What Dog Breed I Recommend To My Friends

To recommend a good dog breed to someone, you need to know two things:

1. You must have an in-depth and personal experience with many different breeds. And more specifically, you must have multiple experiences with each breed. When you’ve been training dogs professionally for about 10 years, you’ve seen pretty much everything cross your path, at least three or four times. And for the more popular breeds, you’ve had literally hundreds of experiences that can put you in a very good position to analyze the pro’s and con’s of each breed.

2. You need to understand both the wants and needs of the family who is looking to adopt a new dog. A couple who have very dominant personalities and no children will generally be able to handle a dog with more horsepower than would a quiet, submissive couple with a few small children.

That being said, here are the top five breeds I recommend to people I don’t know very well:

1. Golden Retriever: These dogs have a soft, pliable and easily trainable temperament. They are very pain-resistant and very forgiving to the owner who accidentally steps on a toe or clumsily trips on the dog. Purchased from a good breeder, these dogs are a joy to own.

2. Poodle (any variety): These dogs score extremely high on both the trainability scale and on the intelligence scale. I’m always amazed at how quickly these dogs can pick up an new behavior. It’s almost like communicating to a human in dog clothing. If it wasn’t for the sissy factor, I’d probably own one myself. Professional dog trainers see very few dog owners who walk through the door with troubling behavior problems. If everyone owned a Poodle, we’d all be out of business.

3. Australian Shepherd: Not to be confused with the Australian Cattle Dog (also an excellent breed but not for the amateur or weak owner) the Australian Shepherd – if obtained from a quality breeder – is fantastic. I don’t think that there is anything you can’t train this breed to do.

4. Boston Terrier: These dogs are clean and quiet. They make a fantastic house dog and are very easy to get along with. A perfect companion for the elder dog owner, or just somebody who wants a very peaceful dog ownership experience with a breed that is not very demanding.

5. Shetland Sheepdog: Small, easily trainable and possessing a soft temperament, they are intelligent and – with the right training techniques – will learn new behaviors very quickly.

What Every Parent Should Know – Simple Ways New Parents Can Reduce Their Baby’s Risk Of Developing Asthma

Childhood asthma and allergies have been on a steady increase worldwide, in the US alone there are more than 6 million children with asthma under the age of 18. Asthma drugs have potentially serious side effects and are not the optimal solution to asthma, particularly for children. During the last 15 years, there has been an alarming 160% increase in the rate of asthma in children under 5, sadly many of these children could have been prevented from ever developing asthma. The good news is you can do something to safeguard your child’s health by taking a few simple measures in your own home.

According to experts, the major causes are home air pollutants with house dust mites being the worst, next to cockroaches and secondhand tobacco smoke. Although dust mites and the feces they produce are found in vast numbers in every home, don’t despair: drastically reducing the population of these microscopic, spider-like insects is easily done by washing bedding in hot water weekly. Next, using zippered, plastic covers on pillows and mattresses will keep them from coming back. Since dust mites thrive in moist or humid conditions, it’s important to lower your home’s humidity level to less than 50% with a dehumidifier. Carpets, upholstered furniture, all dust and dust collecting objects should be removed from your baby’s bedroom. It’s also a good idea to keep pets out of your baby’s bedroom, as pet dander is also a very common allergy and asthma trigger.

Cockroaches thrive in moist environments, so to discourage them from invading your home, be sure to fix all leaky pipes and plug up any holes in walls or near plumping. Since they love to feed off crumbs, food droppings or open food containers, keeping food in sealed containers and maintaining a clean kitchen will discourage them from taking up residence. Beware of using pesticides as they can trigger an asthma attack.

Secondhand smoke during pregnancy and after pregnancy should be avoided completely. If family members smoke, have them do it outside and don’t let visitors smoke in your home. For women smokers who are planning a pregnancy, making an effort to quit smoking for the sake of their future baby’s health is a wise choice. If your town or city has poor air quality, then you should invest in a HEPA air purifier to keep air born pollution to a minimum inside your home.

