Tap into Tech Mags at State Library of Queensland

We are living in the future! Our personal devices are continuing to change the way we live, and it’s a challenge to keep up with the latest raft of technologies, devices, apps and software. State Library of Queensland subscribes to a range of magazines which you can access to stay in the know about new technologies. Here are just a few tech mags from our collection to get you started.

Computer Choice

Which app or software to use? That potentially bewildering decision is made easier with Computer Choice magazine. The magazine highlights the functionality of new apps, software and hardware, as tested in a series of factual, practical and to-the-point analyses. The articles explain in plain language key considerations and background relevant to the type of software or hardware being reviewed.

A recent feature entitled 'Streaming Showdown' pits the top streaming services against each other in a binge watch battle royale. It makes for a useful reference guide next time you reach for the remote.

MIT Technology Review

MIT Technology Review offers an issues-based look at how the implementation of technology may affect us socially, commercially and politically now and into the future. Each month follows a particular theme, with a recent issue delving into the application of technology in cities. The articles, contributed by leading innovators and researchers, are accessible, thought-provoking, and timely, allowing the reader to develop a broad understanding of issues related to the chosen theme.

The magazine is not simply a cheerleader for all things high tech, with frank discussions of where technology implementation has fallen short of expectations. The Review also displays a global outlook and a social conscience with its highlighting of wealth disparity and coverage of innovative uses of technology by NPOs in developing countries. Other topics include ethics related to technology, climate change and the pandemic.

Articles that grabbed my attention included one on secure parking pods in New York City that protect bicycles from rain and theft. Another details the development of a dancing robot bee that could potentially communicate with honeybees and guide them to foraging sites that are free from pesticides. Technologies that lead to more bikes and more bees can't be bad in my book.

Australian Personal Computer

Australian Personal Computer (APC) is Australia’s longest-running technology magazine, in print since 1980 and recently achieving the milestone of 500 issues. Its main focus is on the personal computer, but with the definition of the PC ever changing, smartphones, apps and other tech are featured as well. In the magazine’s pages you’ll find essential tech news, opinion pieces on topics such as AI and social media, and reviews of everything from software to monitors.

A recent issue had a great feature on calendar apps, each one reviewed with well-considered criteria such as whether the app can factor in your travel time and alert you when it’s time to leave (which, let's face it, is probably everyone's main reason for being late!) There are some great suggestions for apps that I had never heard of, and I can already see myself using one of these to get organised in 2023. The magazine also embraces the retro gaming craze, with features on emulators of old gaming consoles and classic computers. We may be living in the future, but there is still time for revisiting the past.

Access your favourite magazines

Our physical magazine collection is available for loan with your State Library membership. 

You can also access other technology publications via State Library’s online catalogue One Search, including books, eBooks and online articles.

And while we’re on the subject of technology, don’t forget that you can also Print, Scan and Charge Your Phone at the Infozone.

More information

• One Search 
• Borrowing
• Ask a librarian