Om on our Flip no-no

Om Malik of GigaOM has just responded on GigaOM to the debate around the new (5G) iPod Nano and the Flip, which we wanted to consign to the deadpool.

First:

Have you bought and used the new Nano? I think you will quickly realize that it isn’t that easy to use.

Secondly, to say that two hands will result in a stable camera and better shot. Of course, a Cannon HD camera would result in an awesome shot.

I think comparison is Flip – which you can use with one hand. Secondly, i think the video camera on iPhone 3GS is pretty awesome. and works nicely with one hand usage.

For the avoidance of all possible doubt:

• the new iPod Nano isn't that easy to use


• the right comparison is the Flip

Nevertheless, when evaluating the prospects for a new device, such as the Flip, which has not yet reached the mass market, you need to think about both the function and what else a potential customer (a) wants to do and (b) owns; you have to consider the choice in context.

As I said in my original comment, there's only very limited scenarios under which the Flip gets bought:

Scenario 1: I want a small, easy to use, video capture device – the Flip wins (- and I don't own a Nano and I'm not concerned about music (added))

Scenario 2: I want a small, easy to use, elegant music player – the Nano wins

Scenario 3: I want both a small, easy to use, video capture device and a small, easy to use music player – the Nano wins

Scenario 2A: I have a 5G Nano, and I want to capture video – does the usability challenge of camera placement justify the incremental expenditure on a Flip – $150 or $200? - no

Second:

if you are a casual video taker then the iPhone or new Blackberry’s do a pretty awesome job. I use the Blackberry Tour and it rocks. It is perfect for casual video. I think Flip is a step up because it creates better videos and has better sound capture.

I agree that it's a 'step up', but enough to justify another $150 or $200? I think not. Look, I'm a gadget freak, and even I can't imagine running that one past my wife...

Why flip the Flip

GigaOM posted this morning a suggestion that the Flip Wins For Now over the Nano:

Since I don’t own a Flip, I thought well maybe this might be a good option. I tried out the device and within a few minutes I realized that this is not for me. Why? The camera is positioned in a really awkward position which makes usage very unintuitive. I guess someone wasn’t quite thinking. Any how does it stack up against Flip? Chris and Liz did a side-by-side comparisonof the new iPod Nano with Flip SD and are underwhelmed by the new Nano

We said earlier 'Flip the Flip' and we still think so. Why? Because in making this evaluation you need to consider two key things:

1. what's the job that the product is being hired for, what's its function or functions


2. what else does the potential customer already own

There's only very limited scenarios under which the Flip is the best choice:

• only want video capture, not music playing


• do not own a 5G Nano

If a customer is evaluating a Nano against a Flip, then it's only if the only criterion is video capture that the Flip wins. For many customers, the Nano's music playing function will tip the balance in its favor.

And if a customer already owns a 5G Nano, then it's going to be really hard to justify $150 or $200 to overcome the problems of poor camera placement. There's just not enough value going to be available to sustain the Flip...

Flip the Flip

So the iPod nano now has video capture; can we say deadpool for the Flip? Oh wait, it's part of Cisco. Does that matter?

iPod nano now shoots video