Food allergies in infants and children can be life threatening and are also known to contribute to the development of asthma. Delaying the introduction of potentially allergenic foods to your baby is a good preventative strategy. Mothers who breastfed for at least 4 to 6 months can benefit their babies with stronger immune systems too. If breastfeeding is not possible, then avoid feeding your child milk or soy based formulas, instead use partially pre-digested protein hydrolysate formulas.

It’s best to feed your baby solid foods only after they are six months old, then vegetables, rice, meat, and fruit can be introduced to their diets. Trying each food one at a time makes it easier to identify and eliminate any foods that cause a reaction. When your baby reaches one year old, milk, wheat, corn, citrus and soy may be added. Wait until they are two years of age to serve them eggs. Next, when your child is 3 years old you can introduce fish and peanuts.

Taking these preventative measures will help ensure your baby a healthy childhood free from allergies and asthma.

What every photo researcher ought to know about buying digital stock photos

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Digital Stock Photos

If you’ve been a photo buyer for your magazine or site any length of time, you probably realize how much the photography industry has changed.

Many professional photographers are now using high-quality, high-res digital cameras instead of film for their stock photos. Read below to find out the easiest way to locate and purchase digital stock photos for your magazine, brochure or Web site.

Where to Buy Stock Photos

One way to find stock photos quickly and easily is through a stock agency Web site. Stock agencies provide several benefits.

- They offer a large inventory of stock photos by many different photographers.
- You can choose from a variety of styles, colors, photo sizes and quality.
- With digital stock agencies and portals, you can normally buy right from the site without having to put in a request for certain images
- You conveniently have 1,000s of stock photographers in one location instead of having to sift through individual photographer’s stock photo submissions sent by parcel post. As you know, postal mail doesn’t come with a search box!
- With a stock agency or stock image portal, you can save time because they offer uniform buying guidelines, download methods and search capabilities no matter which photographer you choose.

Individual Photographers

Another way to find digital stock photos on the Web is to contact a freelance stock photographer directly.
You might need to work with a photographer one-on-one if …

a) you need stock photos for a specific location or with a specific theme, and are unable to locate the photos you need, or

b) you’d like to assign certain projects to one photographer who specializes in that field. It is even possible to work with some stock photographers by setting up an “on spec” relationship.

This means that you give the stock photographer your photo needs and he/she shoots images with the understanding that you may only purchase one or two (or none) of the stock images.

I have worked with several textbook photo researchers this way and I’ve found that the images the photo buyer didn’t use many times sold at a later date to a different photo researcher.

Working “on spec”  may be easier to set up than you may think, especially if you catch the stock photographer during a slow photo period.

“On spec” is many times a win-win for the stock photographer and the stock photo researcher.

This is just one example of how the Internet makes it possible to work with one or many photographers and transmit your photos quickly by email or by download from a photographer’s Web site.

Quality and Size of Digital Photos

Probably one of the most confusing aspects of buying digital stock photos is how to determine the size and quality of an image.

When you receive photo submissions by postal mail, you have the actual photo print or transparency in hand, making it easy to determine if the quality and size are adequate for your project. However, with digital photos it’s not always that easy.

Formats Used in Digital Stock Photography

JPG (or JPEG) format, which is one of the most popular formats for digital stock photos, enables the photographer to reduce an image’s size tremendously for emailing to photo buyers while retaining the size and quality needed for most magazines and publications up to even a two-page spread.

Most digital stock images are displayed as thumbnail images, and then high-resolution (high-res) images are emailed at the photo buyer’s request.

Warning: A major drawback of using JPG digital files for photos is, if the photo is re-saved over and over it will lose some digital information each time it is saved. So, it’s a very good idea to save a JPG image as a Tiff file as soon as you receive it. This way you can save it without sacrificing quality.

