Kids Online eBooks: Don't Overlook Their Importance

Importance of Reading

Reading to your child is one of the most important things you can do to prepare your child for school. The foundation for instilling early learning success begins as a baby. The sooner you begin reading regularly to your baby the better off s/he will be. Reading to your baby helps in the following ways:

o develops a closeness between the parent and child

o elevates the importance of books to children in a fun way

o is great for setting up a bedtime routine that the baby will eventually recognize and follow

o helps growing babies to understand how books work with pictures and turning pages

o is a fun activity involving interaction between the book, child, and parent

As a baby gets older, s/he has learned to look forward to this time of closeness and adventure. Reading books helps children to understand the alphabet, communication through print, and the characteristics of written language.1 By the time the child reaches two, children who have been read to regularly show better language understanding, have larger vocabularies, and show higher cognitive abilities than other children. 2 Furthermore, continued parent-child reading during the preschool leads to increased reading achievement in elementary school and an increased enthusiasm for reading and learning.3

Reading eBooks Online

The best place for a child to learn how to read is in your lap with a book. There is no better first learning experience than this. However, as your child gets older, exposing him/her to other reading mediums can be very valuable. The Internet is full of games, coloring pages, videos, and e-books where your child can enhance his/her reading ability. Age three and higher is recommended for children using the Internet. Their cognitive abilities are more operable as well as their potential in maneuvering the mouse.

Reading eBooks is beneficial because they:
o provide children with an interactive experience though sound, movement, turning pages, etc.
o enhance the reading experience by hearing different voices read to them

o improve hand-eye coordination as they follow the screen and click the previous and next page buttons 4

o help initiate kids to the computer – where they will be spending most of their time in the future
o often provide a twist on a familiar story making an old story new again
o prepare children for the very possible future of online libraries – which will compliment physical libraries but

provide more convenience and a 24/7 experience

o “bring added dimensions to the learning environment when used in an appropriate context.” 5

You may have read about the popularity of eReaders. Amazon’s Kindle and Sony’s eReader are the big players in this market. These readers can hold a lot of books and the clarity of the print they project is pretty amazing. It really does seem as if you’re reading an actual printed book. Nonetheless, their future growth is unpredictable – much like GPS systems. These stand alone devices can become inconvenient when a person needs to tote around their laptop, GPS, E-Reader, cell phone, etc. The future is in multi-bundled devices – such as the iPhone.

With the advent of the touch screen, there are numerous possibilities for books and how children interact with them. Children are being raised with computers, Gameboys, Nintendo DS’s, playing with their parents iPhone or cell phones, etc. They love playing with these gadgets. Why not enhance their reading experience with the interactivity and entertainment these devices provide children? It’s the best of both worlds. iPhones and other multimedia phones can already hold thousands of mp3’s and pictures – eBooks are the next logical step.

Interactive eBooks are sure to be big due to:

o their instant accessibility (once downloaded)
o condensed format – no more lugging heavy books around
o convenience – whether stretching out on the sofa or sitting on a plane – you can now read anywhere
o entertainment value to kids
o increases kids’ independence if the eBook has audio narration – the whole story can be read or the child can click on single unknown words
o multimedia experience – increasing learning through sight, sound, and interactivity with theclick of a mouse
o some eBooks offer online quizes after the book is over to help children with their reading comprehension. This is key because it helps prepare children for education standards later in their schooling. They will be tested not on how well they read but on how well they understand what they read.

My SQUEEZE on eBooks:


I highly recommend engaging your child in eBooks and online activity. However, in no way do I advise allowing eBooks to replace the traditional book reading experience. eBooks offer a new exciting way for kids to enjoy books and interact with them in a way that is not possible with traditional books.


At my little girl’s school, they utilize an Accelerated Reader (AR) program which assesses whether or not a child has read a book. AR is a progress monitoring software assessment tool used by primary and secondary schools for monitoring the practice of reading.6 It helps teachers assess their students’ comprehension rates and grade reading level. AR is used by more than 75,000 schools nationwide. My daughter reads books at home and then takes her AR test the next day at school. She is already learning to use the computer to take quizes on the books she reads. She started taking these tests in Kindergarten! When I took my GRE (Graduate Records Examination) test to enter graduate school - nearly 10 years ago – it was all computer based – which included reading comprehension. There’s no doubt in my mind that our children will read more things and be evaluated online as technology progresses.


