I’m seeing some information pop up on the web about the upcoming Sony DPP-F700 digital photo frame, pictured here in black. Slated for a November release, the DPP-F700 is proof that Sony is really trying to unionize their hardware where possible and offer unique, stylish multitasking gadgets. Adding a printer to a digital photo frame is really an amusing principle. 10-15 years ago a photo frame was where a picture was immortalized and hung on a wall or sat on a desk somewhere in your home/office. Today, Sony’s vision of the photo frame has a 7 inch (16:10, WVGA 800×480) screen, 1GB of memory, the option of showcasing time/date in up to 21 different templates, and can print pictures. It would be cool to have this in your house somewhere common so friends could print out their favorite pictures while visiting. I can see some people saying that this device is too fancy, unnecessary when you can just go to the drug store and so forth to get pictures, but this is a smart device. It’s also an electronics company consolidating resources into a single product that can satisfy more consumers. Sony already had a similar portable printer line earlier this year anyways and this evolution makes sense.
Its also compatible with both Windows and Mac via USB, and the DPP-F700 digital photo frame has multiple direct inputs that support a wide range of card storage formats such as Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, SD Card, SDH Card, CF Card, and xD-Picture Card.
The DPP-F700 allows users to print photos instantly at professional quality through Dye-Sublimation in 4 x 6-inch printouts at 300 x 300 dpi. Integrating TruFast technology, printouts are resistant to fingerprint marks, water, as well as discoloration when exposed to light, allowing them to easily preserve vivid memorable moments. With a simple touch of the button, users can also print pictures from the frame in under a minute. Compatible color print packs include SVM-F40P, F120P, F40L1, and F120L. Simple editing functions such as rotating, zooming, and cropping photos are available on the DPP-F700. Additionally, the supplied remote control makes it easier for users to highlight specific pictures by searching for them via folder or marks. Users can also personalize their photos with more than 30 Calendar and Layout designs available, or print ID photos (with or without borders) for use with formal documents.
However, there is no Alarm, no auto dimmer, no HDMI (and therefore no PhotoHD TV compatibility), and several other items of interest. Read the complete specifications for the DPP-F700. A german website who saw spotted it way early at IFA 2009 quoted “200 Euros” for the price. With it listed in Asia Pacific as well, it’s a good indicator this could be a worldwide product coming to America/Europe around November or CES.
Information gathered from Sony Singapore, Sony New Zealand, and heise Foto.
