# iPad and magazine subscriptions **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 17, 2011, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipad-and-magazine-subscriptions/582251 "2011-05-17T21:23:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2011, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipad-and-magazine-subscriptions/582251/1 "2011-05-17T21:23:49Z")
I got my new iPad2 today. Excitement! I was under the impression that I could get iPad-optimized versions of magazines that I subscribe to for free. Lord knows where I got that impression, because when I went looking to read _Wired_ online, I learn that this month only, they are offering a free version. All else must buy, even if you own a paper subscription? Damn. I guess my question is, for iPad owners: what free periodical subscriptions are out there, that look good and are easy to read on the iPad? (The only other magazine besides _Wired_ that I read with any regularity is _Southern Living_, and even that I gave up about a year ago … but I see they have a new editor, so I may go back.) ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2011, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipad-and-magazine-subscriptions/582251/2 "2011-05-17T22:27:09Z")
I read a lot of magazines in my iPad, but none are free. Some, like the Economist, allow you free access if you have print subscription. Others via Zinio are fairly inexpensive. For totally free, try something like Flipbard or Zite which present news feeds in a magazine-like layout. ---
**Author:** ![newcomer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e5b9ba/32.png) [@newcomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcomer)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2011, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipad-and-magazine-subscriptions/582251/3 "2011-05-17T22:49:53Z")
Just a few days ago The New Yorker started offering iPad version of the magazine free with print subscription (~$80 per year). It was $4.99 per issue. That alone justifies buying the iPad. I was so moved I sent them a thank you email :o ---
**Author:** ![Moonlitherial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Moonlitherial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonlitherial)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2011, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipad-and-magazine-subscriptions/582251/4 "2011-05-18T00:52:14Z")
I use Zinio which, although not free is definitely cheaper than the print subscription rate in most cases. Zinio has AMAZING customer service. I also use Zite for general content although this one is new to me, I’ve only had it for a couple of weeks. ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2011, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipad-and-magazine-subscriptions/582251/5 "2011-05-18T00:55:49Z")
I don’t know what those are, Moonlitherial. Services? Really, I’m new to this so I need an education on options. ---
**Author:** ![Moonlitherial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Moonlitherial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonlitherial)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2011, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipad-and-magazine-subscriptions/582251/6 "2011-05-18T01:03:04Z")
Applications available through the App store. Both of those are free but you pay for content you add.