I got myself in a similar situation about three years ago, and since then moved and now need to use my car. Magazines are easier to read because you can fold

I got myself in a similar situation about three years ago, and since then moved and now need to use my car. Magazines are easier to read because you can fold them and you need to turn the pages less often than books. Sadly, the ACM Queue magazine is no longer available in printed form. I also read research articles on the commute, pocket books only if I could sit down. I initially tried and don't recommend the netbook as it is difficult to do anything meaningful in 20 to 25 minutes. And more importantly if you phase out and nearly miss your stop, they are hard to fold and put back in the bag in a hurry while you rush for the exit. I don't really know about using apps on an iPod touch or iPhone since I didn't have one back then. I found podcasts and audiobooks are the best. Some of them are hard to listen to at a safe volume in a busy and noisy place like a train or a bus. So look for good sound quality. I change podcasts I listen to often but some I have enjoyed when commuting were things like (I may get the names wrong) - Big Ideas - Stanford Entrepreneurial thought leaders seminars - The project management podcast (mostly for its great sound quality)