Long-gone are the days of video cameras that would make dad buckle under from their weight and that required an Engineering Degree to operate them.

Besides, who could afford to buy such an expensive contraption, never mind all the paraphernalia needed to actually view the videos after they were taken? Thankfully, that has changed and this Father’s day can include a gift that will not blow your budget and that will be fun for the whole family.

A practical and fun present for dad that will not be left in his drawer unused is the Flip Video Flip Ultra Camcorder 2nd Generation, 120 Minutes (Black) - U11200

It is a user-friendly camera that fits in a pocket and, best of all, has a one-touch recording button and digital zoom. This particular model captures up to 2 hours of quality video and has 4GB of built-in memory, although you can purchase models with less recording time and at a cheaper price.

When dad is ready to upload and share those family videos from his computer, he does not need to contend with an additional USB cable, as the video cam incorporates a flip-out USB connection. It is compatible with Macs and PCs and has built-in software that will make editing and sharing your memories fun.

The best part of the deal is that your significant other will not be the only one able to operate this camera. Even your 8-year old child can shoot videos of her father and other family members, so that dad is not the one always behind the lens and never in the picture.

The quality of the playback will not disappoint you, and the device is so small that you can carry it in your purse or your back pocket wherever you are. For more information, remember you can always rely on the user reviews on our website and on Amazon.com.

Copyright © 2009 Plaza101.com - Any reproduction, retransmission, or republication of all or part of this blog post is expressly prohibited.

A few weeks ago, a friend purchased a wireless Internet adapter at a brick-and-mortar store because he needed it now. He made his product choice based on the advice he got from the very young and inexperienced salesperson that served him.

My friend tells me the salesclerk recommended the new Netgear USB adapter because it was based on the new “N” Technology. Supposedly, this new technology makes better use of wireless signals and improves coverage and the speed of your Internet connection.

However, after a few weeks of using the adapter recommended by the sales clerk, my friend found it was not working to his satisfaction, and decided to check out the online user ratings for the model he had purchased. He went to Amazon.com and, presto, found that a lot of other buyers were experiencing the same technical issues as he was and were just as dissatisfied.

He decided to return the item to the store where he had purchased the Internet adapter, but he had left the sales receipt on the kitchen counter, where it got wet, and it ripped when he tried to peel it off. When you purchase over the Internet, there is always an electronic trail of your transaction.

My friend could not return the item and confesses to having buyers’ remorse. He is upset he did not take the time to do his homework online. Had he comparison-shopped in the Internet, he would have saved gas, time and money. Even if he had purchased the same adapter on Amazon.com, it would have cost him $20 less than he paid in person.

Online comparison shopping gives you access to real feedback given by real users, many of whom are tech savvy or may simply be looking at a product from a similar point of view as yours.

We can learn from other people’s mistakes, especially when it pertains to online or regular shopping.

Copyright © 2009 Plaza101.com - Any reproduction, retransmission, or republication of all or part of this blog post is expressly prohibited.