Flemington, NJ (October 6, 2003) – With its release of three books for Microsoft Office 2003 and one book for Windows XP, Nerdy Books is, for the first time, publishing printed books and e-books simultaneously. This is also the first time that Nerdy Books has released four of its Just the tips, man™ books at once.

The retail price of the e-books remains the same as the price of the previous versions: $9.95 each. They are available for immediate download or on CD-ROM at www.nerdybooks.com. The retail price of the printed books is a dollar less than the previous version: $14.95 each.

A new feature makes its debut in the 2003 versions: backward compatibility with previous software versions. Tips on the Excel, PowerPoint and Word 2003 books have icons indicating if the tip works identically in the 2002 or 2000 version. A similar icon on the pages of the Windows XP book indicates tips that work identically in Windows 2000.

Bob Flisser, who wrote the books with Wendy Richardson, says this gives the books dual use. “These books are for you regardless which version of the software you have. If you have the 2002 software and plan to upgrade, you can use the 2003 books right now. If you have the 2003 software and also need to use the older version, or if you want to share the Nerdy Book with someone using the older software, these books are for you, as well.” Commenting on the rapid release of these last two versions of Microsoft Office, he said, “You don’t have to re-learn everything from one year to the next. We show you what’s changed and what hasn’t.” Considering that the least expensive upgrade of Office is $250, the price of a Nerdy Book is a serious bargain.

Nerdy Books retains its unique method with its Office 2003 titles: one major tip per page, presented by one of six cartoon characters, who explains each tip in his or her own voice. You know the level of each tip by the character. Guy Martini, wearing shades and snapping his fingers, shows you the coolest tips. Mr. Nester, the impatient guy, appears on tips where the software doesn’t work the way you expect. Shagg, the hippy surfer dude in bare feet, appears on tips that are self-explanatory. At opposite ends of the spectrum are Kenneth, the kid with the propeller beanie who appears on the easy tips, and Professor Lester, loosely based on Flisser, who appears on the advanced tips.

The size and shape of a desk calendar, each printed book has a Wire-O binding across the top (like a spiral, but doesn’t snag) and an easel in the back, so the book can stand open on a desk for quick reference without taking much space.

About Nerdy Books and the Just the tips, man™ series
Founded in 1999, Nerdy Books publishes the innovative Just the tips, man series of books and e-books for Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Windows. People from around the world have purchased Nerdy Books’ products, and 8,000 subscribers receive their software Tip-of-Day by e-mail.

For additional information, visit www.nerdybooks.com.

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