If you’d like to pursue eBooks further, here are some links for you to view. I noticed that most free sites are limited in their offerings and interactivity. Nonetheless, they provide for a good introduction to reading eBooks online.


o StarFall - Short stories for beginning readers
o StarFall – Beginners - online text with audio or emerging readers
o BBC Childrens stories Popular kids shows in England

I have recently been given the opportunity to review a children’s eBook retailer online. Stay tuned. I will be posting my review of their site shortly.


Remember, reading to your children – or having them read themselves – is an important daily habit to continue. Experts recommend a minimum of 15 minutes a day. Fifteen minutes a day can pay big dividends for a lifetime of learning. Enjoy this reading time with your kids, they grow so fast, as you already know.




Lori

Front Loading Washer & Dryers: Is it Time to Upgrade?

For the past five years or so, high efficiency  (H.E.) front loading washers have been all the rage.  Not only do they look neat with all the digital features, they're cool with new colors - red, blue, silver -- never seen before in our hum-drum laundry rooms.  Things are looking up!

As a technology lover, I figured it must be time to upgrade, right?  Who could pass up all those bells and whistles and futuristic style?  But before I can shell out a sizable chunk of money for these beauties, I must do my homework first.  So I surfed the web and talked to my friends who have high efficiency front loading machines.    Here's what I found out...

What is a High Efficiency Front Loading Washer?
First off, what is a H.E. front loading washer?  Most are front loading washers like the type you'd see in a laundromat.  They are characterized by: 3

A Rotating Drum that tumbles clothes through less water.  This compared to a top loader which rubs clothes against an agitator in a tub full of water.

A High Pressure Spray Rinsing that saves water and helps get soap out of clothes.

A faster Spin Cycle that cuts down on water and causes clothes to be "drier" out of the washer.

A More Efficient Motor and Automatic Sensing that conserves water and energy.


Top Loading Machines

Top loading machines are the most common type of washing machines.  Laundry is deposited and withdrawn from the top of the machine.  Top loading machines are best for people who have back problems as it's easier to get to the load without bending or kneeling over.  These machines are less costly and tend to be more reliable.   I've had mine now for nearly 15 years and it keeps on ticking.  My mom had hers for over 25 years.  So why "throw in the towel (and my socks too!)" and upgrade my laundry machines now?    Let's delve further into high efficiency front loading machines.

H.E. Front Loading High Efficiency Machines
H.E. Front Loading machines have been around enough now that there is ample information available on their benefits and drawbacks:

BENEFITS:

o  Save Money - these machines use far less water and electricity than top loading machines.  H.E. machines only fill up partially with water.  They lift the clothes up and drop them back into the water, instead of totally emerging them in water as do top loaders.

Studies show that H.E. machines use up to 50% less water and 50-65% less energy than top loading machines. 5  The U.S. Department of Energy calculates savings of up to $50 a year in utility costs. 3  A $100 a year savings in utility costs is even possible with the best energy efficient machines as compared to your old 15 year old top loading washing machine. 3

o  Load Capacity - most H.E. machines can handle more clothes with capacities ranging from 12-20 pound loads.

o  Cleaner Laundry - because of their tumbling and drop action, they can clean clothes more fully.  Reports from consumer reports, CNET reviews, and interviews with friends confirm clothes are cleaner. 

o  Drier Clothes Out of the Washer - due to moisture extraction in the spin cycle. This also aids with reduced energy consumption.  Drier clothes from the washer mean less time for clothes to dry, which equates energy consumption reduction.

o  Good for the Environment - due to less energy consumption and water usage.  A family of four could reduce their water usage by up to 8,0000 gallons a year using H.E. machines. 4

o  Stackable - Front loaders can be stacked, making more for space in smaller laundry rooms.

o  Home Network Integration - believe it or not, models such as the LG SteamWasher can be integrated into your home network and can show you the washer's progress on your computer!  Cool!  Sign me up!

o  High Capacity - purchasing a large capacity H.E. machine will allow you to double the amount of clothes you can put into the washer.  My friend, who has a family of 5, is able to wash all the bed linens in one load -- a feat not even thought possible with her top loader.

NOTE on Detergent:  High Efficiency (H.E.) machines work best with low-foaming, high-efficiency detergent which is made specifically for H.E. machines.  These detergents are formulated for low water levels and tumbling action.  H.E. detergents are comparable in price to normal detergents.  Using regular detergents in H.E. machines creates too many suds which will make it harder to get the soap out of the clothes.


