There was an uncomfortable moment the other day, when Ed Driscoll asked me if I’d review the new PJ Media app for your iPhone and iPad. I mean, I work here. I’ve been getting a paycheck from PJ Media since it launched way back in 2005 — and I’m not exactly known for keeping my mouth shut. But then I figured, that’s kind of what they hired me for, so if it’s a review they want, it’s a review they’ll get.
Now, longtime VodkaPundit readers know I love Apple. It started with iPod lust, then quickly blossomed into an all-consuming affair, including an iMac, more iPods, a Mac Pro, an iPad, three generations of iPhones starting with the very first one, and it’s a sure thing I’ll order an iPad 3 just as soon as they go on sale next month. What you also need to know is, I have also mercilessly ripped Apple products when necessary. Sure, I’m a fan — but I’m no fanboy. I won’t let my biases get in the way of honest criticism.
Keep that in mind when I tell you: The PJ Media app is pretty darn good.
The iPhone version is especially sharp. There’s a bottom row of buttons to your favorite places — the home page, the Tatler, columnists such as yours truly, the Lifestyle page, and, of course, Instapundit. Clicking on each gives you a list of stories, with blurbs. And you have the now-traditional pull-to-refresh feature to get the latest items. Ads are minimal and unobtrusive.
Yes, there are a few banner ads. Did I mention the app is free?
I’m a little more conflicted about the iPad version. It looks sharp, but the small navigation buttons look a little lost on that 10-inch screen. Maybe they just need to be higher-contrast. The story scrollbar is on the left, giving you access to links even while you’re reading an item — that’s something you can’t do on the tiny iPhone. Best part? Unlike every single other news app out there out there — at least in my experience — our app allows you to copy text for pasting elsewhere. In other words, the PJ app is actually useful to people who write or blog for a living — or who just like to share. Blogging is in PJ’s DNA, and it shows.
I only see one major flaw. For existing readers like you, it’s great. Easy navigation, so you’ll know what to expect and where to find your favorite writers. But when going to each page, the default “big panel” is just a blowup of the PJ logo. You have to kind of hunt through the scrollbar, and then click on something, before that giant logo gets replaced by something useful. New readers should get a little more direction, more great stuff to read, without having to work for it. Our top stories of the day should be right there in their faces, each time they navigate somewhere new.
I talked to our managing editor, Aaron Hanscom, about the Big Staring Logo, and he tells me I’m not the only one to think it’s a flaw. Hopefully we’ll get that fixed in an update before too long.
Overall, though? What a handy (and free!) way to put a little VodkaPundit right in your pocket.
You can download me — er, it — right here from the iTunes App Store.
Yipee!
so when can we have an Andriod version?
Android users are self-reliant, like conservatives are supposed to be.
And if you have a Kindle Fire instead of the pricey iWhatever, you can just use the web browser to get to PJM. I do it all the time and it works just fine.
We don’t need no steenkin’ app!
We are working on an Android version.
You could also install a WordPress mobile theme. Then the site would be readable on all smart phones.
Here is one example:
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wptouch/
You developer could probable have it done in one day.
And links from other sites would land on a readable page as well.
I’m really enjoying the iPad app – so far, it runs fast, looks good (except for the font, see below) and runs fast.
Please don’t use the WordPress theme as a substitute for the iPad app. Every time I view a site using it on my iPad, my browser crashes shortly thereafter. It is a big pain. I am using the current version of iOS on an original iPad.
I would love it, however, if you would consider allowing us to pick from the iPad fonts and sizes in a configuration screen. Verdana is quite tiresome to read on an iPad screen. I’d like to be able to select Optima (my favorite font) or at least Helvetica.
I’d like to have a Kindle Fire version – as I like to read things offline – and hopefully your Android version will do that. I also have the iphone and plan to download it. (Also PJTV subscriber and use it everyday – like to have more of your videos downloadable to itunes.)
How about a link to Instapaper so we can read the columns later?
Terrific, thanks! Now Android please for my kids.
Just got it. Keep up the good work!
Virtual vicarious vodka? There’s an app for that!
Cool! How about a Windows 8 version? Think of the global reach…
Now if the app only switched perspectives to sideways on my iphone so i could read the articles in wide format instead of the miniature ribbon the current format seems restricted to.
the iPad app is nice. Good work!
If you create a HTML5 version of PJMedia, then it can easily be converted to a BlackBerry PlayBook app.
I’ve downloaded it twice on my ipod but there seems to be a bug for me. Every time I try to open an article it responds “Connection Problem. Could not load article”, even though I am obviously connected to the net and I do have a connection to PJM inasmuch as the app gives me today’s list of articles when I choose one of the category buttons at the bottom.
I have the exact same problem, on my iPod Touch. I get the Table of Contents initial page for “PJMedia,”Tatler,” “Columnists,” etc., but each attempt to go beyond that is met with “Connection Problem, Could not load article.” I haven’t with any other iPod App or internet browser a Connection Problem.
Same problem. Suggestions?
Android first you elitist ba*tar*s…
My Iphone 3G tells me it is not compatible
It means the ABS is inoperative and it’s going to take a longer distance to stop in a panic situation. It’s OK to drive just be a bit more cautious.