"Drone" at Costco

I was at Costco yesterday getting my kids some Winter coats when I saw this thing:

[link to www.mycashop.com]

It was not this exact model, but I could not find it on the Costco website. It was about $250, was a little mor rugged than this one, and was equipped with an HD cam (both video and still).

I dunno how I feel about this. On one hand, it looks like fun. I spend a lot of time in the mountains kooking for plants (I am an herbalist) and it would be nice if I did not have to climb the cliff to see if the Monarda is blooming. I am sure other practical uses, besides the fun of flying this thing, could be found.

On another hand, no wonder every police force in the US is getting these things! Also, if this is under $300, what could they get with the kind of budget big city PDs get? Maybe those stretches of highway with the "patrolled by aircraft" signs really will be.

Also, I saw a threadcan't remember where, maybe here, in which a guy in the midwest was hearing a drone near his house. Could it have been a "toy" like this one?

I can't articulate why, but it sure gave me the willies. I must admit, it *did* look like fun.