Creative Labs clones the Flip Ultra

It’s about time someone attempted to dip their greedy hands in the glistening pot of wealth whipped up by the Flip Ultra (Specs, Recent News, $149.99). Creative Labs is the first manufacturer to capitalize on the success of the Flip Ultra, which snagged 13% of the consumer camcorder market (according to Flip Video). Their unreleased VF0570-P Vado Pocket Camcorder is reportedly identical to the Flip Ultra, save a few enhancements and a name that will attract space nerds near and far.

The Vado’s one-ups include a larger 2-inch LCD screen (compared to the Flip Ultra’s puny 1.5-incher), up to 2 hours of recording with the 2GB model instead of 1 hour, a rechargeable battery system that allows 2 hours of recording per charge, and dimensions that are thinner than a deck of cards. The Vado "borrowed" the rest of its specs from the Flip Ultra: VGA Video, built-in USB connector, 2x zoom, TV-output, and built-in software for YouTube and Photobucket uploading.

The Creative Labs J&R ad claims the Vado will be a killer in low light. Nothing says stellar lux sensitivity like standard definition 640 x 480 VGA recording and a digital camera sensor! At 99 bucks, the Vado is pretty enticing, but it will ultimately come down to the names—Flip for mommies and Vado for Darth Vador fan club members. The Creative Labs VF0570-P Vado Pocket Camcorder does not have a ship date yet.