Go to the newsstand and look through each of the magazines mentioned. See what they have that would interest you. Look at the lay out and the contents section. Read through a pattern in each book to see if it clicks right away or you find yourself having to read over it again to understand what they are saying - not all quilt patterns or writers are created equal and as a beginner it can be a daunting task to decipher directions you are not familiar with. Read a paragraph or so of an article. Some of us like technical articles, some of us like chatty lighthearted articles. It boils down to you and how you feel about the magazine. I always look forward to getting the newest issue of a magazine. When you get a magazine and it sits unread, it is a waste.