Online streaming video services are great, but if you subscribe to more than one service, it is sometimes difficult to find something to watch. Matcha.tv is a great recommendation service to help you find something to watch in one of the services that you subscribe to. Best of all, Matcha is now available as an app for the iPad.

The idea behind Matcha is that you link your streaming video and social networking accounts to Matcha, and you are provided recommendations to movies and TV shows that you will enjoy on a service that you already use. Although Netflix, Hulu, iTunes, Amazon, and xFinity already provide suggestions on programs to watch, Matcha is nice because suggestions for all the services are available in one place. Matcha will let you know which service the program is available on, and let you filter by the services that you are interested in (for example you can select to only show programs available on Netflix and Hulu).

Although I thought this was a great idea when the service originally launched as a website, I logged into Matcha.tv once or twice and never thought about using it again. Then I got an email that an iPad app had launched. With the availability of the iPad app, I have been using Matcha almost daily. The great thing about the app is that if I want to view a program on Netflix, Hulu, iTunes, or xFinity, from the iPad Matcha app, I can simply click on the video and it will launch the proper app and take me directly to the video. It also allows me to add a video I would like to view later to my Netflix queue. I now almost always start any video I want to stream from this app instead of opening one of the other apps first.

The other great thing about the Matcha app is that if you find a video isn’t available by free streaming, it will normally let you know where you can purchase the video from. I have mainly used Matcha to browse new releases and for searching to see if a movie or TV show is available, but it is also one of the easiest ways I have found to view the titles that are available free from Amazon Prime (Amazon still hasn’t come up with a great way to find Prime titles through there site, so for me this has been one of the best video discovery tool for Prime titles).

If you love streaming video, but sometimes have difficulty finding titles to watch, I would highly recommend giving Matcha a try. The website and the app are both free, and are well designed and easy to use.

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I call this feat amazing, because you can have a powerful touch-based tablet, which can output at a higher resolution than any laptop that I am aware of, and a resolution greater than any current commercially available HDTV, at a price lower than an unlocked iPhone 4s. Although the 4s does have a better camera, voice capabilities, and Siri, it also only has a 3.5″ screen, has a much small battery, does not have true 4g capability, and has a much smaller resolution. But if you want to purchase an iPhone 4s without a contract, the 16GB model will cost you $649.00. Yes, an iPhone 4s, with less resolution, about 1/6 of the screen size, a much smaller battery, a less powerful processor, and only 3g speeds, costs $20 more than the “most advanced iPad ever” with 4g.

Interestingly, Apple uses many of the same technologies in both devices. I could understand that you would pay more for a smaller device if it required a miniaturization process that caused the internals to be more expensive, but they simply are not. With the new technologies being used in the “new” iPad, the internals of the iPad are more expensive than any iPhone being produced. The main difference between the devices are the size of the screen.

To confirm my suspicions, I did some research. I found that iSuppli has torn-down both the iPad 2 and the iPhone 4s. They have not yet had an opportunity to estimate the cost of the “new” iPad, but because of the improvements to the internals (faster processor, bigger battery, and more advanced screen), it should be expected to cost more to manufacture than the iPad 2. Now the surprising information, the 32GB iPad 2 with 3G, costs an estimated $333 to manufacture. The estimated manufacturing costs of the iPhone 4S is $196 for the 16GB model, $215 for the 32GB, and $254 for the 64GB. Now when you compare the tear-down for the 16GB and 32GB iPhone 4S, you see it is estimated to cost Apple about $20 more to produce a 32GB model than it does for the 16GB model. So a 16GB iPad 2 with 3G probably cost about $20 less to manufacture, or an estimated $313 as of March 2011 (and probably even less to manufacture today). That same iPad 2 is now selling for $529.

My concern is that Apple is using their market power to unfairly raise the cost of our cell phones and service. There is no reason that an iPhone 4S should cost more to purchase than the iPad 2 or the “new” iPad. But in fact it cost $120 more to purchase and iPhone 4s (without a contract) than the iPad 2, and $20 more to purchase an iPhone 4s than the “new” iPad. The reason that Apple is so profitable, is because of the insane markup on the iPhone. The only reason they are able to do this is because of the subsidy model with our carriers.

