Topic: product tables - semantics (Page 1 of 1)

I have a series of products, with each having a number of modules. Each of those modules has a bunch of cooresponding information -- perfect opportunity for a table. Consider the following (in my actual example, there are some 35 products and a lot more items of information...I've only shown two products for obvious reasons.)

<table>

	<caption>Stuff about Products</caption>

	<thead>

		<tr>

			<th>Module</th>

			<th>Min Speed</th>

			<th>Max Speed</th>

			<th>Integration w/ other products?</th>

			<th>Minimum RAM requirement</th>

			<th>Cost</th>

			<th>Package  Discount</th>

		</tr>

	</thead>	

	<tbody>

		<tr>

			<td>Module 1</td>

			<td>20 transactions/second</td>

			<td>250 transctions/second</td>

			<td>Yes</td>

			<td>128MB</td>

			<td>$.03/transaction</td>

			<td>$1200/month</td>

		</tr>

		<tr>

			<td>Module 2</td>

			<td>20 transactions/second</td>

			<td>250 transctions/second</td>

			<td>Yes</td>

			<td>128MB</td>

			<td>$.03/transaction</td>

			<td>$1200/month</td>

		</tr>

		<tr>

			<td>Module 3</td>

			<td>20 transactions/second</td>

			<td>250 transctions/second</td>

			<td>Yes</td>

			<td>128MB</td>

			<td>$.03/transaction</td>

			<td>$1200/month</td>

		</tr>

	</tbody>	

	<tbody>

		<tr>

			<td>Module 1</td>

			<td>20 transactions/second</td>

			<td>250 transctions/second</td>

			<td>Yes</td>

			<td>128MB</td>

			<td>$.03/transaction</td>

			<td>$1200/month</td>

		</tr>

		<tr>

			<td>Module 2</td>

			<td>20 transactions/second</td>

			<td>250 transctions/second</td>

			<td>Yes</td>

			<td>128MB</td>

			<td>$.03/transaction</td>

			<td>$1200/month</td>

		</tr>

	</tbody>	

</table>

In this mockup here, I've given each product its own <tbody>. I'm not sure if this is totaly correct or not. That's part of what I want to discuss.
Also, what is the best/most appropriate way to demonstrate that each <tbody> represents a separate product AND give that a label? I can't put <caption>s in each <tbody>. I can't use <h*> within each the <table>. What's a guy to do?

Is this an appropriate use of <tbody>?
How does one label each <tbody>?

As far as I understand it, your use of teh <tbody> is just fine.

As for the label - how about an additional column on the left, with the title "product name" or whatever it is you need.
You could have the cell containing the name with a rowspan to cover the number of modules present for the product in order to wrap it up nice and neat.

Or you could add a row spanning all the columns at the start of each <tbody> holding the name instead.

I don't see any semantic or structural issues with either of those approaches.

I think DL's second suggestion would be the best way to impliment a Label: "add a row spanning all the columns at the start of each <tbody> holding the name". As it encapsulates the label as being an element of the product group(the <tbody> ), which is exactly what it should be.

Thank you.
I think I prefer the first column to hold the product name; I prefer it both semantically and visually. I just wish I could add captions or headings or something to each <tbody>.
Anyway, I appreciate your time and thoughts.