San Francisco Chronicle for iPad

Not ready for prime time

     

This app is a good attempt at making the experience of reading a newspaper on an iPad more like the feel of reading the newspaper, but it isn't as functional as its design promises. My biggest complaint is that it is slow and glitchy. Each article has to load when you request it and although it loads moderately fast, after awhile it is simply an experience that detracts from the reader's enjoyment.

I much prefer the format of USA Today--simple, fast, and a great reader experience. It doesn't offer as much as the Chronicle in the way of pictures and videos, but it is just so much more of a pleasure to read.

Finally, the Chron offers a free Sunday paper with the iPad subscription. I wish there was a way to opt out of that service. Even though it is nice marketing add on, there are those of us who don't want the print edition, even on Sunday.

Because of these issues I cancelled my iPad subscription and will hope for an improved version in the future.