If we were required to purchase phones un-subsidized, there is no way Apple would get away with charging more for the iPhone than the iPad. My guess is that if Apple had to sell directly to the consumer, the most they would be able to charge for an iPhone 4s would be $399, and there would be pressure to lower the price even below that level. This also tells me that the Carriers should also have more pressure to push the subsidized prices of the iPhone 4s down even further.

I am amazed that although all this information is publicly available, there is not more attention given to the insane profit margin Apple has on the iPhone. If Apple is able to sell the iPad with less profit, they could definitely do the same with the iPhone. The biggest winner because of the carrier subsidy is Apple. Since you do not see the real price of the iPhone when you walk into a store, most people never notice that it is actually more expensive to buy an iPhone than an iPad. If the real price was advertised, instead of the subsidized price, there is no way Apple would ever be able to sell an iPhone for more than an iPad.

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The easiest way to discover interesting podcasts is to use iTunes and search the iTunes Podcast Directory. iTunes provides categories of podcasts, with charts showing you the most popular podcast in each category. This is the easiest way to determine what other people are listening to and enjoying. (More information is available on Apple’s site.)

There are also several networks that have been created for the sole purpose of distributing interesting podcasts. These networks are working hard to create programming around-the-clock. The original offerings were mostly technology focused, but as each of these networks develop new shows, they are adding more diverse programming. The goal of many of these distributers is to eventually compete with mainstream broadcast television for viewers.

Most popular podcasting networks:

• Mevio – Network created by former MTV VJ Adam Curry. Show directory currently has 2,430 listings. Largest and most diverse of all podcasting networks.
• CNet – Mostly technology focused. Owned by CBS Interactive. Programming includes many of the biggest names in technology.
• Revision3 – Not nearly as large as Mevio, but almost as diverse. All content is available as video.
• Twit.tv – Network created by Leo Laporte (one of the original podcasters). Provides around-the-clock programming on live channel, but also includes many weekly shows with diverse hosts and topics.

My Favorite Podcasts

Although the podcasting networks are great, there are way too many programs available to watch or listen to all of them. Below I have provided information about the podcasts that I enjoy the most. Although I have separated the list by audio and video, it is important to note that several of the video podcasts also have audio versions, and vice-versa. I have categorized based on the ways that I have found easiest to enjoy each podcast.

Video Podcasts that I watch:

• Tekzilla – Hosted by Patrick Norton and Veronica Belmont, features reviews of gadgets and tips and tricks for making your tech life easier. A weekly show is produced that includes reviews and discussions of hardware/software, and a daily show is produced with a short tip.
• Cranky Geeks – Hosted by John Dvorak, features roundtable of technology professionals discussing current technology news and trends. New episodes produced weekly. (Open in iTunes)
• Loaded – Hosted by Natali Del Conte, features daily technology news. New episodes Monday – Thursday. Normally about 3-5 minutes per day.
• Apple Byte – Hosted by Brian Tong, covers all Apple news. New episodes once per week.
• MediaBytes – Hosted by Shelly Palmer, features daily technology and entertainment news. New Episodes Monday – Friday. Normally about 2-3 minutes per day.
• HD Nation – Hosted by Patrick Norton and Robert Heron, features all things HD. Includes discussion of video, sound, and equipment. New episodes once per week.
• Diggnation – Hosted by Alex Albrecht and Kevin Rose, features discussion of top digg.com stories. New episodes weekly.
• GreekBrief.tv – Hosted by Cali Lewis, features news, interviews, and product reviews. New episodes multiple times per week.
• AppJudgment – Hosted by Revision3 personalities, features reviews of Apps for all popular SmartPhone platforms. New episodes two times per week.

