Mongoose's Pocket Player and GM guides

[Gentlegamer]

I'm thinking of purchasing Mongoose's pocket guides in place of those of WotC. I think I would prefer a bare bones presentation that lacks the 'dungeonpunk' illustrations in the offical books.

Anyone have these books? Are they reasonably errata-free? Do they stand-in adequately for the official books? Have they proven durable enough for regular use?

 

[Akrasia]

I used the pocket PHB and the 3.0 DMG when I DM'ed my last 3.5 campaign.

It worked fine. I like the pocket PHB. (I would have purchased the pocket GMG as well, but the campaign was winding down by the time it was published.)

They are definitely lighter to carry to games -- an asset, if you like to bicycle!

 

[Gentlegamer]

How has your pocket PHB held up, durability wise? I can tell from its binding that is would resist staying open to a page, for example.

 

[nyrfherdr]

I own and regularly use the Pocket PHB. It is a good resource.
It is using SRD content, so spells have the odd names "Mage's Mansion" etc.

The Index is good, so you can find the data quickly.

The binding is excellent and the book durable (and portable, like Akrasia mentioned.) perfect for travelling, conventions, etc.

The book won't 'stay open' although that hasn't been a problem for me.

Game ON!
Nyrfherdr

 

[Sado]

I disagree about the durability. Mine was intact when I sold it, but you could definitely tell the binding was looser than when I got it 3 months earlier. I wouldn't trust it to hold up.

 

[Stormborn]

My wife and I have a regular PHB and the pocket one from Mongoose. I used the pocket version frequently and like it. No trouble with the binding, but the clear film on the cover is begining to peel, especially on the back cover. Not a terrible problem, but something you might be interersted in.

I am probablly about to purchase the Conan pocket book for a friends game. Although knowing my wife she will want the full version.

 

[Hand of Evil]

I like mine and I think layout is better that PHB, binding has held up well. I think there is a review floating around somewhere...

 

[Hand of Evil]

Ah, here it is...http://www.enworld.org/reviews.php?do=product&productid=119384

 

[Breakdaddy]

I have both and they are still going strong. I dont mistreat them but I dont take extra care with them either. They are very nice resources, and IMO actually BETTER than the PHB and DMG for the purposes of cutting through all of the flavor text to get to the rule or reference you need when you need it. Recommend them both highly.

 

[Gentlegamer]

Thanks to all for responding! It sounds like these pocket guides are just what I'm looking for.

Do you know of any monster guides aside from the official MM that include most or all of the SRD monsters? Or perhaps any alternative monster guides that take different spins on the old basics like humanoids, giants, dragons, demons, etc and acts as a stand alone monster guide for d20 Fantasy gaming?