Kenko puts remote on the side of KDF-07 digiframe

You want questionable design? Kenko's giving you questionable design. Rather than just leaving the remote unattached like, oh, every other digital photo frame maker in the universe, this firm has found a reason to stick it on the side of the frame itself. Generally known for its photographic paper, Kenko has ventured into the ever-growing world of digiframes with the 7-inch KDF-07, and while the flip-out remote can be tucked behind when not needed, we're still a bit perplexed as to why it's even assembled in this manner. Specs wise, you'll find support for JPEG, MP3, AVI and MPEG1/2/4 file formats, a multicard reader, a 480 x 234 resolution panel and a USB port for transferring files from your PC. Folks somehow obsessed with the above pictured device can supposedly snag one in grain, black or silver motifs for ¥16,800 ($160), but we're betting that crew is mighty small. [Warning: PDF read link]

[Via CNET]

[NHAnimator @ May 5th 2008 9:05AM]

Please, please, please tell me I don't need batteries for this "remote".

[sam @ May 5th 2008 9:37AM]

surely its detachable or something?

[markus @ May 5th 2008 9:45AM]

The remote is like that so that (A) they don't have to put buttons on the front and mess up the illusion that it's a normal picture frame, and (B) to save 20 cents since they don't have to put any buttons on the unit at all. If it's not detachable, then they just also saved on including an IR receiver and everything needed to support that, e.g., IR window, IR software, IR sensor, etc.

[maty @ May 5th 2008 10:25AM]

Very true.

It still looks to me like they designed the frame around Photoshop's Bevel feature. I'd rather just have a picture on my wall or mantlepiece than that thing adorning either of them.

[tpp @ May 5th 2008 11:11AM]

480 x 234 resolution?

I wouldn't pay $20 for that. Geez.

[dajimmers @ May 5th 2008 12:43PM]

Yeah, and what's up with that aspect ratio too? 2:1? My camera sure doesn't take photos at that ratio...

[T-Bone @ May 5th 2008 8:01PM]

I came here to say that. These digiframe makers must be all kinds of stupid. Why do they insist on using low-res screens with aspect ratios that aren't commonly found in cameras? You either waste space on the screen with black pixels or cut off parts of the picture.

[Sean @ May 5th 2008 11:14AM]

The definition of "remote" means: distant: apart in space.

Enough said...

[LouG @ May 5th 2008 11:56AM]

Theres a frame at Walmart, i cant remember if its kenko or not, but it has the exact same "remote" as well as a real remote. The retrachable remote is simply a solution for not having buttons visible. Maybe kenko did the same thing. Regardless its very ugly.

[David @ May 5th 2008 12:44PM]

Does it make shit instant coffee too?

[IKilledtheCat @ May 5th 2008 1:32PM]

I think some of you need to re-read the description or look at some of the other websites...

The "remote" is not a remote. In the Kenko press release it is called a "pull-out control panel" (http://www.kenko-tokina.co.jp/e/pie2008/paper_frame_english.pdf). I have a digital frame and I hate the remote because my kids are always getting to it. I think this is a great idea to provide the functionality. Who actually uses their frame remote on a regular basis??

[Cassini @ May 5th 2008 3:32PM]

That's an ignorant design. They'll sell very few of those.

Remotes are meant to be detached.