Can’t Miss Audio Podcasts:

• This Week in Tech – Hosted by Leo Laporte, features a roundtable of technology experts discussing technology news. New episodes weekly.
• Buzz Out Loud – Hosted by Tom Merritt, Molly Wood and Jason Howell, features discussion of the day’s news. New episodes daily.
• Windows Weekly – Hosted by Leo Laporte and Paul Thurrott, features all news related to Microsoft. New episodes weekly.
• MacBreek Weekly – Hosted by Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Merlin Mann and Andy Ihnatko, features all news related to Apple. New episodes weekly.
• The Lost Podcast with Jay and Jack – Hosted by Jay and Jack, features discussion of the television show Lost. New episodes two times per week.

Honorable Mention Audio Podcasts (I enjoy, but don’t get to listen to every episode):

• AppSlappy – Hosted by Scott Johnson and Eric Van Skyhawk, features reviews of iPhone applications. New episodes weekly.
• Engadget Podcast – Hosted by Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, and Paul Miller, features discussion of current technology news. New episodes weekly.
• gdgt Podcast – Hosted by Ryan Block and Peter Rojas, features discussion of current technology news. New episodes weekly.
• Married with Tech – Hosted by Doug Shill, Shawn Roberts, Jordan Patterson and Donny Benfield, features discussion of technology news from the perspective of married geeks/parents. New episodes weekly.
• iPhone Live Podcast – Hosted by Rene Ritchie, Chad Garrett and Mickey Papillon, features discussion of all things iPhone. New episodes weekly.
• Kennedy-Mighell Report – Hosted by Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell, features discussion of how technology impacts practicing attorneys. New episodes every 2 weeks.

Please feel free to suggest any additional interesting podcasts that you listen to or watch in the comments. As consumer electronics continue to become more connected, I expect that this form of entertainment will continue to grow and flourish.

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Today Steve Jobs finally announced what the world has been waiting over 2000 years for.  Apple is making a tablet that is more important than the one that delivered the world the Ten Commandments.  According to Jobs it is not a netbook, it is BETTER.  Apple is positioning the iPad in a new category between an iPhone/iPod Touch and a MacBook.

What jobs announced was exactly what I have asked for before.  I already have a laptop, and do not expect a tablet to be able to do everything that my laptop can do.  However, I have been searching for device that I am comfortable using in a situation where laptops have not been ideal.  The following are several areas where I believe the magical iPad will fill the void that I have had.

Using in a courtroom/hearing room.

A laptop has always been cumbersome in courtroom situations because I already have limited space available to me.  I usually am carrying a notepad, reference documents, and client files that weigh several pounds combined.  I need a device that I can use without having to plug it in, but also has access to the Internet at all times.  The iPad solves that problem.

The stated battery life of 10 hours means that I will not need to recharge the iPad even on days that I have multiple hearings.  The 1 1/2 pound weight makes it an item that I will not think twice about carrying.  The size will be slightly smaller than the legal pad that I already carry with me.  Since it does not have a phone, I do not have to worry about accidently forgetting to turn of the ringer.

Functionally, the iPad will allow me to check my calendar, e-mail, and client/reference documents while I am in court.  Since my practice is entirely paperless, I will be able to easily view entire client files.  When discussing a medical record or test result with the Judge, I will be able to quickly navigate the PDF to the appropriate location to view the document.  If I need to quickly find case law, statutes, or regulations, I will be able to do it on this new device.

Although Windows tablets have been around for years, the touch interface has never been simple enough to navigate quickly in a courtroom situation.  From my experience using the iPhone, I am positive that I will get a much better experience from using the iPad.  All programs are made to use the fingers to navigate with.  Windows tablets have been difficult because Microsoft has simply tried to add a touch interface to programs that are meant to be used with a mouse.

Surfing the web from the couch.

When I first bought my iPod Touch, the device quickly replaced my laptop for surfing the web.  I did not have to worry about the battery life of the iPod touch, and I could quickly move through pages in a natural way.  I no longer had to worry about the heat of the laptop on my legs, and it was not unsightly to store the touch on the coffee table when not in use.  Since the device is instant-on, I could quickly navigate to a website when I saw an advertisement that interested me.

The main problem with using the web browser on the iPod touch/iPhone is that you often need to zoom to read websites.  If the site is not formatted for mobile viewing, reading information on the web could sometimes be difficult.

