For the past couple of years there has been much talk about the death of newspapers. Many newspapers have gone bankrupt, and those left are barely making it. Back in September, Philadelphia Media Corporation, producers of the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Daily News, came up with a novel and bold concept. They offered a low-priced android tablet, the Arnova 10 G2 at a steeply discounted price if you signed up for a digital subscription to the Inquirer and Daily News. I thought I’d get in on the deal since I was hungry for a tablet and didn’t yet own one. I already had a subscription to the Inquirer, and thought that this could be a good deal for me.
I wasn’t quite sure if I would like reading my morning newspaper on a tablet, but guess what – I ended up preferring it! The digital edition of the newspaper offers these many advantages over the printed copy:
Is is much easier to read an entire article all the way through. There is no need to see what page the article continues on as there is with the paper version. You don’t need to fumble through pages of the newspaper looking for the lead word (e.g. see obscure on C5) to find the remainder of an article.
It is easier to see everything that is in the newspaper and go directly to an article that catches your interest. This makes it less likely that you will miss articles of importance to you.
Pictures are higher quality than the printed version and can be enlarged.
Video can be included along with an article. This is a wonderful addition that can enrich your reading experience. I love being able to read a movie review and then look at the video of the trailer, or see pertinent video concerning a breaking story such as Occupy Wall Street.
Articles can be captured and neatly stored on your computer or e-mailed. If you are a pack rat that loves to clip newspaper articles for future reference, this will make your life much easier and eliminate clutter around your house.
There is an option to press a button to look at breaking news, assuring you that your news is up to date.
You don’t have to stop delivery if you travel. Wherever you go, as long as you have an internet connection, you have your paper delivered to you.
I think that the tablets could be the salvation of the failing newspaper market and that the digital editions are the perfect solution for today’s technology hungry public. Although I enjoy perusing Internet news blogs such as the Huffington Post or news on Associated Content, I prefer to follow my morning ritual and read my trusted local Newspaper first thing in the morning. And I am loving this new digital way of doing it!