I just bought a laptop recently. With next month’s MR issue being my last before my subscription runs out, I was kinda toying with the idea of maybe…maybe getting the digital version instead of the hard copy for the coming year. I do not have a Kindle or Nook so I would be using my laptop (w/15.6" screen) to view each issue, which requires Zinio Reader, according to Customer Service.
What I wanted to find out from those who have chosen the digital route:
Did you find it a convenient way to view the issues?
Was it easier on a tablet-type device vs. a laptop?
How much scrolling was required?
I’m not entirely convinced that this is the way I want to go. However, I wanted to hear from others who have tried the digital versions and how it worked for them before making that commitment.
One things for sure: I know I won’t be carting my laptop to the “reading room” to wile away the time.
Have you used digital magazines before? They are definitely not for everyone. I am getting both digital and print of MR, but it really is two subscriptions. I use the digital and my wife uses the print copy. I am comfortable with digital delivery, she prefers paper. I have only used a tablet to view the issues. I am on my fourth issue and have very few complaints. As for how much scrolling is required, that all depends on your eyesight.
Edit: One disadvantage to digital. You can’t read it while the airplane is taking off or landing. I travel quite a bit so that is a little annoying.
Although I use the computer quite a bit, Richard, I have not used digital magazines before; hence the reason for my post. You mentioned one disadvantage of digital. Perhaps you could list the things that you like and don’t like with magazines in digital format?
Also, I failed to mention that my new laptop is Windows 8 but it is not touch screen capable. You can, however, perform some of the same touch screen functions with the laptop’s touch pad.
I subscribe to the digital edition as well as the paper edition. I use the Zinio reader on my laptop and find it is easy to read and there isn’t a problem with scrolling. I like the ability to enlarge the pages when I want to look closely at something or when my eyes are getting tired and the text is a little too small. I also like the ability to call up back issues. That way I don’t have to go hunting in my paper issue archive. All in all I am happy with the digital edition. I don’t have a tablet so I can’t comment on that.
The airplane complaint is the only real complaint I have. As for the positives, like Joe, I like having all of the old copies in one place for reference. Plus, it is a little minor environmentally friendly, if you are into the green-thing. My wife prefers paper for a couple of reasons. First, you can highlight, annotate, etc. on the paper version. This is not possible with MR’s digital delivery method. Second, she feels more comfortable laying a magazine on the table for reference when working on something.
I have subscribed now for 14 months. I like the fact of no more stacks of magazines to deal with. Nice for a road trip or vacation because most people typically carry their laptop with them.
Functionality has improved since I first signed up. Its also nice for a boring meeting. Just find a strategic seat and the time flies.
You can select a full screen view and vertically the magazine fills the screen. Horizontally, both pages are displayed. There is some left over space on both sides of the monitor, but that is just the nature of a portrait style magazine viewed on today’s wide laptop screens.
Depending on your screen size and eye sight, you many not have to zoom much. Once you get the hang of it is very easy.
My only complaint is I loose my downloaded magazines after Adobe Air issues a update. It is simple to re download them but it can be annoying having to do this 14 times.
I have a 23" LED monitor for my desktop but, as mentioned previously, the laptop screen is 15.6". So, yes - I would be curious to know how well the digital copy is to read on the 15.6" screen.
I don’t have the MR digital service, but I have downloaded lots of Model Railroad Hobbyist digital magazines. I really just don’t like reading digital magazines, I think its annoying, takes more time, not as easy to find something.
Call me oldskool, but I just like having a paper magazine in my hands, and if I want to keep lots of issues.
For those pondering this and have a tablet device, I had read previously on the Amazon website that the “seven most recent issues delivered are saved” on their Kindles. Older issues “are automatically deleted for your convenience”. Kalmbach customer service has indicated that this is NOT the case when the subscription is purchased through them. Each issue is stored virtually and can be downloaded and read using the Zinio Reader.
Thanks for that input. To correct myself, I did look at an issue or two of M-R-H on my home computer and came to some of the same conclusions that you did. I see some of the advantages of the digital format but note that the paper version has its pluses, too.
Tried digital on Laptop and Ipad. Sorry I prefer paper. And no it’s not because I’m a dinosaur, it’s because of several factors, one being pixilation when you zoom in. It’s crap!
Why would you be sorry that you prefer paper and how can the reference to being a dinosaur because you want it on paper be a reality of any sort? Just because you and I have preferences doesn’t mean anything other than we are practicing our right to have them!
Fergmiester, I realize that you and I are not disagreeing on what we like and I have no bone to chew with you about how we get Model railroader. Your statement above, seems to relate some guilt on your part at not wanting everything we do be digital. Sorry; but, I don’t ascribe to feeling guilty about wanting things the way I want them!
