Digital Photo Frames

The Softbank Mobile’s 3G Digital photo Frame (a picture frame equipped with a 3G connection that makes it mobile) comes with the promise to instantly transfer digital photos to the frame via email and MMS. With the useful ability to transfer photos to other frames as well as email them, it appears to be a handy gadget.

It is equipped with many interesting features. A summary is listed below:

Features:

• Slide shows with 13 patterns
• Preview, hide, delete, rotate, enlarge, thumbnail, display effect
• Calendar
• Clock
• Email support to send and receive pictures.
• WiFi connection allowing you to receive pictures round the clock.
• Bluetooth support for exchanging pictures with PC’s and other phone.
• Access to your pictures stored online in your preferred photos album.
• Ability to post photos online on places like Flickr.

Specifications:

• Weight (approx.) : 510 g
• Dimensions (approx.) : 213.0 (W) × 151.0 (H) × 32.0 (D) mm
• Internal memory (approx.) : 384 MB
• Package contents : AC Adapter (HWCAA1)
• Display format : JPEG, BMP, GIF
• Pixels :  Up to 16 M pixels

Some limitations that Softbank Mobile specifies are:

• Messaging functions limited to incoming message reception only.
• Frames will only accept messages sent from SoftBank Mobile or Disney Mobile handset numbers.
• White Plan or Gold Plan unlimited free messaging service does not cover messages sent to PhotoVision.
• Mail reception limited to messages with attached image files. The following types of messages will not appear and are automatically deleted upon reception:
• Messages with no attached image files
• HTML Mail (including Graphic Mail or My Emoji messages).

Being wireless opens up many possibilities. You can put the 3G Digital photo frame up on the table, on the wall, vertical, horizontal. Moreover, you can take it with you anywhere you like. With a slideshow, it enables you to constantly keep on changing the feel of your room. It can be great for setting the mood, while also holding out occasional pleasant surprises for you.

But, the vital question is, is it worth the price? By the looks of T-Mobile’s failed experiment, the Softbank Mobile’s product is also doomed to the same limbo of forgetfulness. The cost is pretty high and you would not get your money’s worth unless you are a picture fanatic. However, it does turn your room into a mini art gallery at an incomparably smaller price.