This is a review of someone who actually signed up for the 14 day subscription for the iPad. I have to say that I loved every single issue. I've been abroad for 3 years and I don't have access to Philippine news aside from the websites and TFC, so it was quite refreshing to actually get all the content along with the layout, editorials and even the funny pages on my device. It's not so different from subscribing to the digital versions of Cosmo and NatGeo magazines that are offered by Barnes & Noble.
Yes, you can read the headlines online for free. That's true. But to say that PDIEReader is a rip off would be unfair. First off, PDIEReader in itself is FREE. Plus there's a 14 days/issue trial subscription to see if this version will work for you and your lifestyle. And if you think it's not worth the buck(s), then that's it. There's no obligation to continue, no subsequent charges on your credit card. In fact you don't need to input your credit card info to avail the trial subscriptions.
But If you do decide to subscribe, the subscriptions in itself are cheaper than subscribing to the paper-based newspaper. Based on local prices, a paper based PDI issue costs 20 pesos. The digital edition, only 14 pesos. They've already taken out the paper and delivery costs out of the price, reducing their carbon footprint as well. The 14 pesos is for the content... the talent of its writers and production staff and the whole shebang effort of producing timely news.
The PDI digital edition gives you more than the headlines. It gives you everything they have on the actual paper version of the newspaper. You will get even the local news in the provinces, the editorials, obituaries, the job openings, comic strips... even the ads! This is something you don't get for free on the website. I for one felt nostalgic when I saw the telecom ads and the theater listings.... So how is this a "RIP OFF"?
You can set it up so that when you open PDIEReader , the latest edition will download automatically via wifi. Once downloaded you can read the newspaper offline, while commuting or while you're having your breakfast and coffee.
But if you don't own a tablet or a compatible device, you don't like reading on one and if you only want to read headlines then this service is not going to appeal to you. No one is forcing you to buy the digital editions. You don't have to use this if you don't want to, but it's there for people who do. Ultimately, it all depends on your lifestyle and your needs. Personally, I enjoy reading on my iPad and I like the content. I will definitely subscribe to their service even if it's 9.99 per month.
