Posted April 16, 2009
One “Tech Thursday” last summer, we raved about the Pure Digital Flip Mino camcorder—the even-more-compact successor to the original Flip Video camcorder, which became a massive international best seller thanks to its clever design and ease of use. The whole idea behind the Flip series is idiot-proof simplicity that makes shooting video a joy, and sharing totally effortless (all the Flips have pop-out USB plugs for connecting to a Mac or PC, and can automatically upload video to YouTube, etc.). Since then, Pure Digital introduced a terrific high-def version, the MinoHD—and this month the company is cranking up the heat by getting all fashionable and customizable. Both the Mino and the MinoHD are now available in a literally unlimited number of looks. Though you can still get them unadorned, there’s now also a specially commissioned series of designer “skins,” like the “Smile” edition (shown), created by cutting-edge post-production studio TEAK Motion Visuals of San Francisco. You can also use the Pattern Generator on Flip’s website to create a signature look—or just cut to the chase and upload your own image for an ultrapersonal skin. The MinoHD, by the way, is just as tiny as the standard-def Mino (3.94" x 1.97" x 0.63") and just as ridiculously light (3.3 ounces). And your one-of-a-kind or designer Flip doesn’t cost any more than a standard black or chrome (MinoHD) or black or white (standard Mino) version.

$179.99 for the Mino at theflip.com.
$229.99 for the MinoHD at theflip.com.

• Buy it online.

Related:

• Archive: “Best Bets Daily”
• Articles by S. Dumenco