MacLife (1-year)

As an alternative to MacWorld, the venerable option for Mac users, MacAddict brings some life to the party. Offering the content of MacWorld, but written like Maxim, the enthusiasm for the platform definitely comes through.

MacAddict is not unique in content. You get product reviews, how-to's, tips, interviews, and such. (Depending on your subscription, it may also include a helpful CD loaded with freeware, shareware, video clips, and other goodies - it's the CD that gives the mag its raison d'etre.) All things considered, it's your typical computer magazine. What sets it apart is its insider, wink-wink, Gen X attitude.

And that's where the strength and weakness of the magazine lies. How much you'll enjoy MacAddict depends how much you like the attitude.

Personally, I find it a bit grating and in-your-face simply for in-your-face's sake. MacWorld may be a better choice in this regard. MacAddict tends to be a bit thin page-wise, too. It's about half the length of comparable computer magazines. Part of that lies in the fact that the Mac universe isn't as loaded with as much debris as the PC's, but still, MacWorld has more content. And that content does have some bigger names writing it, too.

One area in which MacAddict does beat MacWorld is that it seems to be on a tighter publishing schedule - getting reviews of new products ahead of its stodgier cousin. But when you consider what is available in this regard on the Internet, this advantage doesn't seem so helpful.

If you are a Mac fanatic - and can afford it - get MacAddict with MacWorld. But if you are a normal user, I'd tip the scales toward MacWorld.


No CD = No Subscription   May 16, 2002
Joe Sokohl (Richmond, VA USA)
23 out of 28 found this review helpful

The one star is for this deal, not for the magazine: To offer MacAddict without the CD is like offering the New Yorker without the cartoons--it's an integral component. One of the main reasons to buy the magazine is to get the demos, updates, freeware, shareware, and staff movies. No doubt that the magazine is fun, a little irreverent, and mostly on top of things...but the magazine also is written with the disc in mind. So, please, Amazon, offer a REAL MacAddict subscription.


MacAddict Not Worth It Anymore   March 2, 2006
mcasse (IL, United States)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

I have Issue #1 and just received the lastest issue (March 06), but I've let my subscription run-out. MacAddict isn't worth it anymore.

First, I loved MacAddict for "the Disc." Back in the days of pre-broadband, the Disc was a godsend! Software galore! But now in the days of broadband, the Disc is not a good enough reason to get MacAddict. The only original conent on the Disc is the monthly staff movie, I think I watched one staff movie over the years.

Second, the magazine seems to have lost quite a bit of content over the years. The magazine started at over 100 pages and is now a slim 80 pager. Often there is one "feature" article and that's it. Lately I spend about 10 minutes scanning the magazine for anything worth reading and then file it with the others.

Third, the magazine has a pretty weird view of who "Mac Addicts" are. "Mac Addicts" are accomplished musicians (who use Apple's GarageBand) and accomplished cinematographers (who capture video with high-end digital cameras and use iMovie and iDVD on a near daily basis.) They're also people who have the latest and greatest hardware who upgrade at the drop of a hat. I don't do any of those things, and I wager that the majority of Mac users don't do most of those on a regular basis.

Forth, their review section is hit-or-miss. Sometimes, they review relavant products that a good majority of Mac users want to know about. Other times they review fringe products (MIDI accordion, anyone?) or products out of the price range of all but the independently wealthy. The rating system seems to suffer from grade inflation. Nearly every product earns a score of 4 out of 5. If they like something, it gets a 5, if they don't like something, it gets a 3.

On a positive note, Mac Addict is a "fun" magazine. And its news coverage is pretty good.


A very Good Mac Magazine   January 15, 2005
R. Anderson (Petoskey, MI USA)
11 out of 15 found this review helpful

If you read some of the older reviews some make the comment that Mac Addict isn't what it used to be. I'm not sure what they're getting at with that. This magazine has been steadily improving over the years. Lots of reviews, and the included CD is a great tool, filled with free ware, share ware, and samples of commercial software that allow you to try the program before buying it.
If your a Mac engineer it may not be enough for you, but for most of us this is a good source of info.


A highly biased review from MacAddict's Editor in Chief   November 2, 2001
Rik Myslewski (San Francisco, CA United States)
10 out of 12 found this review helpful

Hey, I'm being honest up front -- full disclosure, and all that jazz...

I'm the Editor in Chief at MacAddict, and I gotta say that if you're a fan of the Mac, you'll definitely love our magazine. Our monthly goal is to help you get the most out of your Mac, so we cram each issue full of how-to stories, tips'n'tricks, product recommendations, and bright shiny objects -- all written and laid out with that now-famous MacAddict attitude.

If you love your Mac and want to enjoy yourself while learning how to squeeze the last possible drop of fun out of it -- and bend it to your will when using it for actual work, as well -- you'll love our magazine.

And if you don't, tell me why -- maybe you've got some great ideas about how we could improve it.