Fortunately, most stock photo agencies require that images be of top quality before they’re accepted. This eliminates your worries about the quality of images in many cases, but always make sure the size of the stock image fits your needs before making a purchase.

Model / Property Release

If you plan to use your stock image for advertising purposes, or for some editorial use, you may need a model or property release. Check with your magazine or client and do some research to make sure which images will need a release.

Licensing Agreement for Digital Stock Photo Usage

Also, read the photographer’s licensing agreement carefully so you’ll know how, where and the length of time you can use the photo.

The general rules of usage still apply when buying stock photos on the Web. That’s another reason to work with a dependable stock agency site or directly with a professional stock photographer.

Use these tips to help locate great digital stock photos easily, and when you need them!

Wedding Photography Secrets: Tips For Taking The Best Wedding Day Photos Possible

It’s your wedding…one of the most beautiful days in your life. How else can you make the perfect occasion last? Capture the momentous event with great wedding photographs. Read this guide to make sure you choose the right wedding photography service for your big day.

The first thing to do is to give the most opportunities for the photographer when scheduling activities during the wedding day. When planning the time of the wedding ceremony and of the reception, couples should incorporate the time that the photographer requires to capture all of the couple’s special moments. There should be a gap between the end of the ceremony and beginning of the reception, to allow for more photographs for the bride, groom and wedding entourage, especially if they are in two different locations. The photographers and subjects will have a more relaxed shoot and will enjoy all the parts of the wedding if the events are well spaced out.

Next, think of important factors when selecting a wedding photographer. The photographer should be able to show more than one complete set of wedding photos. Couples should not accept someone who shows only selected prints of their best photographs from different weddings. Ideally, all photographs from 3 to 4 complete wedding sets that are at least satisfactory should be a criterion of a professional wedding photographer.

It is also good to have a photographer that gives a package with unlimited coverage for the whole day. Again, this way, photography will not be rushed.

Next, try to be aware of photography companies or individuals that contract out jobs to a pool of wedding photographers or even freelancers. Salespersons often pose as actual photographers and try to woo customers. Make sure companies deal openly, and ask them to show 3 to 4 complete weddings from each of the photographers they offer you, so you can choose. Make sure the one chosen is the one that will cover your wedding. Otherwise, it is better to find a photographer that personally shoots weddings. A two-person team is an even better package because two points of view of the wedding can be taken.

Some photographers only offer the traditional wedding photography style, or strictly a photojournalistic style. It is best to find a versatile photographer that can do both.

Lastly, couples should take note of some important questions to ask a prospective wedding photographer:

· Are colored and black and whites included, or would he charge extra for B/W? Dramatic effects can be made with black and white photographs, so ask if this is a premium.

· Are hand and digital coloring or digital color separation included in the package or would he charge extra for these? Better pictures are developed when the photograph colors are separated first, improved, and then printed.

· What kinds of cameras does he use? Does he use medium format equipment and have a back up? Does have a “leaf” shutter or “focal plane”?

· What lenses does he use? Does he use only one, or will he change lenses? Make him show you photo effects that he is able to achieve with different lenses and choose the ones which you like to appear with your photographs.

· Is he willing to customize a package that is within your budget?

Asking intelligent questions will encourage photographers to deal openly with customers. Remember, it’s your special day, and you should make sure that the wedding photography is something that will help you and your loved ones relive those wonderful memories.

Weight Problems In Dogs: Is Your Dog Fat?

People may not be aware of this, but obesity is one of the greatest problems dogs are dealing with these days. Obesity, like humans, is also caused by excessive eating and unhealthy binges. Mostly, this situation is triggered by some environmental factors that when not controlled may just lead to more problems.

Like humans, dogs develop certain diseases too when they are overweight. These diseases will lead to more serious complications including death. So for people who wish to know the repercussions of obesity in dogs, here are some of the known consequences:

1. Arthritis

Obesity in dogs tends to put extra weight on their bones. In turn, the joints and other parts of the dog’s bones develop arthritis.