The iPad solves this problem by providing a much higher resolution.  Less zooming will be necessary, but the device will still be comfortable to hold in an upright position similar to a book or magazine.  The iPad should take the positive experience of the iPhone/iPod touch and make it even better.

Using on flights.

I have never comfortable using a laptop on a flight.  Even compact laptops/netbooks were difficult to use if the person in front of me reclined their seat, or the person next to me needed to use the bathroom.  The iPad resolves these problems.

I do not usually use laptops on flights to complete work, so the lack of a physical keyboard is not a problem for me.  I have always used electronics on flights for entertainment purposes. The iPad will be great for playing games, reading books/magazines, and watching movies or listening to music.  These are tasks that I have used my iPhone for recently, but the small size was a limitation.  I expect the iPad to complete these tasks well, and to eliminate the need to travel with a book, multiple magazines, a laptop, and an iPod.

Using in conferences/seminars.

I have to admit that I have never been one to take my laptop to a conference/seminar.  It is not because a laptop would not be useful, it is more because I didn’t want to be “that guy” that took his laptop everywhere.  I have used my iPhone at most conferences, but the size becomes uncomfortable for all tasks.  The iPad, on the other hand, will be great at conferences/seminars.

The iPad will allow me to easily view materials on the Internet that are referenced by presenters.  In Delaware, the Bar Association has begun to make electronic materials available for all continuing legal education (CLE) classes.  I have opted out of this option in the past because I did not want to have to take my laptop to CLEs.  Having the ability to view these materials on an iPad will make it more likely that I will use the electronic material option in the future (and help save the environment).

As an e-book/magazine reader.

Since I read so much at work, I rarely read for leisure at home.  I receive several different magazines in electronic format, but I have never been entirely comfortable reading them on a laptop or desktop.  I have downloaded and read several books on the iPhone, but with the small screen I was constantly having to turn pages.  I have tried a Kindle, but the lack of backlighting has always bothered me.

I foresee that once I have in iPad, I will begin to read more materials while at home.  Since I am assuming that the iBooks bookstore will also be available on the iPhone, I expect that I will be able to continue to read e-books on the iPhone when I am away from the iPad.  The format of magazines will be much better to view on an iPad, and it will be nice to have the ability to click through links for further information about stories or to follow advertisements.  This will make every publication more valuable to me.

As mentioned above, having the ability to view documents on the iPad will also assist me in reviewing client files.  Since all my client files are converted to PDFs, I will be able to better review client documents from the comfort of my couch.  Reading will be much more natural with the iPad than it is on a laptop or desktop computer.

For extended car travel.

The iPad will be a device that will be nice to use as a passenger in extended car travel.  All of the benefits cited above for airplane travel will also exist for automobile travel.  It will also be a nice way for a passenger to use maps and GPS options to locate points of interest on the trip.

For vacations.

There have been several occasions in the past when I have not carried a laptop on vacation even though I thought may need one.  The size and inconvenience of using a laptop usually caused me to decide to leave it at home.  With the iPad size and weight I will not have to make this sacrifice in the future.

I usually do not need my laptop with me to perform long hours of work on vacation, I simply want to be able to check-in on the office and to plan activities while on vacation.  The iPad will be perfect for this task.  I will be able to research attractions, buy tickets, and easily plan itineraries.  If I purchase an attachable keyboard, I will also have an opportunity to perform the more intense work tasks.

See you in line when the iPad goes on sale.

These are just the areas that I have thought of where the iPad will supplement my ability to remain connected.  I am sure that once I purchase and start to use one I will add additional activities.  I never purchased a netbook because I simply saw it as a mini-laptop.  Since I already have a laptop, I couldn’t see how a netbook would offer any value to me.

Jobs was correct when he indicated that we should demand something better than a netbook.  I expect to be in line the day that the iPad goes on sale (go ahead, call me a “fanboy”).  I will update my experience with the iPad once I actually have a chance to purchase one.

* Thank you to Marcus Roland (@rolandlegal on Twitter) for the Moses Tablet name suggestion.  Definitely an appropriate name to match the Jesus Phone. Honorable mention also goes to Jaimie Field (@JaimieField on Twitter) for her Buddha Phone suggestion.

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