What's a good tech/computer book swapping site?

May 27, 2010 1:25 PM

Is there another online book swapping service (like Paperbackswap or Bookmooch) that is better/best for tech/computer books?

I've been using PBS for about 3 or 4 months now, but so far am very far away from getting any computer/tech reference books, even ones that were published years ago.

I'm wondering if any folks out there have a favorite swap site that actually gets them books within a few weeks?

Of course, the answer to this question may just be "Nope", and that tech geeks like to hang onto their books. I know I do, but I thought it was just because I was a pack rat!

posted by kjhosein to Computers & Internet (3 answers total)

I use PBS and have had some luck with getting Ubuntu books and getting rid of some review copied of books abotu more current topics [Android, etc]. Do you maintain a wishlist at PBS? I've found that adding a ton of books to my wishlist slightly raises my ability to get books I want, but yeah I basically agree with you, not great.
posted by jessamyn at 1:37 PM on May 27, 2010

I think your problem is that these books don't tend to be the ones that people read once and then give away. They're meant to be references, and as such, people keep them on the shelves for years and refer back to them periodically. So no, I don't think there is a better service for your specific needs.
posted by chrisamiller at 1:47 PM on May 27, 2010

I can tell you that it happens -- a couple of months ago I sent out a couple of algorithms textbooks, and received a one-edition-behind-the-current copy of Tanenbaum's Computer Networks.

But pretty much the only things you can count on getting in a few weeks are relatively recent popular books -- 1491 and Collapse have been regularly climbing on my wish list; lots of other wish list items are two years old or more.

Definitely do as jessamyn says and use your wish list. But don't be surprised if you don't see much action for any given item.
posted by Zed at 1:52 PM on May 27, 2010