Have you considered digital photo frames? You can get digital photo frames that have display areas ranging from 7” – 15”. The most common size is the 7”; the 15” display is suitable for hanging on the wall. The pictures you load will scroll so you get to view all the pictures that are loaded. You can get a very nice 7” or 8” digital frame for $80 to $100.00. A nice 15” will cost between $200 to $400.00.
Know what to look for when purchasing a digital photo frame, or BEWARE of the $39.00 ‘deal’. The most important features are RESOLUTION and ASPECT RATIO.
Image quality. This is determined by RESOLUTION, and should be displayed on the box. The lowest resolution to even consider is 640:480; anything lower will have extremely poor image quality. One of the $80.00 models has resolution of 800:800.
Aspect ratio. The digital photo frames support either a 4:3, 15:9 or 16:9 ASPECT RATIO. By default, most point-and-shoot digital cameras capture photos in 4:3. A frame with an aspect ratio of 4:3 will be the best fit for your photos, as 16:9 frames will have to crop a piece of the top and bottom of your photos to fit the image on the display. On the flip side, a 16:9 aspect ratio gives your images a pleasing wide screen feel.
Other things to consider:
Do you need an accelerometer so you can use the frame in both portrait and landscape mode? Unless you are sure that all your pictures will be taken in portrait mode, then I suggest that this option is needed.
Who is the intended user? Large digital photo frames can be purchased with; Wi-Fi, full Web browsers, email, streaming Internet radio and text news feeds. If the intended user is grandma to see pictures of the kids, these options would be very confusing and unwanted.
NOTE: If the photo frame is for grandma, consider going in with your siblings on the purchase and preloading with photos of all the grand children. Grandma will love it, and you got a price break! Whichever sibling lives closest to grandma can keep the photos updated.
The more sophisticated user will enjoy the ability to email photos to the frame, or to be able to see up to date weather forecasts. You can get a digital photo frame with all of the options for $100.00.
Get on the Internet and research digital photo frames, the features and options offered and price. Now you can make an intelligent decision on which one to buy, and know that you will be pleased with your choice.
