Memory-maker Transcend offers another place for memory storage
(Credit:
Transcend)
On the short list of things I appreciate in a digital photo frame is a lot of internal memory. Sure, it's cheap enough to buy an extra SD card, but when a flash-memory manufacturer like Transcend makes a frame, I expect it to have a healthy amount. The newly announced PF810 has 2GB thankfully, but also adds a couple things that I just don't care about.
For one, the frame looks decent enough, but what's with the rhinestones on the corners? It's also touch-sensitive, which could be fun if Transcend didn't use a finger-print-collecting gloss-black finish.
The 8-inch, 800x600-resolution display sounds OK, and the company's new NaturaTone intelligent skin color processing and other image enhancements are promising, too. Like Transcend's 7-inch photo frames, the PF810 has MP3 and video playback (presumably motion JPEG) as well as a built-in FM radio tuner, alarm clock, and calendar functions. Honestly, I can't say I'd ever use a frame to listen to the radio, but if someone out there can explain the scenario where you would, please comment.
Pricing and release date weren't announced, but the company's PF720 frame has similar features and sells for around $100.
Josh Goldman is a senior editor for CNET Reviews, covering digital cameras, camcorders, and related bits and pieces, along with writing the occasional laptop or software review. He doesn't have a podcast, newsletter, or CNET TV show, but you can follow him on Twitter if that's something you do. E-mail Josh. 
i have SEVERAL (almost a dozen) alarm-clock radios either plugged-in about the house or in storage.
Thing is...they're BUTT-ugly.
Having a photo frame that has a digital time display on it - that doubles as an alarm clock WOULD be something i'd like to have, to get those ugly clock radios (whose design, you probably don't remember, haven't really been changed/updated since the EARLY 70's), out of the line of sight.
On the downside, though. that flimsy dongle/flap-thingy that usually holds up a photo frame HAS to be improved upon, for this kind of application to really benefit.
...and YES, what the h#(l were they thinking with rhinestones? (maybe the frames come pre-installed with an MP3 of that old Glen Campbell tune to wake you up in the Am).