iPad already got the Global Digital Newsstand without the Help of Apple

Apple launched iPad subscriptions a couple month ago. The number of magazines that accepted the big cut and rules that Apple imposes on them so far. At this pace it will take ages until the iTunes store will feel like a newsstand on a street in Manhattan. Now I just stumbled over iPad apps called Zinio and PressReader. Ok I admit, I am owning an iPad 2 just for two days. Zinio offers subscriptions to magazines around the world at local subscription prices and PressReader gives you access to over 1,800 newspapers.

I just subscribed to the US Esquire Magazine for $8 (11 issues). I live in Germany and getting access to American magazines at this price is just awesome. I pay over $70 for my Wired Magazine print subscription. Sadly Wired is not in the Zinio portfolio. The Wired iPad app is still not an alternative at the $4.99 price per issue (What are they thinking?).

Zinio and PressReader give you access to a digital version of your favorite magazines and newspapers as they look on paper including all ad pages. They basically scan the print versions. There are no fancy multimedia features or text search. But who cares. All I want is access to magazines and newspapers around the world at a reasonable price.

I am not quite sure how this will play out in the future. Wiil apps like Zinio and Press Reader be pushed to the side by the Apple Magazine Subscription platform or will the co-exist. Apple is supposed to release a template based on the The Daily that makes it easy for publishers to offer iPad version of their magazine.

The only issue I have with the apps above is that you cannot use the iTunes billing. You need to pay separately via credit card, but for me it is worth the hassle.

I did not test PressReader, but Zinio works very well. Pages load fast and digital quality is fine. If a text is to small you can of course pinch-to-zoom. If you like reading magazines from around the world, Zinio is a great way to do it.

iPad apps mentioned above:

Zinio
PressReader

More like this: 7 Annoying Things About the iPad 2

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The Livescribe Digital Pen: Here Are 3 Reasons Why It Is The Best!

If you would like to learn more about the Livescribe Digital Pen then you've come to right place. Digital Pens in general, and the Livescribe Echo in particular has literally revolutionized the process of automating the note taking and delivery industry. It is on this subject that the following paragraphs are focused. After reading this article, the reader should have a better understanding of the value of Livescribe Digital Pens.

Writing Abilities

The Livescribe Echo has the same writing features as its predecessor models, along with most other digital pens on the market. They all have the ability to make written comments in more or less the same fashion, since they are built with the same underlying technology. However, there are some minor improvements included with the new Echo such as a smooth rubber grip that seems to be more comfortable. It also has a flat surface on one side in order to stop the pen from rolling off your table. In addition, the Echo offers expanded capacities; currently up to eight gig of flash memory.

Recording Abilities

The Echo has an interesting feature that (as far as we know) is unique. We refer to the ability to record audio information, store it within the device, and transfer it along with written information to your PC. With this feature, an enterprising student can record a lecture and never have to take any notes whatsoever. Likewise, a businessman can take a quick nap during a meeting and still come away with detailed notes of what transpired. How cool is that?

Transfer Abilities

The ability to effectively transfer data is where the true value of any product in this category will be found. The Livescribe Echo is unequaled in its ability to capture, store, and subsequently download all pertinent information so that it can be later examined, edited, and redistributed. These notes can be exported as PDFs, or as a doc file. Eventually, it is rumored that the iPad and iPhone will be able to play back these files, and add video as well if desired.

Conclusion

We are confident that this product will be a valuable asset to virtually anyone in the business community, as well as college students who are looking to improve their note-taking system. When set up properly, the Livescribe Echo can serve as a seamless interface to most business applications. In reality, it is virtually a fool-proof system in that the user only needs to know how to write on paper. We think it goes without saying that the Livescribe Digital Pen is a verifiable bargain for all of us.

To get a more complete picture, please click here: Digital Pen Reviews. Felix has gathered a wide range of resources to help you in choosing the digital pen that is best for you!

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