I have mixed feelings about digital photo frames. My mum bought this Kodak Digital Photo Frame as part of a gift for her Partner as he is in to his gadgets etc and this was new out at the time. However, on first impressions I thought it looked quite odd and maybe a little tacky. However, my opinion has slightly changed.
I think the advantage of having a digital photo frame such as this one made by Kodak is that you can regularly change the picture you are viewing. This is ideal if you have a special occasion or fancy a change. One day you could have a picture of your Gran and the next a picture of you and your partner. The photo frame is also easy to use and comes with an easy to read instruction manual in case you do get stuck. Another benefit is that you can set your photo frame so that it constantly rotates the pictures you are viewing.
There
are many different brands producing photo frames similar to this Kodak one, although they obviously have different specifications and range in price. You can get different "frames" for your photo frame which will enhance the photo frame to blend in with the background of your room. I have seen this particular model with a black frame and a gold frame.
Setting up your photo frame is simple and it is also extremely easy to put your photo's on your frame. This can be done by either inserting your memory card which will have your saved photos on. (Instructions on how to put your personal photos on to your memory card is in the instruction manual and is simple to do). Or by Wi-Fi (Wireless Internet), sending your photos electronically by e-mail to your frame.
This particular photo frame will also play video's that you have recorded on a digital camera, webcam etc as long as it meets the specifications as detailed below. I think this is a brilliant idea as it is easy to do and perfect for playing your holiday clips etc on.
As well as playing video's, this photo frame will play audio music in Mp3 format. Unfortunately, I am unable to tell you how much play back time it has as I am unsure myself.
The disadvantages of this photo frame is it lacks in style and can look a little plastic and cheap. Also, some may struggle to work the photo frame if they do not use gadgets or electronic devices like this often.
Design
When you buy the photo frame, you can buy it in either gold or black. The back has a stand similar to photo frames which will hold the frame up either vertically or horizontally. At the back of the frame there are several function buttons such as Play, Volume, Stop, Power etc.
Specifications
JPEG and EXIF - This is the format of pictures that the photo frame will accept.
MOV, AVI, MPEG 1 and 4 - This is the format of Video that the photo frame will accept.
Mp3 - This is the format of Audio that the photo frame will accept.
Dimensions - 11.2 × 8.3 × 1.5 in. (284 × 211 × 38 mm)
Display Size - 8 inches diagonal (20.3 centimetres)
Display Area - 6.9 x 3.9 inches
Aspect Radio - 16:9 Widescreen
Display Backlight - LED
Memory - 128MB internal memory available with a memory card expansion slot
Memory Cards Supported - Secure Digital (SD), Multimedia Card (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), XD-Picture Card (xD), Compact Flash (CF) and Microdrive (MD). These are all available from shops such as Currys, Dixons, Virgin, Argos etc with the price varying. The fact that the photo frame varies in what memory card / stick it takes is brilliant as it offers a good choice.
Requirements
Below is a list of the requirements required to use this particular photo frame.
Windows:
Windows XP, Vista or above
Internet Explorer 6.0 or above
600MHz processor or above
Macintosh
Macintosh OS C 10.3 or above, Power Mac / Power Book G3, G4, G5, iMac, eMac, iBook or MacBookPro
Safari 1.1 or above
Hardware
128 MB Ram (Recommended - 256MB)
200 MB hard disk drive space available
CD-Rom Drive
Available USB Port
What comes with the Kodak Photo Frame?
The photo frame comes in a cardboard package. Inside the package you will get the Digital Frame, Remote Control, AC Power Cord, USB Cable, USB Host adapter Cable, Software CD and an instruction manual.
Digital Camera - As mentioned above.
Remote Control - I think this is fantastic. How convenient for those that hate getting up to change the TV all the time? The remote control is small and battery operated.
The Photo Frame comes with an adapter and does not require batteries. You can keep the frame plugged in for power.
Software CD - This will install the necessary software on to your PC / Mac so that you can edit / send pictures to your Frame.
Instruction Manual - Easy to understand and well written. Details everything you should need to know.
Accessories
You can buy other accessories such as frames. Other frames available include Frosted Glass, Clear Glass and Whiteboard.
The price varies depending on where you buy this. It is available from places such as Currys, Dixons, Argos and ranges from £129.00 - £139.00.
23.12.2007 19:42
These frames are brilliant x
23.12.2007 18:31
Excellent review! These frames are good. Electra.
21.12.2007 14:41
Great review