I wrote a similar review for the Sybex core-4. Both Sybex and Syngress seem to do very well to teach the basics, and just enough material to get you a passing score.
However, if you want a well rounded study experience, you need to supplement these books with a series like the CRAM pack, from another publisher.
Both Sybex and Syngress do a good job for the basics. I bought both core-4 packs. It forced me to read double of everything. But even having done that, you need to supplement this core-4 pack.
An alright first step, but it needs depth.
I organized a study group at my office, and when the first meeting day was upon me I had to purchase a Networking Essentials book. My other co-workers had suggested the "black, white and red book", and that was the series I was looking for. Fortunately for me, the only Networking Essentials book available at the Fry's electronics store that day was the Syngress. I picked it up not knowing anything about it.
During the next month I decided that this was the one. I even tried reading one of the other books from a co-worker later on in my studies, but I have to tell you that I didn't like it. Everyone else in my group after they read through my book adopted it on their own and used it.
I did obtain my MCSE by the way. 6 tests in 6 months. I have these books to thank for that. In the same way a good instructor can make you enjoy a class, these books do that for the MCSE program. Good luck!
Mike LeFevers
MCSE