I compared...

When I was trying to determine which digital picture frame to buy, quality and image size were the number one consideration. After extensive research on sites such as Epinions and Amazon.com, I decided to go with the Kodak Smart Digital Picture Frame... and I'm very pleased with my decision.

How it works...
Basically, the concept is like this...

1. You put the digital pictures on your computer.
2. You upload them to the Storybox website.
3. The frame calls in on its internal modem and downloads the new pictures.

And yes, there is the required subscription, but it's free for the first six months, and you can use the frame without the subscription by placing your images on a CompactFlash card and inserting that card into the side of the frame. But I, for one, actually like the way the frame works with the subscription service. It's VERY easy to upload the images to the website and during one of the day phone calls (you set the frame to call 1-4 times per day at the times you specify), it simply downloads the new images. If you do decide to continue your subscription after the initial free six months, it's $4.95 for up to 2 daily calls and $9.95 for up to 4 calls (though I have no idea why anyone would need to call in 4 times a day).

Unlimited Images...
The Kodak Storybox Frame holds 36 images on its internal memory. With the added CompactFlash card, the number of pictures is virtually unlimited. For example, with an inexpensive 16MB CompactFlash card ($30), you can store around 300 640x480 images at 50K each. (Since the resolution of the frame is 640x480, saving your images at a higher resolution doesn't increase the quality, only the file size.) So, for an extra $30, you've got an extra 300 images for your frame to cycle through. One word of note, though: for all images coming from the CompactFlash card, a small "CF" appears in the bottom right corner. I called StoryBox to ask/complain about this and they said they'd heard similar calls and it would likely be removed in the next couple of months during a software update (which would take place during a daily call).

Ease Of Use...
I'm a gadget freak, so I know how to work practically any computer thingamajig, but this frame is incredibly easy to use. You just plug it in and go. The first time it dials in, it automatically determines the local phone number (by using a process like Caller ID, but on an 800 (from which you can't block your number)) and then on each subsequent call, the frame dials the local number. If you want to set it up and forget it, it'll work fine. Change images every 5 seconds, every 20 seconds, every 1 minute, every 5 minutes, every 15 minutes, every hour, once per day, or never. It even turns on and off according to a schedule you set (as to conserve the screen life. If you're asleep, there's no point in it showing you pictures.)

Overall...
Overall, it was very important for me that the images appear nicely (not all jagged, which I saw on the Digi-Frame at Best Buy), and that the frame hold an unlimited number of pictures. As for ease of use, like I said, that wasn't a large consideration as I'm pretty technically proficient, but Kodak and Storybox have made it fairly painless. True, the Storybox website could use a few improvements, but those totally don't effect the frames usability. Indeed, my only real complaint is the CF appearing on the CompactFlash images, so overall, I'd VERY MUCH recommend this frame.

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Secret Tip
The wooden frame pops off. Remove it and replace the anti-glare glass in front of the LCD screen with a pane of clear glass 4 3/8" x 5 11/16". It much improves the image quality.

Recommended: Yes