The Flip, meanwhile, is an iPod-sized device that is easy to operate and plugs directly into a USB port for downloading and charging. The device carries its own editing and posting software, making it easy to get the videos posted where people can see them.

Because it was so easy to use and carry, I found myself pulling out the Flip whenever I had something I wanted people to see later on. Video is more effective than still photos for this purpose, though there are times when using a still makes the most sense. The stills are better for high-quality illustrations of non-moving objects, or when you need a moving object to stop for examination.

This is one of those cases where a new, easier-to-use tool make something that was previously possible actually fun and attractive to do. The small size of the device and its iPod-like form factor makes the Flip unobtrusive to use. People do not react to it they way they do to a traditional video camera.

Handholding the Flip works fine, provided you have a steady hand and practice a bit. Your videos will not be as steady as a professional production, but if you keep them short, they will not make your audience motion sick, either.

The one thing I do not like about the Flip software is that there is no way to upload a movie to YouTube (or wherever) without also including the sound. Most of my videos lack a meaningful soundtrack and I wish it were easier to make a distracting soundtrack disappear.