DRAWBACKS:

o  Vibration - some H.E. models vibrate excessively during the spin cycle.  It depends where you place your washing machine.  If you place it on concrete, the vibration will be pretty much absorbed.  However, putting it on a wood framed floor will cause the vibrations to be more noticeable.  Newer models include reduced vibration features.

o  You Snooze you Lose - if you forget to put something in the washer after you pressed the start button - the item is going to have to wait until the next laundry load. The door locks so that water doesn't pour out onto your floor.

o  Digital Breakdowns - some of the higher end models use digital screens which allow you to customize your washing experience.  However, digital components can break down or be confusing and this can greatly decrease your front loader experience.  Repairing digital components can be costly.


o  Mold Growth - there have been numerous complaints about strange odors coming from these machines.  H.E. machines harbor moisture which promotes mold growth, hence the noticeable smell.  Mold growth can be prevented by leaving the washer door open after a load is done and through a little preventative maintenance.  To decrease the presence of mold, add 3/4 cup of bleach to your white laundry cycle to remove any build up in the machine. 4


o  Run Time - H.E. machines tend to take longer - expect at least one hour for the wash to be completed.  Expect 1 1/2 hours for the special allergen cycles. 


  Important Features
 When shopping for a H.E. front loading machine, here are some features to keep in mind:

o     ENERGY STAR - ensure your washer is ENERGY STAR - which means the government has declared it to be an energy efficient appliance.  While ENERGY STAR does not label dryers, be sure to choose one with a moisture sensor so that the machine will automatically shut off once the clothes are dry.

o     Capacity - determine the size of washer needed ahead of time.  A larger family points to a larger capacity needed.

o     Several Water Level Options - or Automatic water Level Sensing.  Water level options allow you to reduce water usage by adjusting water to the size of your load.

o     Yellow Energy Guide Label
Choose a model with a high Modified Energy Factor (MEF) and a low Water Factor (WF).  This is a valuable tool in determining how much energy it takes to use the machine and how it ranks compared to other models.  The label also provides an estimate of annual operating costs.


o     High Spin Speeds - helps to wring out the water from the clothes before going into the dryer.

o     Steam - steaming your clothes rather than washing them is more efficient as it loosens up dirt and freshens up and sanitizes clothes.  Steaming clothes also reduces water usage as the tub is not filled with water.  Both washers and dryers can offer this feature, but not all models offer steam. 2

 
 o  Quiet - front loaders are amazingly quiet.  Yes, you still hear them but you'll notice a big reduction in volume.  Also, because front loaders balance the load better, you won't hear that loud banging noise like you do with top loaders when the laundry load becomes unbalanced.

o  Delayed Start - washing machines have now joined the fray of delayed starts just like their oven and dishwasher counterparts.  With some models, you can set your H.E. machine to begin washing a load at a certain hour.  You can start it at 4am to be ready for the dryer by the time you awake, which reduces the amount of time wet laundry sits in the washer.

o  Allergy Clean - some models offer a special high temperature cycle designed to reduce certain allergens.  It helps to reduce dust mite populations and is particularly useful for bedding and pillows.

o  Automatic dispensers - fill up the dispensers with detergent, fabric softener, and bleach to automatically dispense at the right time.  This is HUGE for people used to top loaders.  With a top loader, many of us put the detergent in first, then fill the tub with water, then put the clothes in.  This takes a good amount of time and you need to be around to complete the steps.  Not so with a front loader.  The front loader takes in the detergent along with water and ensures the detergent is thoroughly mixed before combining it with the clothes.

o  Extra Rinse Cycle - for those people who are extra sensitive to detergent being in their clothes.

 o  Pedestal with Bottom Drawer - pedestals can be purchased separately for approximately $250 each to make it easier to reach inside your washer and provide for extra storage.  As pedestals are hollow inside, they will not help much against a heavily vibrating machine.  Some people build platforms out of wood or concrete to add height to their washer and dryer rather than purchase pedestals. 

My "Squeeze" On It
Although H.E. front loading machines are very pricey, in the long run they will pay for themselves by lowering your gas/electricity and water bills.  They cause much less wear and tear on your clothes and will clean your clothes more fully.

The features I feel are most important are:

• Capacity - buy as large capacity as you can afford
• Steam - to help cut down your dry cleaning bill
• Allergy Clean - to keep bed linens and pillows dustmite free
• Delayed Start - this can change the way, or at least the time, you do your laundry
• High MEF and Low WF - a high modified energy factor and low water factor machine will save more money in the long run.

