If it's any help, we have a Sony IP7. It uses MicroMV tapes so it is tiny, but each tape hold 60 mins so that's enought isn't it ? The std. battery is good for an hour or more too.
Tiny is important here, otherwise you won't be bothered to take it out and have a carry case etc. as it is too much hassle. The IP7 fits in a case which slides on your belt so you will take it out. It also takes okay digital pictures and has a memory stick slot for capturing email attachment-type MPEG movies which the IP5 and some other cheapies do not have.
You can connect it to the television to record from, but you can also download the tapes to a computer to edit, add music to etc. I would warn that I bought ULead Video software which kept on crashing when under load (I had double the recommended RAM before you ask) so give that a miss
. I would also say that editing a one hour "film" can takes ages and once thenovelty wears off you will just copy the tape to VHS !
http://www.dvforum.com/ is a good forum to ask questions too.
HTH,
NP1