[Alexander Turcic]

I just received an e-mail from the New York Times inviting me to try the new Times Reader software. Of course I didn't waste any time and went ahead to install it. Rather than talking too much I made a few screenshots for you. Some things worth mentioning:

• Times Reader runs on the Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), which is built into the new Vista operating system
• Windows XP users need to install Dot Net 3.0 Fundamentals first (which happens automatically when you run the Times Reader installer)
• Link to register and download the Times Reader: http://www.nytimes.com/mem/reader_regi.html (not sure if you need to be invited first)
• Direct download link which works only apparently if you're logged in: http://reader.nytimes.com/timesreade...rFullSetup.exe
• Times Reader FAQ's: http://www.nytimes.com/membercenter/...mesreader.html

I know many of you are not exactly in love with Microsoft; but before you pass judgement on the Times Reader, try it out for yourself. I found it surprisingly fun to use and pleasant to read from.