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FlipVideo Review and Suggestions May 11, 2008

Posted by admin in : Gadgets, Review, Technology , 1 comment so far

I really love my FlipVideo (30 min model)! It was cheap and it does one thing very well. It captures a pretty good quality video and that’s it. To get the video off of the camera you then flip out the USB connector (I think that’s why they call it the Flip Video). It’s durable and takes AA batteries, which makes it very convenient if they run out. You just pop into your favorite store and pick up some new ones, although I recommend using rechargeable batteries to save money and the Environment.

There are some shortcomings with the FlipVideo. First there is no expandable memory. It would have been nice if they added a SD Cards slot on the side so you don’t have to worry about running out of memory. Second the quality is good in well lit areas but darker areas video leaves a little to be desired. Lastly it’s a little thicker than I think it needs to be. I know they could make it a little thinner with little to no effort.

The FlipVideo has made me rethink the way I shot video. I have a very expensive HD Mini DV camera but it’s a pain to get the video into the computer. The Flip lets you just drag and drop, no need to play and capture like with Mini DV. Tapes need to DIE!! Solid state or HDD based recording media is the way to go. The easier it is to get onto my Mac the better. For quick internet videos or videos of you kids walking, I am thinking the FlipVideo or something similar is probably the way to go. If you need high production quality, stick with the high dollar HD cameras.

What I would like to see on the next version of the FlipVideo? Well, here is my list:

  1. Expandable Memory (SD)
  2. A little bit better quality video
  3. Slimmer but still rugged
  4. Better low light
  5. Keep the price reasonable

Thats it! I don’t think I am asking for too much.  I am pretty sure they will tackle most of these things in the next version, since they all make sense.  Progressively improving the product is what we are asking for and not taking away from the original theme of Fun, Cheap, Quick Video.

PS. This product is hot! I and to go to 3 stores to find one!! Best buy was sold out and was lucky enough to find one (the last one) in Target!!

Some others that use the FlipVideo:

iJustine

Merlin Mann

Alex Lindsay

Here is a funny video made using 2 FlipVideos

Japanese Mobile Phones Rule!

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I just love all the cool mobile phones in Japan! TV, Video Phone, GPS, Games, Media, etc.





PS. This is an Adbrite experiment.

Driving in Japan

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Driving in Japan is fun! If you get a chance rent or borrow a car and go get lost. Make sure you have a map or Navi (GPS) system if at all possible with your home location preprogrammed, so you can get back!! Luckily I was driving in a place where I lived for 5 years. When in Tokyo I always have a GPS and a Compass!! It’s a pain in the neck in Tokyo so you need all the tools you can get!! Once you get out of the cities there are many things to do so go get lost!!





More videos are on the way!

Navi (GPS) System May 10, 2008

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Picked up a Magellan Navigation System at Costco the other day. It only cost $149.99 and it does exactly what I need it to do….get me home! LOL

You can enter addresses and it takes you to the location very easily. It tells you when to turn and all the normal stuff you would expect from a GPS. It also has an SD slot so you can upload new maps.

Ian Walking (Like a Drunk) :-) May 9, 2008

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FlipVideo Thank You!! May 2, 2008

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Wow, I am glad i picked up a FlipVideo!! They make life so much easier.  You just pop it in your pocket and head out on the town.  When you are ready to film…hit the button.  The video quality is just about perfect for Youtube or Viddler type sites.  Not HD but not too bad at all.

My Japanese  Brother-in-Laws Mobile phone.  He was showing me the TV feature. It’s a Sharp.

NTT Docomo Foma Video Call.

My obligatory Japanese Toilet Video

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I have always been afraid of these things so I tried to make nice and become friends, but….

Qik.com Mobile Video Streaming April 8, 2008

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Qik has a cool service that allows users to stream live video from their cell phone, and a live chat built in which lets the audience participate.  I believe that most of the phones that can do this are Nokia handsets, especially the N95.  At first I wasn’t really into it, but over the last couple of days I have been watching Kevin Rose, Robert Scoble, Cali Lewis stream some pretty cool stuff.  I have watched Kevin and the DiggNation boys on a train in Europe.  I have watched Scoble at a Google event where a new service was launched.  I think you get the idea.  This is a pretty cool technology, if the event or person is interesting.  I guess it works for people that are in the know and can stream events, or it could work for “live on the scene” news coverage. 

This issues with the service are the usual ones: battery life, scaling problems, and lack of supporting phones.  Have you priced the Nokia N95?  That bugga is expensive!! Plus, battery technology needs to be a lot better before this can be a great solution.  You will notice when watching qik videos that the streamer is always saying “My battery is about to die”.  Then they have to switch the battery, if they are lucky enough to have one, or plug in for a charge. 

Do you think this will stick? Do you think other services will pop up? Do you think YouTube will stomp everyone in the video space? Post a comment, let’s discuss.

 

Messing with some new graphics April 7, 2008

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Messing around with some new graphics. I don’t know if I like them or not so I uploaded them to my blog to see how they looked on the web.

Okay, I decided I didn’t like them but left one for you to see. I think because I saved them as GIF’s they are acting kind of funny too. Let me try a differnt format real quick.

The Creative Process

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I was lucky enough to attend a training that talked about the creative process. I am always trying to improve myself and when I run into something that I really like, I like to share it with as many people as possible.  Either through word of mouth or with my blog, so here it is.

I. Question:  What is the Problem? What’s missing? What is the question?

II.  Preparation:  Rearch the Problem or product.  Engulf yourself with information related to the problem, missing, or question.
III.  Incubation: Put the project aside and do something totally different. Go exercise, play video games, take a vacation, do anything except think about the question in the specific creative process.
IV. Insight/Vision: Ah Hah moment. The lightbulb goes off.
V.  Verification:  Now time to do your due diligence. Just because you think it’s a good idea doesn’t mean it is.  Is it viable?