Can you recommend a concise offline digital encyclopedia?

January 22, 2009 7:18 AM

I am seeking a digital enclyclopedia for offline use on my laptop, preferably something relatively concise, like a desk reference only digital.

Of course there is the Dictionary program on my Macbook, but does anyone know of an encyclopedia-type counterpart?

posted by jmstephan to computers & internet (6 comments total)

Your best bet is probably a DVD version of Microsoft Encarta or Encyclopedia Britannica.
posted by reptile at 7:32 AM on January 22

You can read Wikipedia offline, or order a CD/DVD (download the authorized torrent here).
posted by nitsuj at 7:34 AM on January 22 [1 favorite]

Yeah, like nitsuj suggests, download wikipedia.
posted by geekyguy at 8:04 AM on January 22 [1 favorite]

Wikipedia, wikipedia, wikipedia.
posted by Jairus at 8:05 AM on January 22

I've got Wikipedia on my laptop - I've probably read over 40 hours' worth in airports/planes alone, saying nothing of actual referencing. Go with that.
posted by Lemurrhea at 8:30 AM on January 22

Just wanted to add, while Wikipedia is awesome, I would update your downloaded copy every couple months. It'll just keep growing!
posted by InsanePenguin at 2:01 PM on January 22