eGems Collector Pro is the perfect tool for anyone who searches for information on the Internet and wants to save it for future use, for reference, for printing, for e-mailing - any use. The best part of using eGems Collector Pro is the ability to have the application window sit in a small corner of the desktop so the information to be saved can be selected (clicked on) and dragged and dropped onto the window. The window can be reduced to a small Diamond icon, even less intrusive. The information is captured and saved, and the sources for the information are kept in a database for easy referral. A double click of the icon opens the window and displays the selected data.

I do a tremendous amount of research on the web, visiting hundreds of web pages, mostly for BPCA in finding new hardware and software for use in our Product Review Program. I also spend a lot of time on the web getting information for personal travel, destinations, tours, cruises and activities. Previously, I kept voluminous hand written notes, and then I progressed to copied and printed pages, filling many file cabinets. Saving the information in files on the PC helped, but managing the many folders, topics and subjects was difficult and time consuming.

Now I use eGems Collector Pro constantly. I am able to capture URLs and live hyperlinks, and copy text and pictures and store them in folders that can be created on the fly. eGems uses the terminology of "collections", "chests", "trays" and "gems" for the specific topics, folders and data. The information can be edited, printed or sent in e-mail, and there is an efficient "find" tool to locate files. I use it while browsing even if I don't intend to keep the data. Having the information at my fingertips allows me to review it and go back to the web pages, and then just delete the "tray" or "gem" when finished. It is a quick and simple way to store and organize whatever you wish. The application can be used in Windows 95/98/Me or Windows NT/2000/XP. Requirements are Pentium 300 or higher, 64 MB RAM, and 13 MB free space. Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 or above must be installed but does not have to be used as a browser. Listed price is $80, upgrade from previous version $30. I've seen it on the egghead.com site for $60.