Pure Digital Flip Mino

If you want a simple-to-use camcorder you can slip into your pocket, reviewers overwhelmingly recommend the Pure Digital Flip Mino. It shoots mediocre video (good enough for a YouTube clip, reviews say, but you wouldn't want to record your wedding on it) and is devoid of all but the most basic features. But experts and users love its simplicity; they say it's so easy a child can easily master it. The Mino uploads video directly to YouTube, MySpace or AOL Video -- unlike its biggest competitor, the Creative Vado (*Est. $90), which will upload directly to either YouTube or PhotoBucket. Experts say the Vado shoots slightly worse video than the Mino and has even fewer features. Reviews also say the Mino's footage looks slightly better than that of Flip's other mini camcorder, the Flip Ultra (*Est. $130), which has a thicker housing to accommodate AA batteries (the slim Mino runs on an internal rechargeable battery, like an iPod).

CamcorderInfo.com has by far the most comprehensive review of the Pure Digital Flip Mino, covering every aspect of the camcorder and rating it against dozens of other camcorders on the market. The review at PC World is shorter, but it helpfully compares the Mino directly against the Creative Vado. Reviews at CNET, PCMag.com and Macworld test the Mino and compare it with the Flip Ultra. We also found useful user reviews at Amazon.com.