Excess weight in dogs may also initiate the development of other muscle and joint problems like spinal disc disease, hip dysplasia, and cracks on the joint ligaments.

2. Diabetes

Like humans, dogs can get diabetes too. We all know for a fact that overweight cause diabetes in humans, this can also happen in dogs. This is because the more fat is stored in the dog’s body, the greater its system will generate insulin in order to cope up with its growing mass. Hence, dogs have the tendency to resist too much insulin in the body. The end result is diabetes.

3. Skin problems

Obesity in dogs can cause some skin problems. This is because excess fat deposits are being stored in their skin; hence, their owners are having a hard time grooming them. When dogs lack proper grooming, there is a tendency to accumulate bacteria, dirt, or other elements that could cause harm to your dog’s skin. In the end, they develop rashes, skin ruptures, and infections.

4. Capacity to tolerate heat

With too much fat deposits accumulated in their skin, dogs are more inclined to problems concerning heat tolerance. This is because dogs find it hard to tolerate heat due to the build-up of fats in their skin. That is why most obese dogs are prone to heat stroke especially during summer time.

5. Respiratory problems and other heart diseases

Like humans, obese dogs have also the tendency to develop respiratory problems and heart diseases. This is because the chest cavity is already covered with thick fat deposits. Hence, whenever the dog breathes, the lungs are having a hard time to expand, so does the heart. The problem starts when the heart and the lungs can no longer produce the right amount of oxygen and circulate it within the dog’s body.

6.  Gastrointestinal problems

Obesity in dogs causes some problems in their intestines and pancreas. This problem results to inflamed pancreas, which, in reality, is very painful to the dogs and can also cause death among them.

7. Liver problems

Fats are harder to strain and this can pose a great problem to the dog’s liver. Hence, when the liver can no longer function well because of the fat deposits that accumulated in the area, liver problems may occur and may even cause the death of your dogs.

These health problems are indeed life threatening. And so, it depends upon the owner how to combat these problems in order to keep their dogs healthy.

One of the greatest ways in solving weight problems is a strict exercise schedule. So, it is a must that owners should create a healthy exercise schedule for their dogs. This can be done by tagging them for a walk every afternoon or letting him run through a field.

The best thing about this program is that not only the dogs get the chance to exercise but their owners as well. So, it’s a double result with just one purpose.

Next is to create a healthy diet for your dogs. Diet meals are extremely important for dogs so that they can still obtain the necessary nutrients they need in order to stay healthy. This should include the right combination of fiber, meat, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals.

However, dog owners should always keep in mind that when their dogs are taking fiber, more water should be employed so as to prevent constipation.

Alternatively, dog owners should also remember that before incorporating all of these things to your dog, it’s best to consult the veterinarians first. In this way, only the proper methods of dieting for dogs shall be employed.

So, for healthier and happier dogs, give them the best love and care you can give plus a great dietary regimen. As they say, a healthy do is a happy dog.

What A Dog Really Needs

Loyal, friendly, protective, affectionate, fun. Those qualities have earned dogs a special place in the lives and hearts of humans. Most dogs now are owned as pets mainly because they are THE ideal pets. A dog will always try to keep you pleased and smiling. It will never hold grudges against you, and will never judge you for your looks or mistakes. It isn’t called man’s best friend for nothing.

Dogs have a basic need for shelter, good nutrition, exercise and companionship. A dog will rely on its owner for all of these needs, in addition to training and protection. These are all basic needs, but really, what a dog needs the most is veterinary care. If a person has a dog for a pet, it is a good idea to ensure that it is seen by a vet regularly. Dogs are prone to a wide array of illnesses and diseases and it is best that he gets vaccinated against these diseases. Some of the most fatal diseases that a dog should be administered with a vaccine against are listed below.

