Digital photo frames have become increasingly popular with many models offered from a variety of companies. Sorting through the options can be difficult and there is a significant difference in both image quality and features between many of the models. Some products such as the one being offered by eStarling are taking the digital photo frame to a new level by incorporating WiFi connectivity. Why would anyone want WiFi in a picture frame you might ask? Well eStarling figured out a way to use a dedicated email address (user signup) to get photos on the screen with virtually no effort. The new Impact 7 digital frame allows photos to be automatically displayed on the frame without ever loading pictures on a memory stick. Anyone can simply email photos to the dedicated email address and they will appear on the frame. Families can share a single email address for multiple frames making it easy for everyone to share the photos. Best of all the frame is only $99.99.

The Impact 7 can also turn itself off at night and save energy thanks to the built-in real-time clock (RTC). The frame is powered by a universal (100-240VAC, 50/60Hz) high efficiency switching power adapter that produces 9VDC at 2 amps.

The Impact 7 has a resolution of 480x234 and features a touchscreen border. Picture quality was good at a reasonable distance, but not great closer to the screen. The WiFi connection also works with other online picture sites such as iPhoto, Flickr, Webshots, Picasa, Photobucket, MSN Space, Gallery2, Smugmug, and AOL Pictures. Users can even subscribe their picture frame to a photo RSS feed (such as a National Geographic photo feed) and get updated pictures. Signing up is easy using the SeeFrame.com website. We had no problem getting our photos to show up on the frame once they were emailed.

The IR remote sits neatly in the back of the frame stand out of sight. This helps reduce clutter while preventing the remote from getting lost. The stand works well and keeps the frame at a good angle for viewing. The right-angle power plug mates to the back of the frame and exits the center area, which keeps the unsightly cord from running out the side. The top of the frame has a USB interface along with a memory slot that supports SD/MS/MMC. The good news is the frame supports the higher density SDHC memories. We tested out a 4GB SD memory and it worked well. Unfortunately, the memory stick protrudes from the top of the frame and takes away from the elegant look.

Conclusion
The Impact 7 is an ideal gift for loved ones such as those in a nursing home. The WiFi interface allows new pictures to be updated to the frame with little effort. The price is certainly affordable and the ease of operation makes it a worthy product.

- Kevin Nakano

eStarling - Impact7 Digital Frame with WiFi

Specifications

• LCD Display: 7-Inch LCD screen (480 X 234 pixels) with built-in high speed JPEG decoder/rendering engine
• Communications: Internal 802.11b/g (WEP64, WEP128, WPA1, WPA2)
• Interface: MMC/SD/MS card slot; USB 2.0 client port
• Memory Size: On-board FLASH memory 256M
• Remote Control for PC-less easy setup
• Touch Border design for easy navigation
• RTC-powered automatic shutdown feature for increasing reliability and saving energy
• Power Source: External AC Adapter (Input: AC 100~240V 50/60Hz ,Output: DC9V/1.5A)
  
• Weight: 2.7 Lbs

Package Contents

• Digital Frame
• Universal Power Adapter
• IR Remote Control