Check Out the Flip Video
There are certain tools that make running a website like Robot Panic a whole lot easier. Gadgets like the iPhone, equipped with the WordPress application, make posting pictures and text to the site a snap. But what about video? The iPhone doesn’t shoot video and sure, we could lug around an expensive video camera everywhere we go in order to capture random cool things that we see. But that strikes me as an incredible pain in the ass.
Enter the Flip Video.
About the same size as the average iPod, the Flip makes shooting and uploading video incredibly simple. As you can see by the picture below, the button interface is about as foolproof as it can be. One button to record/stop, one button to play/stop, and one button to delete.
In addition, the Flip comes equipped with a switchblade-like USB jack. The beauty of the machine is that you simply jack the Flip into your PC or Mac and in a few seconds the pre-installed software pops up on the screen. You’re then given the option to use the incredibly basic editing tool, transfer the video to your computer, or upload it to the most popular video sharing sites. For example, to upload your video to YouTube, you simply click on the YouTube button, enter your login information, and BAM! The Flip takes care of the rest. It formats your video and uploads it in a matter of minutes.
We bought the Flip Video Ultra, which records audio and 60 minutes of video. And so far, it’s worked like a charm. Our only complaints are that it takes AA batteries, rather than being rechargeable, and the onboard editing program is barely worth mentioning. Still, for under $150, and for being so insanely portable and user-friendly, the Flip is going to be an indispensable device. At least until Apple adds video to the iPhone.
For more on the Flip Video, check out the official website.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:52 am
I fucking WANT one. Damn it, that thing and the new Mino version they have now are the coolest things I’ve seen in a long time for portable coolness.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:21 am
I want one, but I really wish it has an input so I can plug in my mic to video interviews. I might have to pick one up before PAX.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:25 am
The built-in mic actually works pretty well, though it’s certainly not the sort of quality you’d get with a real mic.
Incidentally, Hilden’s Blockbuster Video had a pile of them for less than 1/2 price (under $60) on their clearance table. You might want to check out your Blockbuster.