• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, September 25, 2014

Geeks of a certain age will always fondly remember the print edition of Macworld -- at one time the definitive guide to all things Macintosh, back when its personal computers were a revolutionary new technology. But the monthly roundup of new Mac hardware and software no longer made sense in the age of 24-7 digital publishing, according to owner IDG, prompting the publisher to shutter the print publication.

First published in 1984 -- the same day that Steve Jobs released his pioneering Apple Macintosh personal computer -- Macworld will continue as a digital-only publication, IDG said. However it’s not exactly clear who will be writing the content, as IDG also laid off all but three of Macworld’s staff as it did away with the print edition this week.
 
Macworld outlasted its sister publication, PCWorld, by a little over a year. IDG closed the print edition of PCWorld to focus on digital in July 2013. Before that, PC Magazine pulled the plug on its print edition back in 2008. Tech publisher Ziff Davis also closed another venerable geek title, Electronic Gaming Monthly, in 2009.

Another title sure to inspire nerd nostalgia, Computer Shopper, closed in April 2009, although the Web site continues to publish. After publishing the magazine from 1993-2001, Ziff Davis reacquired ComputerShopper.com from SX2 Media Labs in May 2012.

Apple Buys Prss
 
On a more positive Apple-related note, Apple has acquired Prss, a Dutch start-up that helps publishers create digital magazines for iPads by simplifying much of the technical work that goes into them. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Prss was founded in 2013, and serves a similar function to iBooks Author, a free publishing tool for authors and small publishers to create iPad versions of books.

McGraw Sells Construction Media

McGraw Hill Financial has sold its construction media division to Symphony Technology Group, the companies announced this week, further winnowing down its business-to-business publication holdings to focus on finance-related titles. The construction media division, which includes titles like Architectural Record, GreenSource and Engineering News-Record, fetched $320 million and has annual revenues of $170 million.

Laird Named EIC, Women’s Health

Amy Keller Laird has been named editor in chief of Women’s Health, publisher Rodale Inc. announced this week. Laird was named interim EIC in August, and before that served as executive editor, a post she assumed in 2011. Before joining Rodale, she was deputy editor and beauty director at Allure magazine, and also served as beauty director at Good Housekeeping.

Sachs Tapped As EIC, Saveur

Adam Sachs has been named editor-in-chief of Saveur magazine, publisher Bonnier Corp. announced this week. Sachs previously served as editorial director for the culinary Web site and newsletter Tasting Table. Before that, he was a contributing editor for titles including Bon Appétit, Travel + Leisure and Details. He take over the top spot at Saveur on October 6.