June 1, 2014 (Vol. 34, No. 11)
Rating:
Strong Points: Easy to use, fast response times
Weak Points: None
Platform:
iPad/iPhone/Android
Cost:
Free
Summary:
In today’s funding climate for scientific research, it is more important than ever for laboratories to stretch each dollar. Enter ChemSource, a convenient app (and website) from P212121 that serves a dual purpose of saving researchers money and time. A self-described “chemical concierge app,” the app sends users’ product requests (which are submitted via the app’s request form or photo) to employees of P212121, who promptly respond with a quote for the cheapest available item meeting the user’s specifications. The app promises that users will receive a response within 24 hours of submitting their request, but I found the response time to be even more impressive—mere minutes. The app is very easy to use, and I’m sure many researchers out there will appreciate having the option to let somebody else dig up the most economical options for their research needs.
