So, I finally broke down and bought an iPad. It works fantastically well for comics. I'm using ComicZeal right now, and while it works for straight-forward reading, it's limited by the iPad's lack of on-device file access, forced-parsing of file names and no way to do reading lists.

It was quite a 180 to go from CR, where the developer is actively involved in the community and does frequent fixes/updates to buying an app from the store and finding almost no support online.

Considering this as well as cYo's lament that CR is still not accepted as the primary reader/manager for comics, I think it's time to re-examine the hard case of a ComicRack for iPad. Even if it started simply as a remote library client and had very limited on-device file support, I think it's the best way to really explode CR into the world.

Now, do I think this is feasible anytime soon? Not really. Not only is it a different set of development tools/languages, but it would have to be charged for, and from what I've seen that's not a line cYo is ready to cross. In addition, as cYo seems to be the only developer maintaining the full version as well as the website, it may be too much work for one man, dependending on Apple's requirements for support. Finally, cYo doesn't seem to be too interested in supporting iPad or other non-full OS tablets (at least at the moment).

I don't blame cYo for any of that (and I apologize if I'm not getting details right), but I think the reality is that iPad support would be a homerun and really boost CR from a little-known app to the primary tool for reading and managing comic collections.

My 2 cents...

I think a light version of comicrack for iPad should be the way to go... not a full-blown app, but maybe a 'client side' type of application... now that the library sharing function is working like a charm... Regarding making it a pay application, it needs not be so, right? There are free apps on the AppsStore, aren't there...?

perezmu wrote:


That would be great, but I believe Apple charges for SDKs/dev access/posting in the iTunes app store/etc. I'm willing to pay if cYo decides to start charging to cover his costs, and besides, we're only talking $5-$10 or so.

DouglasBubbletrousers wrote:

Try $99/year. Source

I think the best way to go would be a browser based client reader as mentioned here

Of course this is all ultimately up to cYo.

Stonepaw wrote:


I don't know if that would be robust/configurable enough for most tastes. The safari browser on the iPad is pretty trimmed down and doesn't support Flash.

Apple is a no go for me.
Technologically and philosophically.

The current situation with the Apple approved tools/language license controversy ( www.google.de/search?q=section+3.3.1 ) is just the last straw for me personally.

My next phone is an Android. Apple is becoming the new Microsoft on steroids... Even in their most evil days, Microsoft never told anyone which tools/languages they where allowed to use.

ComicRack is a .NET/C#/Python project. But MonoTouch is now dead.

I like the idea of the platform independent web client, though

I broke down and bought and iPad and I'm using Comic Reader Mobi to read my comics on it. I have to admit the reading experience with this app/device is awesome.

However, I, ultimately, hate Apple as much as it sounds like cYo does.

The good news is that the HP Slate is going to be out within a few months and we can all use ComicRack on a device with a similar form factor, capacitive screen, and price as an iPad.

I love how both of you say you "broke down" and bought an iPad, as if Apple twisted your arms

I am interested in hearing your non-ComicRack thoughts on the device, perhaps in the General forum.

Drybonz wrote:


Hate is a strong word. My IPhone is one of the best devices I've ever bought. But from the developer standpoint you can not support Apple anymore. Jobs is like this fames benevolent king. As long as he's nice everything is fine. But hope he never gets angry

Think of following scenario: Microsoft tells me I'm only allowed to write windows apps in Visual Basic, they've to be approved by them (so I can never release a text processing application, cause there is office - duplicate functionality), for every copy I sell Microsoft gets 30% and I can not put the app on my own website but MUST put them on the Microsoft website. Now think about this scenario.
It's crazy. But it is the current situation with Apple in the IPhone eco system. I know, I can by a different phone and write my stuff for that one. The IPhone has only a market share, I think, of 25% percent in the smartphone segment - but it has a 95% market share in the monetizing segment. And that is the reason a lot people swallow that bitter pill and try to adapt to every surprising license change.

Today I read an interview from Miguel de Icaza. He kinda begged apple to keep monotouch alive. He once was a proud and independent open source GPL gnome developer...

Of course, this is me the developer. A consumer has different priorities.

I just wonder how long apple can play this game. Android is the fastest growing mobile platform.

Pretty much everything stated in the last few posts is the reason I'll never buy an Apple product; they're overpriced, underperforming, and their business practices are close-minded and counterproductive to any kind of innovation or advancement (besides their own profits, of course).

Also I don't particularly care for the design of most of their devices, but I guess that's just an aethestic choice.