1. Canine Adenovirus – or Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH). ICH is an extremely contagious disease that only dogs could be transmitted with and other canine-type animals. This disease is transmitted in urine and eye or nasal secretions of animals with this disease and affects the liver, kidneys and lining of the blood vessels. Dogs of all ages are prone to acquire this disease, although puppies and younger dogs are at a higher risk.

2. Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) – It is transmitted through contact with infected dogs and affects the gastrointestinal, respiratory and central nervous systems. This disease is often fatal to puppies and adult dogs.

3. Para Influenza – Also known as tracheobronchitis, it is a contagious infection of dogs seriously affecting young puppies’ upper respiratory. Its symptoms are gagging and coughing. Dogs in stressful and crowded conditions are at the highest risk for this disease.

4. Parvovirus – This is an extremely contagious viral disease that affects white blood cells, the intestines, and heart. It is characterized by vomiting, severe diarrhea and fever. It is often fatal in puppies. At the highest risk for this disease are dogs in crowded places such as dog shows and kennels.

5. Rabies – Rabies can affect all warm-blooded animals that are unvaccinated against the disease, including humans. It affects the brain and is always deadly. Pets get exposed to rabies from the bites of wild animals which include bats, raccoons, foxes and skunks.

The bottom line is to keep a dog disease-free. Have it vaccinated. After all, what a dog really needs is. . .good health!

What a Professional Dog Trainer Can Do For You and Your Dog

If you are wondering what exactly a professional dog trainer can do for you and your dog, you will want to continue to read. A professional dog trainer can make the life of living with your not so pleasant dog better. Of course all dogs are pleasant, but their bad habits may sometimes be atrocious. Hiring a professional to train your dog may be the answer to your problems. People hire professionals to do this on a daily basis. Every day of the year, someone is looking for a trainer for their dog. Most dogs have annoying bad habits that they just cannot help.

A professional dog trainer will break your loving pet of those bad habits. No matter how bad those habits might be, a professional trainer can make it possible to live with your pet in peace, once again. When you hire a professional to do the job of training your pet, you should get professional service. Once you have located your professional trainer, be honest with him and let him know all about the naughty acts that your dog performs. Letting him know the problems up front, so that he can work on each and every one of them, will make you a happy customer, and your dog a happier pet.

Finding a professional dog trainer is very simple. Do you take your dog to the local dog park? If so, try talking to some of the owners there that have dogs that behave. Ask them who their trainer was and get as much information as possible from them. You will feel better after knowing that the well-behaved dog in the park had bad habits also at one time. Rest assured that your dog’s habits will be broken as well, and before you know it, dog owners will be asking you who your trainer was.

Choosing a professional dog trainer can sometimes be tricky. Try talking to all of the trainers you are interested in. Maybe even let them meet your dog, and see how he reacts to each trainer. After all, you will want to get a trainer your dog will be comfortable with, because they will be spending a lot of time together.

What Andy Griffith Can Teach You About Dog Training

Some people get worried and excited when their dog is off-leash and he’s done something that requires you to correct him. Because the owner is both worried and excited, they move fast toward the dog, concerned that the dog might run off before they can correct him. However, if you’ve done your long-line work properly and you’ve laid a solid foundation for your off leash training, there really isn’t any reason for you to worry that your dog will run off. So, what does this have to do with Andy Griffith, you’re probably wondering? Well, if you watch Andy Griffith on television, you’ll notice that the old guy always moves slowly and deliberately. He never rushes and he never looks worried. When you go to correct your dog, this is the same kind of attitude you should have. Be like Andy. Andy never gets angry. He never gets emotional. He just calmly and slowly goes about doing what he has to do, in order to reach his goals. Watch Matlock, or the Andy Griffith Show and you’ll see what I mean. If you model Andy Griffith’s mannerisms when you work with your dog, I can guarantee that your handling skill will increase at a very quick pace.

