Sony designs photo frames for the digital age
Printed photos? Pah!
If you’ve recently splashed out on a new digital SLR, such as the Olympus E-420 we've reviewed here, then you’ll need some where to show off your snaps. Sony knows this, so it’s unveiled two LCD photo frames.
Sony's 10.2in D100 frame...
The main difference between the D80 and the D100 is display size. Whilst the D80 has a decent 8in viewing area, the D100 boasts a more spacious 10.2in screen. Another disparity is that the D100’s only available in a glossy black frame - the D80 comes in black or brown.
Both frames display images on 800 x 600 pixel resolution screens and in 4:3 formats. Users can flip either frame to sit horizontally or vertically because, much like many existing digital frames, images can be displayed in either orientation.
...and Sony's 8in D80
Each frame has 256MB of storage capacity available and supports a range of memory cards, such as SD and Memory Stick. Pictures can also be transferred from PC and onto the frames over USB.
A handy wireless remote is thrown in and the clock/calendar mode allows you to set a wake-up alarm.
Both Sony frames will be available in October, but prices haven’t been released yet.
COMMENTS
Green nightmare
Just how much energy is wasted by these things displaying pictures to no-one 99% of the time? At least include a passive infra-red sensor so that the display is blanked (reducing it to unnecessary standby current) when no-one is around.
Round of applause for Sony, unusually
... for not going down the pointless widescreen route. Hopefully others will follow suit. Of course, may yet reflect in the price tag.
Meh..
I'd love a digital photo frame. But so far, I haven't seen any that come anywhere close to looking good, and the 800x600 resolution isn't exactly awe-inspiring. Plus, as much as I -want- to like Sony hardware, it's screwed me time and time again over the years.
Call me when it's 1024x768, or even better, 1280x1024. Modern SLRs take images at several thousandxthousand, and LCDs are cheap. Give me decent quality!
Oh, and have it wireless, with its own local website so I can easily add pictures from my computer, or even remotely from anywhere in the world. That'd be great for sending pictures to loved ones.
