Ab Work Outs: Philips 7-Inch Digital Photo Frame (Clear & Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm familiar with this type of product having used a couple of others from other manufacturers in the past.

Having read some of the reviews, I will say I'm very computer-savvy, and didn't run into some of the problems others have mentioned.

The picture quality was nice; not terrific, but I'll get back to that in a moment.

There's plenty of on-board memory. According to Windows Explorer, about 8 megs. The key to using that judiciously is to size your pictures before storing them to memory, using photo software like Photoshop Elements or better, as if you were prepping them for the web. The native screen resolution is 720X480, so I sized all my pics to stay within those parameters, and I typically ended up with a file size of somewhere around 40 - 80 kb, and you can stick 1 or 2 hundred on this device at that file size. Further, they'll fit the screen without distortion from the frame firmware trying to adjust your pics to the display. Additionally, you won't eat up all the memory trying to store full 2-Meg Jpegs -- 4 of those and your memory's full -- that really won't look any better here than they would on your computer display looking at a web page. Save those for prints.

The downside to this is that picture quality suffers a bit because of the smaller file size, and because this is an LCD display there's also some artifacting in shadow areas (a fact of life with LCDs). But let's face it: you're not going to use this device for professional presentations. This is so you or your Mom can see all those cool pictures you have.

Now, the biggest drawback to this is the TERRIBLE user interface. This thing isn't at all intuitive as far as operating it. There's a row of tiny buttons on the top behind the frame, and it's always pretty much guesswork as to what switch makes the device perform which action. The written instructions are totally useless in trying to figure this out. Trial and error is the only method available, for all intents and purposes.

I had no trouble copying in pictures from a folder on my Desktop using Windows Explorer (I operate in an XP environment, so I can't speak to Vista. I hate Vista). I used Edit > Select All > Copy then just pasted them into the folder on the device. They all copied in perfectly.

So, a middle of the road grade based on my experience with other brands, which seem to be easier to operate.

(Incidentally, for those who have problems deleting the sample pics that came already loaded. In Windows Explorer, I had absolutely no problem deleting all the sample photos in the folder.)

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Product Description:
Philips 7FF2FPAS/27 digital photo frame offers a crisp, clear display of your favorite photos on its 6.5-inch screen.The high pixel display shows off your treasured photos with the same real life rich detail and vibrant colors as high quality prints.The full color display brings out the best in your photos with vibrant, real life colors by displaying the same full range of colors found in professionally printed photos.The seven button control makes it easy to adjust and control settings of the frame.Enjoy viewing your pictures in a variety of different display modes.Choose to display your photos one image at a time, in thumbnail mode for quick and easy searches or create a slideshow of your favorite photos.The USB connectivity allows you to upload pictures from your computer quickly and with ease.The frame features SmartPower, which allows you to set the hours for frame to be on and automatically shuts down during off hours.The SmartPower feature reduces energy consumption and saves up to one-third of your frame-s energy costs.This frame has a high quality design and is made from exquisite materials including a solid stylish stand, designer frame and detailed finishing that conveys an impression of value and refined taste, adding luster to the photos displayed.