Flip's got a new model out -- same as the previous version only this one comes in a chrome finish. I got a review copy in to take a look ...

It's cute, definitely shiny and cool to look at, but I'm not wowed this time. I love my Flip -- we all know this -- and the functionality of the chrome version is absolutely the same as the previous versions. The real question is this: Why wouldn't you simply customize the faceplate to something you really want? The chrome is certainly sleek and impressive-looking, but the shape of the pocket-corder hasn't changed. All things equal, I'd rather have a wicked cool design on one (which I do have -- it's a DnD landscape photo) than a metallic finish.

Also -- a HUGE annoyance to me is *fingerprints* on the chrome surface! Obviously, your fingers have to be all over this thing to make it record, shift it in place, zoom in and out ... I picked it up out of the box and got a big ol' thumb print right in the center of it. And, you
all know what it's like to clean fingerprints off metallic surfaces: Nearly impossible without smudging, which almost looks worse. And that's just by holding it.

As I continued to play with it, more showed up ... !!! I'm too OCD about cleanliness and order -- it's hard enough cleaning the face of my Razr -- to mess with having to keep my Flip clean, too.

Flip -- love you lots, never leave home without you -- but I'll leave the chrome version to those more laid back who can handle the cool factor and the fingerprint issues.

See you all on Monday -- have a great springtime weekend!