Love the Flip Ultras & New Mino

I have finally had a chance to take a look at Flip's new video series: the Ultra ($150) and the Mino ($180). The real big pitch for the Flip Mino is the fact that it is 40% thinner and lighter. Both allow you to simply plug the camcorder's signature flip-out USB arm into any PC for immediate editing and sharing. Shots of the fun and colorful Ultras below.

They apparently offer the ability to upload video directly to MySpace, YouTube and AOL video, although I haven't figured that one out yet - would be nice if it allowed you immediate posting to your blog as well without the double step process and having one of those players' logos in your blog entry.

Both have 2 GB of memory although the Ultra offers a 1 GB/30 minute model as well. Since I love great design and a huge fan of color, I'm always excited about anything that gives me a sense of 'play' in a consumer electronics device. I love the small, throw in-your-pocket size and really clear and simple UI for both shooting and playback.

In addition to the 'way back when' Ford standard black and now white, Ultras come in orange, pink and a neon-like green, although apparently the latter is exclusive to WalMart according to one of their marketing spokespeople.

Other features include: one-touch recording with 2x digital zoom, instant on-camera playback and delete, one-click emailng of videos and video greeting cards, custom editing of movie mixes with the option to set them to your own music, capturing still photos from video and a built-in tripod mount.

I haven't really had a chance to start playing yet but am heading international bound shortly, so will test over the next couple of months in real-time.