Here at ilse media they must have read my mind. Since I have got my Canon IXUS 750 digital camera I have been going picture crazy. Taking pictures left and right, I leave no moment unused to record in digital image. However, I have not yet found the time (nor the motivation) to print some of my material. My work came with the solution: the Aigo Digital Photo Frame.
Truth be said, I am not the only one to get this present; anyone that has a work contract with ilse got one. It is just fortunate for me that I have been using my digital camera as much as I have. Anyway back to the product.
The Aigo Photo Frame is basically a LCD screen in a photo frame which allows you to display photos stored on any external media or internal memory on a 6.5″ screen TFT screen. Aside displaying pictures (statically or in slide show) it is also capable of playing music stored in MP3 format. The frame is fitted with slots that will read all major memory card formats. A USB connector allows you to upload media from your computer and basically use the frame as a card reader as well.
The package is surprisingly complete with a power adapter, that comes with a euro and UK module. The USB cord comes with a splitter so that you don’t have to free another USB port if you’re low on those. The photo frame is supplied with an extra silver front in case you don’t like the black one. The ‘leg’ of the frame on which it rests is quite heavy and gives the frame a firm footing. All in all the frame looks stylish and anything but cheap.
There are a few small downsides I’ve found when playing around with this neat little gadget. For one, the USB connector is 1.1, so it isn’t too fast when you try to push media files to your memory card. Also, the quality of the speakers in the photo frame is not too, so don’t expect this to be replacing your stereo any time soon. Finally, the location of the card slots is oriented downward. This makes it hard to remove or insert cards without picking the frame up. This oversight in ergonomics is is probably the biggest of the flaws that I can find in the product.
Having said this, the digital photo frame is a nice toy regardless of its value as a card reader or music station. It will definitely find a home in my living room.