In the last week, someone asked about Chip Collecting Software. I own a copy of each of the following SW packages.

1) 5-Star Collector
2) Collection Explorer
3) Checkmate

1) 5-Star Collector - I was unable to get the software to run properly. It reports to have the ability to import eBay auctions via it's own web browser that is suppose to be built internal. I could never get this function to work. The interface is hard to use and there is not documentation. The tutorial did not help solve any problems in using it, either.

2) Collection Explorer - This software has some real bugs in it. It seems to have a good interface and it imports eBay auctions well. There is no Documentaion to understand the software and you have to create all in the drop-down inputs either on-the-fly or before hand. Teh software seems to have tried to be everything it should be for the user but due to no documentation, it is a trial in usage. It would be nice to have some database entered for Mold/Rim and Casinos. It will take awhile to populate the database and you will get "slapped" a few times by the bugs in the software while doing it. The software has a Import/Export mode to allow data to be moved into and out of the database.

3) Checkmate - This software has the drop downs populated and ready for your to use right away. No documentation was included. It has a problem with MacAfee Virus software, so you have to disable it to run Checkmate. The software does not have a Import feature to bring in the data from eBay auctions. There is not Import/Export method for bringin in/out data except MS Access 97 (only).

These are my own personal looks at the available software I could find at the time. I was using Checkmate till I realized that I kept knocking out my McAfee Virus software and I did not have a way to edit my data or import my addresses. I started using Collector Explorer but got tired of "populating" the data for the drop-downs and quit using any of the software. I would like to get either data for the drop-downs for Collector Explorer or a way to run Checkmate without knocking out my Virus Checker. I would suggest eityher one of these software packages but I am willing to look at others if someone has any suggestions.

Hawk