How to Find Stuff to Read for the iPad

May

2010

Robert Workman, iPadNewsDaily Contributor
09:32 PM ET

The iPad has over 200,000 Apps to choose from. But what if you aren't interested in the high-techness of it all and just want something to read? Well, fortunately, there are numerous sources to turn to when it comes to checking out information and news through your iPad. Here now are our top picks...

"New York Times Editor's Choice" (The New York Times Company, free)

Although having the full edition on the iPad isn't an option at this point, the "New York Times Editor's Choice" is nothing to scoff at. It features pages chock full of top headline stories, information and video clips, all of which are accessible through a very user-friendly interface. There are several popular categories here, including Opinions, Business, and Technology among others, and the option to download stories for later reading when you're off-line. No, it's not the entire paper in your hands, but it is free, and that's definitely a step ahead of other news-covering applications.

"USA Today for iPad" (USA Today, free (until July 4)

The nationwide newspaper has gone digital. USA Today covers the same categories as the print edition, including Life, Sports , weather and, of course, news. It's all accessible through a nice and neat format, where you can access particular sections simply by tapping where you want to go. It takes a little while to load in some spots, but you get your stories crystal clear, without any weird text problems getting in the way. The images look real sharp, too. The only downside to this app is that USA Today will start charging subscription fees on July 4. No word on what those fees will be, but probably the same as the print edition. Still, that beats the five bucks a week that Time Magazine is charging.

"Thomson Reuters News Pro" (Thomson Reuters, free)

Thomson Reuters may not be as popular a news outlet as, say, CNN or even MSNBC, but it should be. This app, built ideally for those who dabble in business and professional duty, is one of the more definitive out there when it comes to information. The easy-to-access menu bar is splendid, letting you hit your favorite categories with ease. You can also access terrific video clips , should you want to see what's happening in your world. We're also big fans of the currency converter, which shows you the exchange rate for money throughout the world -- without the need to stop at one of those annoying airport kiosks. This is a wonderful tool to have, and it goes side-by-side with the "Wall Street Journal" app. (That one is free as well.)

"AP News" (The Associated Press, free)

If you prefer a news application that doesn't look so overloaded on information, the "AP News" app is your best bet. This program enables you to choose from various news stories using a clipboard-style system, so you find which stories you need, click and go. While some more organized categories would've been nice, this gives you plenty of room to explore and look around, and discover what's happening in such areas as sports, travel and entertainment. There's even a wacky category, if you like your news a little on the oft-kilter side.

"Yahoo Entertainment" (Yahoo!, free)

If you prefer to read something more entertainment based, "Yahoo Entertainment" is just your ticket. This app features news in a variety of categories, including entertainment, tech, and the humorous JibJab. Comics and Odd Stories are sure to give you a chuckle, and all your favorite stars are covered in up-to-the-minute celebrity news. In addition, it also has a programmable TV guide with the latest listings, so you can set up your viewing schedule accordingly. You can even divide them up by shows and types, from documentary to reality. (Because some of you just can't get enough Survivor, right?)

"Marvel Comics for iPad" (Marvel, free to download, free-$1.99 per comic)

No iPad-owning comic book reader should be without this app. It includes a wonderful interface that lets you scour through hundreds of Marvel comics, vintage and brand new, for your reading pleasure. It also has a free section, so you can check out some of your favorite adventures without putting down a single penny. (Other issues will run you $1.99 apiece, which is reasonable.) The interface lets you flip through each page like you would with a real comic book, only without worrying about bent pages, creases or smudges from your friend's dirty fingers. Begone plastic baggies, we have a new reading interface in town.

Those are just some of the applications available for your reading pleasure. We'll revisit this category as time goes on and we develop some new favorites.