Lastly, a word about color.  As fancy and as cool as a red washer looks, it will set you back at least an extra $100.  Instead, add some color to your laundry room walls to spice things up.




Useful Links:

• Consumer Research Washer Reviews
• Energy Star Washer Index
• CNET Washer Buying Guide
• Consumer Reports - Washing Machine Buying Guide
• JD Power 2009 Home Appliance Study - Washers
• JD Power 2009 Home Appliance Study - Dryers

Happy shopping and if you use this article to buy a H.E. front loading machine, let me know!
As always, feel free to contact me with your thoughts, insights, or suggestions for this article or future articles at wellconnectedmom@yahoo.com.



1.  http://articles.directorym.com/Selecting_the_Right_High_Efficiency_Washer_and_Dryer-a970244.html
2.  http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-17904_7-6905568-4.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody 
3.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/01/AR2009040100962.html
4.  http://www.consumersearch.com/washing-machine-reviews/important-features
5.  http://articles.directorym.com/Selecting_the_Right_High_Efficiency_Washer_and_Dryer-a970244.html

Digital Picture Frames: What to Look For & Interesting Uses for Them

Before the popularity of digital pictures, I once went to a scrapbooking party where the host asked us "how do you store your pictures?"    When it was my time to answer, I stated that my pictures were still in the paper envelopes the developer gave me -- along with their negatives.  I thought this was a good answer -- a normal answer.  There was silence in the room.  Gulp. I realized right away, I was at the wrong party.


No one was more excited than I when digital cameras became prevalent and affordable.  I took pictures of anything and everything.  When my children were born, I snapped pictures of them for every week of the first year of their lives.


Now I have thousands upon thousands of photos and I still don't view them as often as I would like.  So I wondered, "is now the time to buy a digital picture frame?" Digital picture frames are are a great way to view your favorite pictures, family vacation pictures, baby pictures, well, you get the picture.  You can display either one picture, or run a slideshow of many pictures.


I have done my homework on digital picture frames and have posted it here to help you.  In this article I explain the features you should keep in mind when purchasing a digital picture frame as well as give some interesting uses of how this handy device can be used in your home or business.


What To Look For


Size
Today's digital picture frames range in size from 2 inches to up to 40 inches!  Yes, that's right, 40 inches!  The most typical size purchased though is from 7 to 10 inches - big enough to display a 4x6 or 5x7 picture.  The larger the size, the larger the price. 


Decide where you want to place the digital picture frame first (and make sure it's near a power source), then you'll have a better idea of how big the screen should be for viewing.


With digital picture frames, you have the option of buying a standard 4:3 aspect ratio size or widescreen 16:9 ratio.  The 16:9 ratio will stretch your photos and/or cut off your pictures.  Most cameras produce pictures in the standard 4:3 ratio, so choose a picture frame with this standard.


Appearance
Digital picture frames come in all sizes and looks.  You can buy ones with metal, wood, or even plastic looking frames.  Many models now come with interchangeable plates (frames) so you can choose the look that best works with your decor.  There are two types of picture finish, matte and glass.  A matte finish works best as a glass finish can create glare.


Resolution
Resolution refers to how many pixels are on the screen.  The more pixels the better the clarity and richness of the picture.  Lately, there have been a lot of good deals out there for digital picture frames.  Prices have really come down these past few years.  However, check the specs on the picture frame carefully.  Many of these "great deals" have low resolutions which means poor display quality.  Ensure the picture frame you buy is no lower than 640x480 in resolution.  Typically, a 7 inch frame should have resolution of 720x480, an 8 inch should have 800x600 resolution, and frames over 10 inches should have at least 1024x768 resolution.(1)


Display
The best way to ensure you'll like the digital picture frame is to test it out first.  How does the picture quality look?  Do the pictures look vibrant?  Do the pictures load fast during the slideshow?  If you back away 7 feet, can you see the picture fine?  What if you move to the left and right, does the picture show well or is there glare?  Most stores do not let you see the picture frame in action, so you might not be able to test this until you get the picture frame home.


