Flip v. iPhone 4

Janko Roettgers at New TeeVee is predicting that the iPhone 4 will kill off the Flip Video camera. The new iPhone has HD video capability, so, as the thinking goes, we will all ditch our Flips. That might happen for the regular smartphone user, but not in education.

Let's look at this practically speaking. First off, I like the iPhone as much as the next person. I have one. Sort of. Long story, but let's just say I have one that more or less works. If we look at the iPhone 4 with an starting price of $199, similar to a Flip Ultra HD, it seems to be a no-brainer. Go for the iPhone! But wait, there's more. Don't forget you have to have a data plan with your shiny new iPhone. Add on a minimum of $15/month to your video camera cost.

I have five Flip cameras in my classroom. I bought two of the original versions when they were on close-out, one was given to me as part of a project that I work with and the other two I got through a grant with DonorsChoose. My students and I use the cameras frequently. We have no monthly fee for operating our cameras. All I have to do is replace the batteries on some models.

Are there some things I would change about the Flip? Sure. An audio input jack would be first on my list. Second would be WiFi capability so students could upload directly from the camera to SchoolTube. However, for overall ease of use and affordability, Flip Videos are the way to go.

From the Web:: Education Apps Rated

There are thousands of apps for the iPhone and iTouch out there. How do you know which ones are good? If you're using your iPhone or iTouches in the classroom, how do you know which educational apps are decent and how in the world do you find them? Lucy Gray posted to Diigo MacWorld's AppGuide for education apps. The list is sorted by editor review ranking.

I prefer free apps, but I'm much more likely to consider paying for an app if I know that it has been reviewed by a reputable source.

photo by: foundphotoslj "Student in Class"

Sync Your Calendar Jiffy-Quick

As a new iPhone user, I am always looking for tips and tricks to make this complicated device more useful. I have long been frustrated by my lack of consistent access to my Google Calendar (which I love), so I don't use it all that much. Both of these websites show you how to sync your Google Calendar:

Robert Chien's Blog shows spare instructions that get the job done.

Since I'm a visual learner, I personally prefer the instructions at Online Tech Tips since the author provides screen shots from the iPhone.

BOTH blogs give the SAME instructions just in slightly different formats.

Oh, and the iPhone thing...yes, I've suffered from iPhone envy for a long time. A friend and colleague loaned me her old 3G after she upgraded. I just popped in my sim card and voila! I have an iPhone (which I suppose is really a phone with an iPod Touch in it since I don't actually use the 3G network). It's still VERY cool.