. As far as Display I have some on my desk loose and some in a "PREMO" clear plastic (not sure of the type of material) freestanding vertical holder that accommodates 18 chips. Both side are visible and protected. Richard Fellman (the guy a few posts up from this one) makes them and they are the best. As far as storage I have them in cases like a brief case-- this is a temporary solution -- as this is the easiest thing to change and I do not have the vast collection many here have. Touts has the best solution (Backhoe). There is a lot of experience here and in these posts somewhere lies a sloution fit for YOU!

Happy Chipping!