Power
All digital picture frames need to be plugged into a wall outlet.  Some models have an internal battery or allow for rechargeable batteries so you can pass your picture frame around the room to others without cables.  To save money, look for an auto on/off feature in a digital picture frame.  Frames with this feature can be programmed to come on only at night but turn off at a certain hour.  This is a great feature and will allow your frame to be enjoyed more.  Otherwise, you either 1.) let the picture frame run day and night or 2.) you unplug it when you're not using it - which is most of the time, thus not enjoying your picture frame and then you'll forget about it.


Enhanced Features
Digital picture frames can do more than just display pictures.  Many frames also play songs (mp3's) and videos. Consult the instructions on the box as to which type of formats the frame takes.  Different brands accept different formats. 


By uploading mp3's into your picture frame, you can now show your picture slide shows along with your favorite music.  The speakers in the frame offer decent sound and guests are often surprised by the novelty of seeing your pictures along with the music.


Video is another cool feature you can upload into your picture frame.  You can upload any videos (ensure the format is supported by your picture frame).  The possibilities are endless - home movies, music videos, movies, tv shows, you name it.  Now you might ask, why would I upload tv shows to this small picture frame?  I uploaded a disney video the other day at a family party - my kids watched it while we all watch the USC football game.  This way we all were in the room together.  Yes, a DVD player would be easier but we didn't have one with us.  Nonetheless, the smooth playing of a video depends on the quality of the picture frame you purchase.


The main benefit here is having your home movies readily accessible to watch at a moment's notice.  If the digital picture frame's internal memory you buy is not large, this is not a problem.  You can add your home videos to a large memory card and plug it into your digital picture frame.  The video will still play very well.  One possible  beauty here is taking your digital picture frame with the included cables on the road, and playing back the pictures and video on aTV.  I haven't tested this but I have to believe it's possible, it just makes sense.


Most digital picture frames come with a remote control so you can change pictures or settings without getting up from the couch.  You'll want to keep the remote nearby as some of the digital picture frame's functions can only be accessed by the remote control.


How Pictures are Imported
Surprisingly enough, there are several ways to input your pictures into a digital picture frame: 

• Memory card - you can take the memory card from your camera and plug it into your digital picture frame to display the pictures right away.  Most picture frames take several types of memory cards.  If needed, you can buy an adaptor which plugs into the picture frame and allows for additional memory card types.  One nice advantage with  memory cards is that you can plug your memory card into friends' or family member's digital picture frames while visiting them.  Furthermore, if you bought your parents or your grandparents a digital picture, you can give them or mail a memory card to them so they can plug in the latest pics.
• USB - to cut out an extra step, you can connect your digital photo frame to your computer by a USB or mini USB cord.  Using either the software that comes with the digital picture frame or My Computer on Windows PC's, you can copy pictures directly into your frame.  There are also some digital picture frames which allow you to use a USB thumb drive to download your pictures.
• Wireless - some digital picture frames have Wi-Fi (wireless)  capability to connect to your wireless network in your house.  The digital picture frame can connect to a specific folder on your computer, so anytime you update that folder with new pictures, your digital picture frame will display them automatically.  You can also upload pictures from any device that is Wi-Fi enabled such as camera phones, media players, etc.   In addition, with WiFi's digital picture frames, you can connect to your online picture sites, such as Flickr or Facebook. Wireless works well but be aware that sometimes setting up the digital picture frame to work with your wireless network can be problematic.    Furthermore, digital picture frames with Wi-Fi tend to cost more.
• Bluetooth - allows you to send pictures or music from your Bluetooth enabled phone or mobile device to your picture frame.  You may also be able to print pictures to your Bluetooth enabled printer.
• Phone Line - some digital picture frames have a phone line connection.  This is handy if you have older parents or grandparents are not familiar with technology but love having the latest pics of your kids.  From your computer at home and the software provided with the picture frame, you upload pictures directly into your parents or grandparents picture frame, even if they live across the country.  Typically, however, there is a fee for this service.
• Cellphone Link - T-Mobile has a new digiital picture frame on the market called the Cameo.  It retails for $100 but there is a $10 monthly that comes with it.  The Cameo picture frame actually has a cell number and e-mail address attached to it so you (or anyone else) can send it pictures directly.  You must be a T-Mobile customer to buy the digital picture frame though.
• Internal Memory - some digital picture frames have internal memory so that once you upload your pictures into the device using one of the methods listed above, you can play the pictures directly from your picture frame.  Showing pictures directly from the picture frame helps speed up the slideshow of your pictures.  Most digital picture frames have internal memories from a few gigabytes up to 80 gigabytes or more.  Opt for a larger internal memory - it allows you to enjoy viewing more pictures for longer without uploading frequently.

