Digital frames (also known as digital photo frames or digital picture frames) are electronic photo frames with an LCD screen. The pictures can be loaded either via cable (loading the pictures into the internal memory) or by inserting a memory card filled with pictures. These frames can be hung on the wall or displayed on a table surface like normal photo frames. However, digital frames do require a power cord to function. The more popular sizes are around 7" to 9", but frame sizes can range from under 6" to over 10".
Typical costs:
Digital photo frame key chains range from 1" to 1.5" and cost around $10-$15.
For slightly larger frames still under 7", digital frames come in sizes 3.5" to 6". Prices for these frames range from $30-$60. The Pandigital 5" Digital Photo Frame[1] is a good choice for the consumer looking for something in this size.
In general, a higher screen resolution (of at least 640x480 pixels) is needed for good picture quality. The 7" display is one of the more common digital frames because that fits a typical 4"x6" photo.
The cost of 7"-9" frames, which usually come with more internal memory and extra border frames, range from $40-$100. The Pandigital 7" Digital Photo Frame[2] can be had for $65. This widescreen Sony 8" Digital Photo Frame[3] has also had many positive reviews and costs around $100.
The 10"-17" digital frames range from $100 and up to $270. The 10" Samsung SPF-107H is a good digital frame that can be had for $100. For a little larger frame, the 15" frame ViewSonic VFM1530-11[4] costs around $150.
Besides displaying pictures and slide shows, digital frames may also offer features such as functioning as a calendar or alarm clock, connecting wirelessly through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or displaying video.
Depending on the internal memory size of the digital frame, they can typically store anywhere from 150 to 6,400 pictures.
The digital picture frame with a built-in memory card reader typically comes with a desktop stand.
Most frames come with a USB cable for transferring pictures from a computer.
Most digital frames these days also come with a remote control to access features and to configure the frame.
Digital frames will often include an extra frame or faceplate.
Additional costs:
LCD screen cleaning kits typically cost around $10.
A wireless adapter to connect to the web can be used with some digital frames to access pictures from the Internet (already uploaded to social media websites like Facebook or Flickr, etc). They cost around $25, like the Ceiva Wireless Adapter[5] .
Memory cards for extra storage can cost anywhere from $10 to $100.
Discounts:
Some brick and mortar stores offer discounts on store display models and digital frames that were returned (open box items).
TIP: Online retailers can also sell refurbished digital frames (with a limited manufacturer warranty).
Shopping for a digital frame:
Brick and mortar retailers such as Best Buy[6] , Target[7] and Walmart[8] offer many of the models mentioned above.
Online retailers such as Amazon[9] and Newegg.com[10] also sell many digital frames.
The Amazon warehouse outlet[11] and Sony outlet[12] often offer substantial discounts on refurbished digital frames.
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I bought the Smartparts 10.4" digital frame from Costco for $130 (on sale, originally $160). They also sell a 12" model for $170 but the frame color was ugly.
PROS: Consumer Reports rates Smartparts frames pretty well, and it worked pretty well, plus can play video and sound, and the images looked crisp.
CONS: I couldn't get the music to play, and I couldn't get the video to work until I converted my .MOV files to 640x480 and <30 frames per seccond, and the conversion was a pain.
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