Comic book collection App?

Rico · April 03, 2011, 10:10:33 AM

Hey all you App hounds. Is there and App out there which you can use to track your comic book collection? I'm thinking something that would let you enter all the issues of various comics you own to keep track of them all. Even better, maybe an app that could scan bar codes on comics. Anyone know of anything like this?

KingIsaacLinksr · April 03, 2011, 10:42:54 AM

Quote from: Rico on April 03, 2011, 10:10:33 AM
Hey all you App hounds. Is there and App out there which you can use to track your comic book collection? I'm thinking something that would let you enter all the issues of various comics you own to keep track of them all. Even better, maybe an app that could scan bar codes on comics. Anyone know of anything like this?

Hmm, you know, I'm not entirely sure. I could point you at numerous Comic Book Reader apps, but...tracking what you own.....hmm. I'll get back to you on that.

Which a quick search on the store revealed a few apps, but 1 has poor reviews and the other has very few. When I have time later tonight, I'll do a better search so MAYBE there is one.

King

Rico · April 03, 2011, 11:14:38 AM

I've searched a little too and there are a few, but I was hoping for someone who has actually used one. Maybe Joby will pop in. He might know.

Ktrek · April 03, 2011, 01:02:18 PM

Rico - Do you mind paying for one? Collectorz.com has the very best database software for collections I have ever used. I don't use their comic one but it looks very good and has a mobile app available and can be set up using a barcode reader. Here is the link:

http://www.collectorz.com/comic/

Kevin

Feathers · April 04, 2011, 12:20:01 AM

Quote from: Ktrek on April 03, 2011, 01:02:18 PM
Rico - Do you mind paying for one? Collectorz.com has the very best database software for collections I have ever used. I don't use their comic one but it looks very good and has a mobile app available and can be set up using a barcode reader.

It looks like the iDevice only acts as a viewer for the database stored on the PC/Mac with barcode data entry via a dedicated scanner.

Given the proliferation of barcode scanning apps on the AppStore, I think they may have missed a data entry trick there. (Not that I have any comics, I just like to see how people approach to data collation and storage. Sad, isn't it.)

Jobydrone · April 04, 2011, 08:20:39 AM

for 2.99 US you can try iCollect Comic Books

Works with all iPhones/iPods/iPads

Scan in books with the integrated bar code reader, (camera required obviously) or manually type in UPCs. The app searches Google images and/or an internal database for cover art and other information, or you can add your own picture and details

sort by character, title, issue, or other customizable options

coverflow compatible, library view, backup/restore options

This looks like the kind of thing you're looking for. I haven't tried it personally but that's mostly because I didn't even think something like this existed. Now that I know it might be fun to archive my extensive physical and digital comic collection with something like this.

Edit: on further review it looks like this might be the app that Tim said was poorly reviewed on iTunes. People that bought this seem pretty unhappy, citing crashes, slowness, poor usability. You might want to skip it and just go old school with MS Excel ;)

Rico · April 04, 2011, 08:31:08 AM

I'm starting to wish I was an App writer, because I think there would be a BIG market for something like this - that works. I like the idea of one that can scan barcodes too and store all the data. I have about 30 long boxes of comics I need cataloged. They are sorted pretty well already and I've just been making paper lists so far to enter at a later time. Hope to find something that fits my needs. Oh, and then I need to get an iPad or iPhone too!

Dangelus · April 04, 2011, 12:32:42 PM

Yep there are plenty of PC solutions but not many people have a barcode scanner attached to their PCs.

billybob476 · April 04, 2011, 12:59:59 PM

Quote from: Rico on April 04, 2011, 08:31:08 AM
I'm starting to wish I was an App writer, because I think there would be a BIG market for something like this - that works. I like the idea of one that can scan barcodes too and store all the data. I have about 30 long boxes of comics I need cataloged. They are sorted pretty well already and I've just been making paper lists so far to enter at a later time. Hope to find something that fits my needs. Oh, and then I need to get an iPad or iPhone too!

No need to wish, Objective C isn't incredibly complex to get your head around!

KingIsaacLinksr · April 04, 2011, 02:01:09 PM

Quote from: billybob476 on April 04, 2011, 12:59:59 PM
Quote from: Rico on April 04, 2011, 08:31:08 AM
I'm starting to wish I was an App writer, because I think there would be a BIG market for something like this - that works. I like the idea of one that can scan barcodes too and store all the data. I have about 30 long boxes of comics I need cataloged. They are sorted pretty well already and I've just been making paper lists so far to enter at a later time. Hope to find something that fits my needs. Oh, and then I need to get an iPad or iPhone too!

No need to wish, Objective C isn't incredibly complex to get your head around!

You just need programming and art skills. Then presto, you got an app. I wish I could do either...I have so many ideas for apps.

King

billybob476 · April 04, 2011, 02:08:17 PM

Quote from: Kingisaaclinksr on April 04, 2011, 02:01:09 PM
Quote from: billybob476 on April 04, 2011, 12:59:59 PM
Quote from: Rico on April 04, 2011, 08:31:08 AM
I'm starting to wish I was an App writer, because I think there would be a BIG market for something like this - that works. I like the idea of one that can scan barcodes too and store all the data. I have about 30 long boxes of comics I need cataloged. They are sorted pretty well already and I've just been making paper lists so far to enter at a later time. Hope to find something that fits my needs. Oh, and then I need to get an iPad or iPhone too!

No need to wish, Objective C isn't incredibly complex to get your head around!

You just need programming and art skills. Then presto, you got an app. I wish I could do either...I have so many ideas for apps.

King

...and a mac :)

Rico · April 04, 2011, 02:19:47 PM

Quote from: Dangelus on April 04, 2011, 12:32:42 PM
Yep there are plenty of PC solutions but not many people have a barcode scanner attached to their PCs.

I was thinking of using a phone as the scanner.

billybob476 · April 04, 2011, 03:15:11 PM

Yeah that would be the solution. The Goodreads app fr iPhone has a barcode scanner to pull ISBN number off books when adding to your collection. Don't think it has a comic library though.

Dangelus · April 04, 2011, 11:17:26 PM

Quote from: Rico on April 04, 2011, 02:19:47 PM
Quote from: Dangelus on April 04, 2011, 12:32:42 PM
Yep there are plenty of PC solutions but not many people have a barcode scanner attached to their PCs.

I was thinking of using a phone as the scanner.

Yeah I meant their are pc solutions but we don't have scanners for pcs making it a long winded process. The best solution like you say it using the phone app perhaps in combination with server software in the pc.

Geoff G.o.B · April 27, 2011, 12:52:19 PM

I use My Movies to barcode scan my DVD/BluRay collection and BookCrawler for scanning my book barcodes. I am in the Uk so not sure if you get those apps. Both work very well though