Panasonic HDC-SD1

Pros: Awesome video quality- Awesome Gadget

Cons: Can really only see the vids on a high def TV- laptops need not apply

Summary: Well I knew the video format wasn't supported when i got it thinking that I could put these MPEG4 vids on my laptop and view them with NERO 7 that will support the format BUT (there's always a but with this new technology stuff isn't there?) OK Nero DOES support it (for another $80 for those who don't have it already like me) but your laptop (or desktop) will have to have some HEAVY HORSEPOWER to view the video correctly!! Know this before buying.
I have a new Lenovo widescreen fully tricked out with 256 meg of vid RAM dedicated (its too slow to me but that if for another review) and a Sony TX small laptop with Intel integrated graphics. The Sony will only run the vid in slow choppy motion and the Lenovo will run the video but it ain't "high def"
I would run this on my TV to get the true "High Defness" but I have to buy a component or HDMI cable for that but they are not supplied with the unit- so another 50$ or so.
The software supplied is only to copy vids off the SD card- don't need 3rd part software for that!

As far as a "gadget' goes- this is unbeatable- great in your hand- looks cool and the "theory" of the memory card is great- If it could support 8 GIG cards (I think the new SD3 does?) it would be great. But beware the SD3 it is even HIGHER resolution than the SD1 and probably REALLY wouldn't run on anything less than the most powerful desktop computer.
I know that watching video on a high def TV is cool but that is only one source- most people I think (at least me) watch most RECORDED video on a computer- at this time this is NOT the best camera for this- the software though I think will catch up- but the hardware requirements are tough.

I know that better software will be available in the future and that is why I am keeping the camera. If I could see the high res video on my laptop I would give this unit a 10 out of 10.