Digital Picture Frames Make Your Memories Shine

Image quality
This is a frame's most important attribute. The screen surface also might affect how well you see the picture.

Display resolution
Display resolution is as stated by the manufacturer. It's the number of pixels, horizontally by vertically, that the frame can display.

Aspect ratio
Aspect ratio represents the relationship between an image's height and width. Most frames use either a 4:3 or 3:2 aspect ratio.

Screen size
Frames generally range in size from about 3x5 to 10x12 inches. What's more important is the display area within the frame. We tested the largest selling size category: 7- and 8-inch frames, measured diagonally.

Controls
With most frames, you insert your camera's memory card into a slot, turn the frame on, and watch your photos display in slideshow fashion. With others, though, you must decide whether to display a still image or slideshow each time you turn on the frame.

Connections
Not all frames that work with Windows computers also work with Macs. Look specifically for models that work with Macs if that's what you have.

Remote 
A wireless remote makes the frames easier to use.

Versatility
Most frames can be set to either the wider "landscape" mode or the taller "portrait" mode. But not all offer that versatility, so check before you buy. Frames with removable outside borders can be customized to match a room's decor.

Built-in storage
Some frames have built-in memory that can store images, which is more convenient than leaving your camera's memory card in the frame. Look for at least 512MB.

Memory cards
Most models can accept the common types of memory card, such as SD, Compact Flash, or Memory Stick. Make sure the frame can use the same type as your camera.

USB port
If you want to transfer digital images directly from your computer, look for a frame with a USB port.

Wi-Fi
If you get a frame with Wi-Fi connectivity, you might be able to download photos from your computer's hard drive (provided that it also has a network connection).

Bluetooth
A few frames let you connect via Bluetooth. If your camera or cell phone has Bluetooth, you might find that to be a handy way to get photos to your frame.

Make picture quality your top priority

After all, you're looking at your favorite family photos and memories.

Fit the frame to the recipient

Some frames require only the ability to plug in a memory card. Others might have confusing menus or require wireless setup. Make sure the person receiving the frame has some tech savvy if the model you're considering fits the latter category, or make sure you're available to help with the setup.

Skip the widescreen models

Unless you take pictures using a 16:9 aspect ratio (something most cameras allow, but not by default), stick to frames with a normal (4:3 or 3:2) aspect ratio. Otherwise, the frame will display bars above and below or on the sides of the picture, or you'll have to stretch it to fill the screen.

Get at least a 7-inch frame

This size will allow you to display a full 4x6 photo.

Consider your photo-sharing service

If you use an online photo-sharing site such as Snapfish or Flickr, choose a wireless frame that supports your site.

Written by Nicolas Yang