It all seemed too impersonal, you know? I wanted this gift to be something she would use, but also something would keep and cherish for years to come. Then it came to me! A digital picture frame! Brilliant!

There were a number of them on the market, from a number of manufacturers. In fact while searching around, I even found instructions on how to build your own using a discarded laptop. I thought about it for a minute, and then realized that I had neither the time nor the inclination to undertake such a task. I particularly liked the one from Pacific Digital.

The "Memory Frame" is a stand-alone, electronic picture frame. It requires absolutely no memory card, computer, or printer. You can easily transfer your photos directly from a digital camera or card-reader into the "Memory Frame" and watch your custom slide show unfold on the active-matrix LCD screen.

It also allows you to select how long each image is displayed and gives you the option to program your own transitions! It connects to your camera via USB, but is also compatible with a number of other USB card readers.

It has an adjustable stand that allows you to choose between landscape or portrait format. Out of the box, it comes mounted into a standard 8x10 wood picture frame. If you do not like the frame it comes in or it does not match your decor, you are able to replace it with one of your own.

I knew she would love it, as soon as I saw it! I ordered it online, and it arrived only a few days later. I removed it from the packaging, and loaded it up with photos from our family reunion a few weeks prior. My sister cried when she saw it. That's when I knew it was a great gift!
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