[.ca] Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for Java EE Study ... (ISBN 0071488618)

Mundane and Dry - Not for Me:
I have read dry and flat technical books before, but this one stands out as being unusually so. There is no passion for the subject here and it is the kind of book that does not make an impact. What really makes for a good architecture is not something that is really discussed and things that require further explanation often seem nipped in the bud. You are not going to get a feel for the nuances of J2EE architecture with this book, and I think it is when you understand those, your retention and grasp go up a great deal. Only then can you weigh options and consider the alternatives intelligently. Sorry guys, I think you needed a bit more time to organize and explain the material more fully. I also think the consistent, machine like quality of the prose detaches the reader rather than pull them in. Some may get what they want from this book, but it was not a book I enjoyed nor one that gave me much insight. Many facts are here and stated, but the pie was not finished when it was pulled from the oven.

Much more than a certification guide:
More is better and that's where this book comes out as a winner! Chapters cover all objectives and are neatly organized. Every chapter concludes with a small test and a "Two minute drill" that is great for last minute reviews (and index cards!). "Exam watch" sections are interspersed throughout the book to draw your focus on test specific issues and "Scenario-Solution" sections present potential design/architectural issues with solutions in a quick to read format. Many chapters include exercises for problem solving and essay-type answering required for the final part of certification. A sample case study of a securities trading system helps the readers to prepare for part II assignment. Here's where the "more" factor comes in - the accompanying CD contains a large collection (250+) of questions in the form of two simulated tests. One can register free on their website to download an additional test. The testing software not only includes detailed answers for every question, but will also generate a score report to help you identify your weak areas. The CD also contains code samples referenced in the book and all chapters in electronic (pdf) format. That's very helpful for someone on the run! This book is much more than a certification guide. It can very well be used as a complete J2EE quick reference guide. Some of the extras packed in the book include XML coverage in Common architectures/protocols section, a great OOAD/UML refresher, lots of J2EE best practices and tips, introductory coverage of JCA and working code for many design patterns. The "On the Job" sections present the reader with some interesting real-life architectural scenarios. Some code samples are two to three pages long, and one of them has a three-page output listing!! Perhaps that's the only not-cool thing about the book. Ajith Kallambella http://www.javaranch.com/contact.jsp#AjithKallambella

better to read articles than expending on this:
The book has both good and bad in an unwanted blend. It is good because, it tries to cover each and every objective of the exam by name and reminds the exam at each point. It even tries to discuss the objective. It is bad because it fails to show the required information in required form. The UML chapter (Chapter 3) starts with the explanation on OOA & D, which is irrelevant for the exam. The person who is ready to get certified as an architect from SUN would have obviously spent enough time in software development and be aware of the terms the book tries to explain. If we think that it is OK, to our surprise there is no figure for the elements of UML (Example class, package, collaboration etc.,). The book tries to write 1000 words but does not show a figure for the same. Hope the authors do believe that a picture is worth 1000 words. Even the figures that follow for other topics are not up to the mark. For example, a single class is shown in maximum size and the title says it is a class diagram. As per my knowledge, the class is just an element of a class diagram and not a diagram by itself. The book never tries to be product neutral. It always tries to force the user to know about web-logic. More pathetically, the code is only for Weblogic and that too for a specific version. I am disappointed with this to a greater extent. In my opinion, the book needs one more parse to make it ready for only architects.

Waste of Time, Money and Energy:
This is a waste book that makes you go to sleep in 2 minutes. the content is poorly organized, the authors don't seem to have any knowledge of the topics covered for the exam. This book totally is a waste of your time, money and energy.

Boy, how much lower than expected!:
I had somewhat high expectation about this book being a solid entry level SCEA manual and covering the "required minimum" for the exam. After completing the 1st chapter I am disappointed. There are a lot of unclear/controversial statements, providing overly high picture that's just not useful at such level. I guess that's still ok for the only SCEA book updated to include EJB 3.0 stuff. On top of that there is quite a bit of useful material covered as well as a sample project at the end of the book. Despite all that I would still think twice before buying it.