I most enjoy my iPad for reading books and watching programs and movies. A few months ago, I began to subscribe to some of my favorite magazines via the App Store, since it’s not easy these days for me to pick up a magazine since I am always on the go. Having the new issues readily available to me on my iPad gives me reading flexibility, and allows me to travel light, since I read a lot of the magazines while traveling. Not to mention, it’s better for the planet.
I quickly learned that not all digital magazines are created equal. There are some magazines that simply haven’t been able to incorporate the digital aspect of an e-Zine. But there are others that have taken the relatively new medium and used it to their advantage to create a digital publication that is enjoyable to experience on the iPad or other tablets.
Being as how I am a self proclaimed Digital Debutante, I wanted to share with you My Top 5 Picks for Best Lifestyle Digital Magazine for the iPad.
Martha Stewart Living
Martha Stewart has embraced social media and utilizing the Internet for her brand like no one else. And her iPad version of her Martha Stewart Living magazine is simply fabulous. Every month, the cover is brought to life with a dynamic video creating the contents or items on the cover. There are interactive widgets on a lot of the pages, and the crispness and brightness of the pages really make you want to read them. This is my favorite digital magazine, and I am a yearly subscriber.
Real Simple
I previously subscribed to the “paper” edition of Real Simple, but didn’t renew because I stopped reading them because it seemed like I didn’t have time to. Now that I am an iPad user, Real Simple was the first digital magazine that I subscribed to and I am really glad I did. The sliding of the pages and quick clicks that can bring the article to life really make me look forward to reading each issue. And let me tell you, Real Simple utilizes their ads in a way I don’t see others doing. The ads seem like they were especially created for the digital issue, and work seamless between the magazine and connecting with the ad’s social networks. Well done, Real Simple!
Food Network Magazine
If you know anything about me, you know I am not a Master Chef. But Food Network Magazine makes me feel like one. The recipes are interactive and you can add ingredients from recipes you choose to a shopping list, which you can use while you are in the market. The photos pop out at you, and they seem to have a knack for utilizing the space of their digital issues.
Good Housekeeping
I am so not a Stepford Wife, but reading Good Housekeeping makes me feel like I am a perfect homemaker. Chock full of recipes, DIY ideas, interviews with celebrities, and handy tips, having it on my iPad is a must. The iPad version isn’t as ‘souped up’ as some of the other magazines on this list, but the graphics are pleasant and easy to look at, and costs less than other magazines in it’s genre. Good Housekeeping on your iPad is such a SCORE!
O, The Oprah Magazine
Lady O can do no wrong. And her digital imprint of her magazine is no different. Not only is it a well put together online magazine, but you feel like you are a part of the publication. You can complete questions within articles by simply typing them. It has more of a journal feel, as you are able to “reply” to what is on the page.
Now that I subscribe to these magazines on my iPad, I am not sure I will ever go back to the traditional way of reading them again. It makes me feel organized and on top of what’s new and current.
When checking out your favorite magazines on the iPad, most of them require you to download the app. From that app, you can buy one issue, or back issue. You can also subscribe for a yearly fee, which is usually lower than the normal subscription price by mail. Many of these magazine imprints also offer free “special” issues that you can read without charge, which may give you an indication for what the digital issue will look and “feel” like.
In the next month or so, I will share my picks for the best fashion and beauty magazines for the iPad. Be on the lookout for that post!
Do you subscribe digitally to your favorite magazines?
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