While digital picture frames have been on the market for a few years updated versions are now available that make transferring your photos from your digital camera a snap. Technology expert Kris Abel has more details.
1. Philips PhotoFrames- (sizes range from 7" - 9")
(PRICE RANGE: 7" Acrylic PhotoFrame) - $250
9" Metal PhotoFrame - $320
- The big change in digital frames is that, for the first time, we're starting to see screens that can match the quality, the resolution of paper prints. At just 7", for example, Philips' frame displays 88 per cent more pixels per inch than a 17" computer monitor.
- With a digital frame, you add pictures by either popping in the memory card from your camera or you can connect it to your computer with a USB cable and download files to the frame.
- Once loaded with pictures, these frames can play slideshows, with music from MP3 songs, and even play short video clips.
- Philips frames can even display the time and be used as a clock and you can even set a timer to have the frame turn off and power on at pre-set times during the day.
- When guests come over, you can unplug the frames and, thanks to a rechargeable battery, hand the frame around and guests can use the button controls to sift through your pictures like you would do with a photo album.
- The 7" model comes with swappable, magnetic frames for different colours.
2. Kodak EasyShare Frames (sizes range from 7" - 10")
(PRICE RANGE: 7" Standard SV710 (no wireless) - $150
10" Wi-Fi EX1011 - $330
- Kodak Canada has taken the idea a little further by creating a line of widescreen picture frames.
- And they have models that include a built-in Wi-Fi connection, making it easy to update your photos through any wireless source (eg. computer, iPhone, PDA, website etc.).
- Their 10" models even include some basic photo-editing software, and finally, they come with their own remote so you can control the slideshow from across the room.
- These are highly recommended
3. eStarling 2.0 Wi-Fi Photo Frame 7"- www.thinkgeek.com
(PRICE: 220$ US- 230$ CAN)
- This digital frame can use its Wi-Fi connection to go online and grab new photos either through its own e-mail address or from an RSS feed.
- It can connect to Flickr, for example, and look for photos based on a search term.You can type in the phrase "cool Japanese robots" and it will automatically collect photos that match that phrase and create a slideshow with them.
- This is perfect for companies who are keen to see if there's photos out there that feature their products (imagine if your the head of Roots Canada, Canadian Idol, or Nike shoes, etc.) And yes, you can e-mail photos to it from your cellphone.
4. 15" Gigantor Digital Photo Frame"- www.thinkgeek.com
(PRICE: 250$ US- 260$ CAN)
- This product has just been announced. The Gigantor breaks the 10" size barrier by offering the first high-resolution display (1024 x 768) at 15".
- It offers the same basic features (eg. slideshow, music, video clips, infra-red remote control), but thanks to its size, it can also support 12 megapixel pictures (in case you have a 12 megapixel camera).
- It features with a cherry wood frame and can be mounted on a wall.
Viewers are encouraged to send in their photos so Kris Abel can display it on his digital picture frame. Send submissions to am@seeframe.com.
