Downloading an issue takes upwards of 15 min even with 15 Mbps broadband. It downloads a bit, long pause, a bit more, pause, etc. Very frustrating. Worse, if you switch apps or let the iPad go to sleep, you lose all your download progress. You must monitor the entire lengthy download and keep it from going to sleep.
On the other hand, reading the magazine is a breeze once you have it downloaded. The interface is fast, smooth, and relatively consistent with other Newsstand journals so switching between different magazines is easy. Text is large and easily put in the background so you can enjoy the photography which really pops off the backlit screen.
If they fix the download problems, this will be four stars. Until then, I am sticking with the paper magazine.
It would also be nice to be able to archive issues you have purchased on your Mac or PC so you can continue to enjoy them if you cancel your subscription. Keeping them on the iPad consumes too much storage space.