While I was browsing the Internet for ideas about digital photo frames, I came across a document explaining how to turn a Macintosh computer into an electronic picture frame. Since I use a PC I could not test the instructions, but it seems they could be useful to everybody who has a Mac and would like to use it to display pictures in a slideshow on the screen.

“Most people display pictures on their desk inside picture frames or hung on the wall as posters. Rather than force yourself to deal with such archaic display technology, you can store and display pictures on your Macintosh screen. By turning your Macintosh into an electronic picture frame, you can display the same image or multiple images one after another in a slideshow. If you don’t yet have any pictures you want to display, you can take pictures of yourself or others using your Macintosh computer’s built-in iSight digital camera.

Project goal: Turn your Macintosh into an electronic picture frame that displays pictures in a slideshow on your screen…”

Download to read the entire document: Turning Your Macintosh into an Electronic Picture Frame

Read more about Electronic Picture Frames and How to Choose a Digital Photo Frame.

The Kodak EasyShare P720 digital frame is a generation beyond the earlier models. Its user-friendly touch border interface allows you to access slide show setup directly from the frame. The interface is easy to use even for someone not entirely comfortable with new technologies.

The frame comes with a black frame and two colored mattes (burgundy and silver) to match your home’s decor.

Transferring pictures from your PC to your P720 is quick. Photos can be introduced either through a USB device or a memory card. Old digital frames used to have individual slots for the different kinds of memory cards, but the EasyShare has a single one that accommodates SD, XD, MMC, and MS cards. The included CD with EasyShare software is for Windows only; however, Mac software is available on the Kodak site. The best part of this frame is that you don’t need the software to use it right out of the box. Simply stick in a memory device, turn it on, and the frame begins displaying. The only features this frame is missing that some more advanced models have are wireless connectivity and MP3 playback.

The frame can be oriented for horizontal or vertical use. Because the device “letterboxes” photos not laid out in the same manner as the frame, the best look comes from a selection of photographs taken in the same manner — for example, all horizontal photos for the horizontal display option. Choose from two different angles for table top display or mount it on the wall (hanging hardware not included); the white power cord is meant to be unobtrusive against a light background.

The frame displays pictures in HD format (16:9 aspect ratio) using Kodak Color Science. The images are color tuned to Kodak’s standards and use Kodak Color Science for vibrant colors and pleasing skin tones and crisp detail.

Easy, absolutely no-fuss and with no need to be technical savvy, this digital picture frame is totally cool. 

Keep in mind that the frame does not come with a memory chip. Obviously, all digital cameras have a memory chip, but if you use that then you won’t be able to take more pictures! The USB drive option will not only hold more photos, but makes it really easy to change out your selection. So if you are planning to give it as a gift, I would recommend packaging it with a USB flash drive like the Kingston 8GB DataTraveler USB flash drive – High Speed USB, maybe already loaded up with some pictures.

Kodak EasyShare P720 Highlights From the Manufacturer

 
Simple to use

• Back lighting–the touch panel features yellow lights that illuminate to tell you exactly where to touch, leaving the screen fingerprint and smudge-free.
• Create, edit and view slide shows–at the touch of your fingertips

Smart, intuitive media

• Start viewing your pictures right away–just insert a memory card or USB flash drive and enjoy
• A frame full of features: slide shows your way, thumbnails, copy, delete, and print
• Selectable viewing hours featuring automatic on/off settings
• Easily access and transfer pictures
• Kodak Easyshare Software, Digital Frame Edition, makes it easy to access all of your pictures and transfer them from your computer to your frame
• Create multimedia slide shows on your desktop using pictures, videos, and music and easily transfer them to your frame
• Easily browse and edit your albums
• The convenient drag-and-drop feature is perfect for transferring pictures for slide shows
• Store more pictures Store more pictures with two SD card slots.

Excellent viewing experience

• View your pictures on the 7-inch. (25.4 cm) 16:9 wide screen
• Kodak Color Science for vibrant color and crisp detail.

Accessorize your pictures

• Display your frame on a tabletop or on a wall–vertically or horizontally
• Add style to any decor with accessory faceplates (optional)
• Your frame comes with two decorative mattes in silver and red that allow you to personalize your look and compliment your home decor
• Discreet cord design–barely visible

 

Read more about Electronic Picture Frames and How to Choose a Digital Photo Frame.