NOTE:  Keep in mind that any pictures you import into your digital picture frame will be imported exactly as they are.  So if your picture is not rotated correctly, it will be imported into your picture frame that way.  It is easier to make changes before importing your pictures into your picture frame.  However, most digital picture frames do offer simple editing such as picture rotation, cropping, and color correction.


Interesting Uses for Digital Picture Frames
You've seen digital picture frames before at people's houses.  If they are on, they are really appealing and draw your eyes toward them.  Some people even have several in one room displaying different "themes" or family activities.  Digital Picture Frames are great when you have family gatherings.  But do people really have them playing everyday?  Probably not.  I was at my mother-in-law's today and I found her digital picture frame sitting out, but with a printed picture on top of the display, within the frame.  Hmmm.  A good idea, but it shows her display doesn't get used much.


So, what are some other uses for digital picture displays?

• Home - display vacations, events, your kids scanned in artwork, flash cards for kids, family heritage pics so kids know their family members better, motivational messages - who doesn't need a pick-me up once in a while?
• Doctor's Office - display quotes of the day, pictures of the Dr. and staff, candid moments in the office - these are all ways to help build a relationship with your clients.
• Dental - before & after pics of teeth and smiles, reasons why patients should get a whitening treatment done, pictures of happy patients.
• Real Estate - a great way to display houses for sale with their prices.  Display reasons why a potential client should sign up with your office versus another agent.  Show success stories of how you helped families find and move into their dream home.
• Retail Stores - display products, promotion announcements, upcoming sales, pictures of staff helping customers, the store's website address and picture of the website.
• Auto Body Shops - a great way to display before and after pics of cars the shop has worked on.  Display your guarantee and reasons why your shop is better than the others.
• Dealerships - display cars available, explanation of popular car features, on-going dealership deals, biography of the sales people. 
• Churches - display announcements, upcoming sermon titles, welcome new members, pictures of members at church events, baptisms, youth groups, etc.
• Restaurants - display current deals, menu items, your logo, any promotions going on.
• Preschools/Schools - display pics of kids playing, promotions, your logo, accreditations, deadlines for sign-ups.
• Weddings - show pics of couples' years together leading up to the marriage.  Display pictures of the bride and groom during childhood.  Make it even more fun by adding pictures to the frame that you took while the wedding is still going on.
• For Sale By Owner - place digital frames through out house displaying features of house, any  before and after examples, benefits of the neighborhood, schools, etc.

NOTE:  logo's, promotional notes, advertisements, quotes, etc. can be made using PowerPoint and saving the slide as a jpeg.  Then it can be uploaded into your digital picture frame.
  Digital picture frames are a great way to display pictures.  They can make your old pictures new again and become much more lively than sitting on your computer's hard drive.  However, in reality, you probably aren't going to use the digital picture frame on a daily basis.  If you run the pictures off of the internal memory, you'll be displaying the same pictures over and over again and the picture frame will lose it's luster.
My "Squeeze" on Digital Picture Frames




Keeping this in mind, if you buy a digital picture frame, don't feel guilty if you only use it when you have guests or family over.  You don't need to use it every day.  Having guests over is a great way to show them what you've been up to - as their interest allows.  If they're intrigued, they'll watch more, if not, that's ok too.


The key features I would look for in a digital picture frame, besides quality, would be:

1. Wi-Fi enabled in order to connect to my home computer to play random pictures from my thousands of thousands of pictures - an endless variety.  Connecting to the Internet would also be valued to display my online pictures or those of my friends.
2. Having the auto on/off feature would be great - that way  I could always have it on and not worrying about remembering to turn it off at night.
3. I would want a decent size - probably at least10 inches - so I could see the picture well from across the room.

If you're in the market for a digital picture frame or are seriously thinking about buying one for a gift, consider first the technical ability of the user.  If the user is not technical and has no one in the family to support technology, a Wi-Fi picture frame would be overkill.  A USB or memory card digital picture frame works great. 

Useful links:

• consumersearch.com
• Amazon Knowledge Center
• PC Magazine
• Consumer Reports Video on Digital Picture Frames
  

If you already use a digital picture frame, leave me a comment or e-mail me on how you use yours - I'd love to hear about it.  I'll post your additional uses as a post script to my post!


Lori Cunningham

(1) consumersearch.com