Hacker News Reader

I disagree about muli-column layouts, as I tend to like them. I think it just comes down to preference. The best solution would be to offer multiple views based on user preference.

The rest is spot on though. A little too specific and un-changeable for my personal use.

View on HN

Multi-columns work if you don't have to scroll to read the info as well. If you can get to the bottom of the column without scrolling (like on a printed page) it's fine. If you have to scroll they're horrid. You wouldn't print a book with a multi-column layout where each column continues through to the end of the chapter, and then you have to turn back to the start to read the next column. Yet people do it with digital documents all the damn time.

I think multi-columns are a good way to present information, it is a shame about being unable to change the column but surely that can be fixed? I'd use this if that was the case, it's a great way of pulling together newsworthy content.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com