One of the things we like best about working for a large online retailer is being able to see all the cool gadgets and accessories before they become commonplace. I am certain that one of the hot - and most unique - photography gifts this upcoming Christmas/holiday season is going to be a digital picture frame.
Currently, digital picture frames are typically priced from approximately $100 and up, depending on which bells and whistles catch your fancy. The two most common types of digital frames are 1) those you plug your photo memory cards into, and 2) those that can communicate wirelessly or via phone cord.
For example,
Edge Tech Corp sells a stylish, digital picture frame with a built-in MP3 player. (The music can be heard through the integrated speakers or privately via the earphone jack.) So not only can you see a slideshow of your favorite private photos, but you can play background music at the same time to set the mood.
The Edge frame accepts several different types of memory cards:
- SD Memory Cards
- MultiMedia (MMC) Cards
- Memory Stick
- Memory Stick Pro
- IBM Microdrive
- Type I/II Compact Flash Cards
The device is Plug n Play, so all you have to do is insert the memory card and start your show. You can set the display times and transition effects, and the Edge picture frame comes with a credit card-sized remote control for manual control when the digital slideshow is running.
(Note: Edge Tech is offering a $40 rebate on digital picture frames purchased from 8/1/06 to 9/30/06.
You can download the rebate form here in Adobe PDF format.
Click here if you need the latest Adobe reader.)
Another interesting type of digital picture frame is offered by
Ceiva Logic. It does not require you to plug in a physical card or transfer your photos from a computer. Instead, the digital frame is
live; that is, via a phone line or Ceiva's wireless adapter, anyone with permission can upload photos to your frame. You could literally wake up in the morning and see new photos being displayed that friends or family have sent to you from an event the night before. (It's the next best thing to being there.)
Ceiva Logic can also upload content. The Ceiva Network subscription service provides current content from ABC News, Weather Channel and ESPN.
The true uniqueness of giving a digital picture frame as a gift is in its personalization. Imagine giving this for Christmas, a birthday or a wedding, and then uploading photographs of the good times to the recipient shortly thereafter. Rather than just giving a digital picture frame to a new bride and groom, your present could be an entire digital wedding album.
For these and other digital picture frames, you can visit RitzCamera.com (who is graciously sponsoring this site) or other online retailers.
Tags:
Digital Photography,
Digital Cameras,
Technology,
Christmas Gifts,
High Tech GiftsLabels: consumer electronics, digital cameras, digital picture frames
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