The Technology 360 series offers students in-depth information on topics with respect both for the readers and the subject at hand. There are no cutesy comments or cartoon-style graphics here but, instead, clean design with clear explanations of sometimes-complicated scientific subjects. Each book begins with a time line, and includes photographs, sidebars, and boxes labeled "Bits & Bytes," featuring interesting statistics, such as the weight of a GPS satellite (2,000 to 3,000 pounds). Global Positioning Systems discusses how GPS was developed, from its origins in the military to everyday life uses, such as tracking pets. Overall a strong series for report writers and students with a serious interest in technology and its inventors.

After brief histories behind their title technologies, these books provide thoughtful discussions of the appeal, markets, risks, and social implications of their subjects; for example, environmental effects of discarded iPods and security concerns with social networking sites. The books seem to be as up-to-date as possible for print. Photos, sidebars, and other visuals, as well as documented quotations, strengthen the presentations. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.