I am a fairly heavy user of Craigslist as are many of you out there. And most of you have the same complaint I do about the service, that being it can be a little difficult to get around and there’s more or less no way to search multiple areas at the same time.
Well, now you can. CraigsList Reader is a free app that makes it a whole lot easier to find stuff on CL. And you can search any number of combinations of different regions and categories.
However the software is not without its flaws. I’ll say up front it is a great app and you will like it if you use CL at all, but here’s my complaint list:
Location update takes forever
When you first start using the app you’ll want to update all the locations from the CL system. This can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, and I’m not kidding. Fortunately once it’s done you most likely won’t have to do it again.
Somewhat difficult to cancel a search
When a search is executed and you cancel it, the software "hesitates" a bit before canceling. And sometimes search results continue to show up even though you instructed it to cancel.
Using IE engine to display listings
The HTML engine the software uses is IE and not its own. Not really a big deal but I can’t stand the way IE renders web pages.
Interface somewhat confusing
The top left where the search options are "one for all" style. Would be nice if this was laid out in layered menus instead particular to category.
Here’s what the app looks like in action:
Even with my complaints I do sincerely like where this app is going. I really dig the fact you can search multiple states/locations at once. I like you can sort listings by date, category, name, price and so on. There’s a whole lot to like about this app.
IMPORTANT NOTE BEFORE DOWNLOADING: This app does use the Microsoft .NET framework. Most of you already have this installed so you shouldn’t have to worry about it.
Link: CraigsList Reader.
Did you try this app? What did you think? Let us know by writing a comment.
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Hey Rich – great review, as always. Big CL fan myself and am really liking this app so far.
Just a note though – I’m not sure why it should take 10-30 minutes to update the locations, b/c mine took no more than a minute. Not sure if it’s based on network or PC speed, but mine worked like a charm.
Thanks for write-up!
Forgot to ask – do you know if this app downloads the listings that you read/search to your computer somewhere, or if it’s just viewing it off the main page?
CraigsPal is easier and faster for me.
I really like the Craigslist Reader from Motion Technologies. It is easy to use and the download went quick for me. I am an avid Craigslist user. I have found paid writing projects, free stuff, and more for years. I have been using the Craigslist Reader for a few months now and wonder how I got by without it before haha I must have been wasting a lot of time.