Philips 10FF2M4 review

This is the largest frame in the Philips range - there are 7in and 9in models before you get to this 10in beast - and it's the best specified, too. It comes with an impressive four interchangeable fascias, the card reader accepts most major formats, and there's 128MB of internal memory, which is enough for plenty of pictures, especially if you reduce the image size to match the small resolution that the frame demands.

This large frame also offers the most transitions, although their execution can be sloppy. Some, such as the simpler ones that involve one picture sliding out to be replaced by another, are incredibly smooth, but more complicated ones - where one image dissolves into another, for example - struggle.

Picture quality is good, too. Colours and edges are well defined, with none of the blurring seen in other frames. Despite this, the screen is slightly too dark. The natural, balanced colours are lacking a certain spark that a brighter backlight would have fixed. Even the highest setting still left us wanting to further illuminate the screen.

Another problem is the stand. It's possible to balance the frame in two positions for landscape and portrait displays, but the viewing angle is far too vertical. If you try to reposition the frame, it's liable to lose its balance and slide over.

This stylish frame drew admiring glances from around the PC Pro office, and the image quality is good, if a little dim. But it's just far too expensive. If you don't mind its bland looks, the Kodak's 10in frame is the better choice.

Author: Mike Jennings