For the longest time I couldn’t see the point in services like Instapaper and Read it Later. I knew a lot of people I trust and respect used such things, but I just couldn’t see how it fitted into my workflow. It felt forced and unnecessary. After all, if I want to read something then I want to read it on my big screen and I can just leave the tab open right?

Things changed however when I discovered the power of reading on the iPhone. It doesn’t seem like a natural fit, but the iPhone really is a wonderful device for reading with.

I have found that while I love [Google Reader] (especially with [Feedly]), the simplicity and attention to detail of the [Reeder] app for iPhone really is fantastic for scanning headlines and picking out those instant must share items as well as items I want to read in more depth.

For the must read items, there is always an element of time and attention that comes into play. Without sounding too much like, [Merlin Mann], I really need to make sure I have the time and attention to concentrate on the story. If I don’t pay it proper attention then it ends up like most meetings; lots of wasted time, no action and heavy heads. Using a service like [Instapaper], I can scan headlines and save reading for a more appropriate time so I can enjoy it far more.

Actually reading articles on the iPhone is brilliant too. Between Reeder and Instapaper you have a really solid platform for reading on a small screen. Instapaper also has a mobilizer built in if required. I find the smaller screen makes it easier to find my place in the smaller block of text, should I need to look away while reading (when I hear a goal being scored on the TV for example).

Even with “multi-tasking” in iOS 4, there is a certain single task mentality that remains for iPhone use, and that really helps you to focus on reading. I have started to use Safari 5’s new reader feature for this on the desktop, but some blogs are still just too pretty to do that with.

The beauty of the iPhone is always that it’s constantly connected and always in your pocket, so if you get a few minutes of free time in a queue or a waiting room, you can always ignore your GTD apps and get a little light reading in instead.

Update: Adam Jackson has only just started using Instapaper, much like myself. He also thinks highly of it.