Flip Ultra Video
A while back I was searching for something small and easy to use that could record snippets to provide content for my YouTube page. A wise family travel blogger I know, Sheila of BootsNAll’s Family Travel Logue, mentioned that I should try the Flip Ultra Video. She claimed it was so easy and simple that a kindergartener could use it. So, the research began.
I found the Flip Ultra Corporate Site that listed its predecessor and also a newer models, the Flip Mino and Flip Mino HD. I compared all of them, including available accessories, such as a mini tripod and even an action mount for catching those skydiving trips. Both the Ultra and the Mino looked really cool with just a few differences. The Mino is a little smaller and has a rechargeable battery, whereas the Ultra can still fit in a pocket and uses two AA batteries. The Mino is also more expensive at $179.99US MSRP and only comes in black or white. The Ultra is listed at $149.99 and comes in a variety of cool colors.
I searched on eBay. I checked out Amazon. I even went to Target and Walmart searching for this elusive gadget. I wanted to see it in person before I purchased it. I had given up my quest that day and continued on to Sam’s Wholesale Club to satisfy my inner bulkaholic before calling it a day. Imagine my delight when I saw, illuminated under fluorescent lighting, a large pyramid stack of Flip Ultra Videos for $124.99 each. What a steal! Of course, I added it to the grocery bill and crossed my fingers that my hubby wouldn’t notice.
I couldn’t wait to check out and opened my new treasure in RedBugg. My son was so excited, he tore at the plastic casing with his teeth like a puppy with a new peanut butter filled Kong. He placed the batteries in it and began recording with one touch. When we arrived home, we popped out the USB arm and plugged it into the computer. The easy to load software comes pre-loaded in the camera and is super easy to use.
So far, we’ve taken that little find and filmed numerous travel memories. Heck, we’ve even dropped this thing a few times and it is still going strong. This fun, easy, and affordable little gadget definitely gets the seal of approval from me. Thanks for the tip, Sheila!
Bought our son a flip for his birthday 4 years ago when we went to the east coast and loved using it. I have used it for everything since but this summer on our grat trip to yellowstone my son dropped the flip over a 650 step walk to see the lower falls at yellowstone. Sooooo sad. Just this father day he dropped it in another waterfall but when we dried it out it still worked great.