Digital Picture Frame Review

Digital picture frames: A mixed bag

Digital photo frames are popular as gifts but haven't caught on with the mainstream. In the past year or so, the market has contracted, with many brands trimming down their selection or leaving the category altogether. For example, Westinghouse, once a big name in photo frames, no longer makes them. Other companies, like SmartParts, have disappeared altogether. At the same time, companies like Kodak are working to make photo frames that are simple to use, while still offering plenty of features.

The best reviewers of digital frames evaluate and compare a large number of models to determine superiority, and they cement their findings with objective ratings or rankings. CNET, PCMag.com and niche site DigitalPictureFrameReview.com meet these criteria and consistently deliver thorough, balanced and nicely comparative evaluations. Subscription sites, including ConsumerReports.org and Australia's Choice magazine, do an excellent job testing and comparing models. Smaller technology publications such as TrustedReviews.com, DigitalTrends.com and MacLife also do an admirable job analyzing digital frames, but their smaller number of reviews limits comparative value.

Owner-written reviews at Amazon.com and TigerDirect.com offer the best insight into real-world setup and usability issues with digital photo frames. Since many people are looking at digital picture frames as a way to share photos with aging parents and distant relatives, easy setup is a particular concern.