When it comes time to buy a digital photo frame — be it for the perfect Christmas gift or a new addition to your bedside table — there are a number of features that should be central to your decision. But with all the developments in the digital picture frame market in the last few years, it can be hard to sort it all out. Here are the top five features you should be shopping for:
1: WiFi
The newest trend in digital photo frames is WiFi support. And while you don’t need WiFi to enjoy your photos, it’s definitely the way of the future. WiFi allows your frame to access your home network, or any other open wireless network, and stream photos from an online service or your home computer.
Right now, WiFi will add cost. So, if you can hold out and download your photos from your computer with a memory card or chord connection, you will save money. But, if you want to be a high roller, check into the WiFi compatibility of your frame.
By next year, this will be a standard feature. But right now, it’s the top-of-the-line feature that you may not need, even though you might want it.
2: Audio
(GiiNii 8″ DS Ulta Thin Digital Photo Frame Pictured Above)
Most frames these days come with audio playback, which allows you to load MP3 or other song files onto the frame. Once the songs are on the frame, speakers built in to the frame can play the songs along with your photos, making nice slideshow presentations.
A frame like GiiNii’s 8″ Ultra Thin Frame features MP3 and WMA file playback, meaning almost any song you have on your computer or iPod will play just fine with your photos. Audio playback is a nice feature you should be on the lookout for.
3: Video
(GiiNii 7″ Wedge Digital Photo Frame Pictured Above)
Because more and more digital cameras — from point and shoot cameras to SLRs — are including video recording options, it’s important to think about video playback when shopping for a frame. If you do use your camera for video, you will want a frame with playback so you can share the memories with everyone.
A frame like GiiNii’s 7″ Wedge comes ready to go with video playback of AVI files. So just plug in your memory card and get ready to watch the memories play.
4: Display Size
You might want a huge display for that bare wall or a small display to save space on your desk or bedside table. Digital frames come in all shapes and sizes these days. And, depending on hte function you want your frame to perform, you might want big, but you might want small.
You don’t have to have the biggest frame for every job. Sometimes, a 3″ display is just the right fit. Sometimes, a nice, clear 10″ frame is what you want to take up the space.
GiiNii makes a wide range of frame sizes, so be sure to think about size and space when you are looking for your next frame.
5: Management System
Frames these days are basically small computers, and some of them can be hard to figure out and use. That’s why knowing a little about how the management system of your frame works can help out a lot when deciding to buy a new frame.
First and foremost, does the frame speak your native tongue? Not everyone is a technical wizz in English. So make sure if your Polish grandma is going to get a new frame as a gift, the frame should have Polish support.
Next, a frame either has a built-in file management system or it plays directly off a memory card. Card systems are easy and fast. They don’t require the user to change anything. Just plug in the card, sit back and view photos.
Some higher-end frames have file systems that can help you sort and display your pictures. These systems can be great if you have a lot of photos and need to swap your card back into your camera to keep shooting. But they take a little time to learn and love. So, make sure you check into the system before you buy. Sometimes, simple is the best way to go.
[...] blogger Andrew Nealon has a great article on the Top 5 Features you should look for in a digital frame, here’s an excerpt from the article: 1: [...]
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