Did you buy a Flip yet?

I happened on a sale on one at Best Buy a couple months ago. I was not looking for a video camera at all. But, I had been thinking of having someone video me working with my service dog so I might see mistakes or ways to improve my training.

I saw one on sale for $99, and checked it out. The guy who helped me was really very good (surprise for Best Buy!) he didn't try to get me to buy the $200 model.

My Flip says "Ultra" on the front. I'm looking at the directions and can't see a model number. It takes 2 AA batteries. It will also work with rechargables. When I know I am going to use it I charge batteries and use them, but if it is spur of the moment and away from home, I use regular AA and take a spare set with me.

It has a bit of zoom, but that is about it for bells and whistles. Yes, a thing comes out of the side to connect to USB - mine did not come with any cords, so if you don't have a USB cable, you will need one unless you can plug it right into a laptop or a USB port that you can reach. My computer's USB port is in the back, and it's a desktop type, so I have a cable connected that I use with it.

It is a simple as it sounds - press the button to record and again to stop.

Downloading to your computer - I can't answer that. I have a Mac, and when I connect, it comes up like a USB Drive, I open it, find the file and drag and drop to my desktop. I don't use iPhoto to import it. I **think** it may have come with a disk of Windows apps, but I am not sure, and I don't have the box handy.

Then I use a mac program called iMovie - which I had never used before I got this camera - to edit, add slides with words... you can also add music. I am sure there is something similar for Windows. I will PM you a link to a video I shot of my service dog.

I don't read this forum normally, so if you reply here, and I don't respond back to you, it is because I forgot to check back! So, PM me for more info.