Reeder

Introduction

I’ve been looking for a great syndicated feed reader for my iPhone for whats seems like ages and I finally found one: Reeder. I stumbled upon this while reading iPad Opinions as, yes, there is an iPad version as well. After reading Ken’s review, checking out the Reeder screenshots, and noticing the Google Reader synchronization support, I immediately spent the $2.99 for the app and have been happy ever since. Besides, OmniFocus for the iPhone, Reeder is my second favorite app on the iPhone. In fact, I enjoy the app so much that I actually find my reading habits have changed to where I prefer to read the news via Reeder on the iPhone rather than via a desktop client. Its that good!

Screenshots

This is the main or initial page of all items you have stared for reading later, etc. Clicking on “Starred” gives you a list of all starred items in all folders. Otherwise you can click on a folder in particular to read specific starred items. The circular arrow icon (lower right) is for manual syncing with Google Reader. This isn’t a bad habit to get into, once you have finished reading your feeds, to ensure Google Reeder stays in sync.

This is the second page of unread items only. As with the first page, click “Unread” to read all or delve in each folder for specifics.

This is the third page of just your folders, notes, etc. Well, this is out I organize/categorize my feeds at least.

This last screen is of a few unread items within my “Development” folder. You can tap on each headline to read in detail.

Design

The design, as Ken mentions in his article is very spartan. I would argue that controls are not the most intuitive but you only need to stumble a few times before you’re off running.

Synchronization

The synchronization with Google Reader is really, really good. I’ve not seen synchronization work so well for a feed reader. Then again, I’ve really only used NetNewsWire (both desktop and iPhone app) which are somewhat pathetic. In fact, NetNewsWire for the iPhone is downright awful. Then again, the app is free. Perhaps that is why.

Workflow

As mentioned earlier, my work flow has really changed. I used to read my feeds morning, noon, and night via the desktop (and still do for the most part) but the sheer convenience of being able to read my feeds while on the balcony, traveling, eating lunch, in bed, etc. is a lot of fun. If I need desktop access for downloads, video feeds, etc. I can star those news articles for later reading and quickly move on to next unread items.

Final Thoughts

If you enjoy your feeds, love being mobile, and appreciate really good synchronization, then buy this app!

Tags: iPhone

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