Labs

AG Neovo has taken a different approach with its V-10 frame by incorporating touchscreen technology. Its minimalist design approach is admirable and shows a clear understanding of what makes a successful photo frame.

The result is this attractive red frame (it's also available in black), with bright pink symbols that light up for menu navigation and photo selection, and fade away when they're not used. It's all very slick, and the back of the unit is similarly elegant, with only a power cable poking out; the card reader

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and power button are hidden behind a sliding panel. This, though, is the sum total of features on the frame: there's no audio or video support, and no extra accessories.

Picture quality is adequate, but is held back by the odd aspect ratio. While the resolution of 800 x 480 is more impressive than those of rival 7in frames, it results in a 5:3 ratio that demands you either manipulate photos to fit the frame - which results in distorted images - or put up with black bars down the sides of your pictures.

This is a shame, because the V-10 is otherwise a capable frame that performs well. Colours are bright and edges are sharp. The card reader supports plenty of common formats, and the menu system - thanks to the simple controls that flare off from an Enter key in the bottom-right hand corner of the frame - makes selecting pictures simple.

But this simply isn't enough in a frame this expensive. With 7in frames available from £37 in this Labs, the V-10's £71 asking price feels a little too expensive. It may look excellent, but the price and odd aspect ratio count against it.