Now I Can Have My Photos Displayed Without Needing To Send For Prints

I used to have a photo of my kids displayed on my desk. As my kids grow up, so does the frequency in swapping photos, selecting from the ever growing number of photo prints.

Not any more...ever since I got my hands on a 7" LCD Digital Photo Frame.



First Take

First of all, at 22 cm (L) by 16(H) (8.7" by 6.3") and at 1.1kg (2.4lbs), it is not too bulky and heavy. Feel "just right". The LCD panel is a 7" InnoLux Active Matrix TFT with a 480x234 resolution. The package comes with the following items:

• Power adapter (110 - 240 volts auto detecting type)
• Photo stand
• Video out cable, RCA type (Yellow, Red and White) which you can plug into a TV
• Card size remote control
• Instructions manual

Features

• Configurable 16:9 and 4:3 screen aspects ratio. For optimal photo display, set the screen to 4:3 format. The 16:9 screen aspect ratio is used for move playback (Yes! It supports DivX3/4/5 and Xvid MP4 playback). For video playback, you can connect the device to TV using the supplied audio/video cable.
• SD, MMC, MS, miniSD and microSD cards supported. Note that for an adapter is required for miniSD and microSD card. With the prices of SD cards dropping to affordable levels, it is certainly worthwhile to invest in a 2GB SD card for photo storage. The digital photo frame will auto display the SD card contents (photos) once it is plug in.
• MP3 support and music is provided by 2 speakers. You can also play a MP3 track while displaying the photos in a slideshow manner.
• Brightness level: 350 cd/m², Contrast Ratio: 300:1. Adaquate for in-door display (certainly not out-door). However, the default factory brightness and contrast settings are not optimal. Luckily, the device provides separate controls for brightness, contrast and colour settings which you can adjust to your liking.
• USD support for devices like USB drive and external hard disks. Using the USB OTG (On-The-Go) features, you can transfer files (images, mp3 tracks and video files) from the SD card to the USB device. A nifty feature.
• Supports up to 8MB photo size

More Photos

Sample photo display.


Sample footage from "Prison Break" Xvid movie playback.

Sample footage from "House" DivX movie playback.

Verdict

With its cool looks and feature rich functions, this gadget is certainly a must-have to own. Digital photos taken can be viewed instantaneously without needing to send for prints (these savings from prints can add up over time and I believe those who develop prints regularly will agree to this), not to mention the ease of changing photos. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, this would be the perfect gift - fully loaded with memorial photos since dating times.

The video playback capability certainly adds entertainment values to the package. Clever advertisers can creatively use the digital frame to promote campaigns, advertisements, annocements by simply placing it at strategic areas such as the office reception areas or the guests' reception lounge. Retailers can use it to flash promotional items (what can be more eye-catchy... a TV or a portable device like this that plays video?) etc. Exercise your creativity and you will find a cause to get your hands on this gadget.

Some Comments I Heard...

• Should it be equpped with a battery pack option? Well, yes and no. This might be a "good to have" option but absolutely unnecessary. This is a photo frame display (only difference is that it is digital), not a portable media player (PMP). If portability is what you need, go get a portable media player instead and decide for yourself which item is aesthetically more eye pleasing - a PMP or a Digital Photo Frame for photo display.


• The LCD screen should be sharper, brighter etc etc. Well, you are right but be prepared to pay alot more. Its reasonable price tag of SGD200 (Singapore Dollars) or less (approximately USD125) negates its less-than-perfect technical specifications. Unless one scrutinizes the display with a magnifier glass like a hawk eyeing its prey among the bushes, you are likely unable to spot any differences from afar.


• Perhaps the only fault is: It lacks a ear-piece plug which will come in handy during video playback.

In short, go get this.... it is worth every cents. PERIOD.