Cisco unveils Flip Video SlideHD mini camcorder; full touchscreen for families

Cisco on Tuesday announced the Flip SlideHD, a new miniature camcorder optimized to view, rather than simply capture, video footage.

The SlideHD's new form factor adds several refinements to optimize for video playback, including a flat front face (to rest flat on a table), a slide-up, 3-inch widescreen capacitive touch display that runs the length of the device, built-in speakers in the display and a touch strip to cycle through videos.

Quite simply, this Flip is made for the American family -- give it to your kid and let them watch a funny clip they captured over and over.

In other words, the SlideHD addresses what ZDNet editor-in-chief Larry Dignan has called "the giggle factor."

Inside, you'll find 16GB of storage. That's double the capacity of current Flip models, allowing up to four hours of HD video or 12 hours of content.

Like the company's Mino line of camcorders, the SlideHD's body can be customized using a library of designs from Cisco or even one of your own choosing. (Want your kid's mug on the camcorder's body? Go nuts.)

Like all Flip models, the SlideHD is preloaded with the company's FlipShare software (PC or Mac) for easy transfer of video content. But the SlideHD may be the first Flip that capitalizes on the habit of families to leave video content on the device itself.

Here's a spec rundown:

• Color: White/Silver and Personalized
• Recording Time: Up to four hours
• Storage Time: Up to 12 Hours
• Memory: 16GB
• Screen: 3-inch wide transflective touch screen
• Video Resolution: High Definition; 1280x720 (30fps)
• Video Format: H.264, MP4
• Battery: Internal Li-ion rechargeable
• Battery Life: Up to two hours
• TV Output: HDMI Widescreen
• Zoom: 2x digital
• Audio: Stereo speakers, headset jack

The Cisco Flip SlideHD is available now for $279.99.