If you want to buy a digital photo frame without spending a fortune, here are a few guidelines. First of all, don’t pay for features that you will probably never use. Some of the more advanced features are also the ones that can add a lot to the cost of the frame. For example, if you won’t be using the digital frame to browse the web or stream internet music, then you can purchase a less expensive frame without these options.
Now that there are many companies making digital frames, it is not necessary to stick with the top name manufacturers in order to get a decent product. Look around for some good values from some lesser known companies. As with any purchase, make sure that you read the reviews of people who are using the frame before you purchase.
While it may be all right to pass on some of the advanced features, do not skimp on screen resolution. This is an important indicator of how your photos will appear. The higher the resolution, the better the visual quality of the photo will be. The size of the screen also comes into play, but if you are comparing two 7 inch frames, for example, go with the one with the higher resolution.
You should be able to find a decent 7 inch digital frame with nice screen resolution (800 x 480) starting at about $79.00. Keep an eye out for sales in you have the time. It is not a good idea to consider frames that have a resolution below 640 x 480. You will see a lot of 7 inch digital frames that have a resolution of 480 x 234 and the prices will be great, but you will not be as happy with how your photos look.
To purchase a larger digital frame, you may have to spend at least $150 to get a nice product, but if you do not need a lot of extra features and you are a savvy shopper, you may be able to get a nice frame in the $100 – $125 range. November and December are good times to shop for digital frames, since they are a popular gift and retailers are discounting in an attempt to get their share of the holiday sales.
While it makes sense to shop online for the widest variety of digital frames, it may make sense to check out a few frames in a store to give you an idea of picture quality, what size frame you might like and what screen resolution is acceptable in your search for a digital photo frame within your budget.