The launch of the iPad has put a renewed focus on digital media applications, and early evidence suggests the impact of Apple's new product on the digital editions market will be profound. With its portability, interactivity and high-resolution color screen, the iPad seems taylor-made for magazines.

After a disappointing first quarter and brutal recession, magazine ad pages finally seem to be heading into positive territory. Industry advertising pages fell 9.4 percent in the first quarter, per Publishers Information Bureau, in contrast to many publishers’ statements that the ad climate was improving.

This week brought more confirmation that magazine publishers stand to benefit from the surge of interest in e-readers, including the new Apple iPad. On Wednesday Mediamark Research & Intelligence revealed the results of a study showing that e-reader owners are big fans of magazines, in addition to being a desirable demographic.

If the Esquire editor in chief is in a good mood this early March day, it’s understandable. The Roger Ebert interview in the current issue is generating media buzz and Web traffic in advance of the film critic’s appearance on Oprah. Then there’s the upcoming National Magazine Awards.