Dog Freaked Out Over Pinch Collar

Dear Adam:

I tried the pinch collar on my Westie a few days ago and he freaked out. He hated it, would not move and let out a little cry like he was in pain. Now I am afraid to try it again. Could he be too sensitive for this collar? It was not too tight. After his initial reaction, he then began to skulk around next to me. At the time, I was with 2 trainers who teach in a dog training club I joined. They recommended the collar to me. They said he would get used to it. Any advice? Is there a way to ease him into it?

Buster

Dear Buster:

Yes… if you’ve got it sized correctly, what’s happening here is that your dog is manipulating you. He throws a tantrum and YOU RESPONDED TO IT AND STOPPED.

He’s training you.

Next time, glue the leash to your belt buckle and just keep walking. Don’t jerk it. Don’t say anything. Don’t coax or baby him. As soon as he learns that you aren’t going to stop (may be a bit now that you’ve already showed him you’ll stop) he’ll realize that the tantrum doesn’t get rewarded and he’ll start walking.  As soon as he does, PRAISE HIM… BUT CONTINUE WALKING WHILE YOU DO!

What are digital picture frames and how do they work?

A relatively new product in the digital imaging industry is what has become known as the digital picture frame. These clever devices use a flat-panel TFT (usually just referred to as LCD) screen to electronically store and display digital photos, which can be transferred directly between the picture frame and your digital camera. They can be powered by either batteries or an AC adapter power supply that plugs into your mains wall socket, and are capable of storing between thirty and more than a thousand digital photos, depending on the frame, the size of the files, and the capacity of the memory card being used. While most people are probably aware of the numerous advantages of digital photography, there have always been a few areas where modern digital imagery simply didn’t offer what people wanted out of their photos. With only a slightly wider profile than a normal picture frame, a digital picture frame retains all the benefits of digital photography, combining them with the convenience and most of the features people liked about conventional paper photos.

Digital picture frames solve most of the remaining problems people have about digital photography in a simple, easy to use, and cost effective manner. One of the main problems people have is that they don’t have the time, opportunity, or knowledge required to view their pictures on the computer any time they feel like going through their albums. Digital picture frames solve this easily, as all prominent models on the market can store multiple images, and display them as a slide show. Most models allow the user to flip through each photograph one by one, much like they would with an old photo album. Older users, or the very young, who may not be familiar with computers, or may have no desire to learn, will enjoy the practical and straight-forward interface offered by these products. Learning how to use one could be compared to learning just the basic functions of a new television remote-control.

Digital picture frames allow the user to leave a photo on display for the long term, much like a conventional picture frame. This eliminates the cost of maintaining a printer and buying consumables, and allows you to have your picture of choice on display without tying up the computer.

When making a purchasing decision, you should compare the feature set offered by the different models available, with regard to your budget, and what you want from digital picture frames. Some things to consider include:

•    Media types: The number of different storage media that a single device can use – for example, SmartCard™, CompactFlash™ etc, and whether the device can accept multiple types. Remember to check which media type your existing digital camera uses.
•    Power options: How long the photo viewer’s batteries last, what type of batteries it takes, and whether it has a power supply to run plug straight into the wall socket are all important to consider.
•    Physical dimensions: What size it is, how heavy, the look you’re after, and how you intend to use it. If you want to carry a digital picture viewer around in your briefcase or pocket, you’ll want a smaller, lighter model.
•    Data transfer interfaces. Some models allow you to transfer pictures between your computer and picture frame via  serial or USB interface, in addition to the normal camera memory cards.
•    Various advanced features: The ability to connect the device directly to the Internet, and use it to send pictures to someone else who also has one is an example of just one deluxe feature.

Having laid down the criteria, it is possible to have a quick look at some of the products on the market today. The very cheapest digital picture frames start at about $85. These offer a very narrow feature set, with a tiny viewing area, rarely no larger than 3”, with relatively low quality image reproduction. For something of this size, you’re probably better off simply viewing with your existing digital camera, or viewing its image on your television, a task most digital cameras are capable of doing to some capacity. Most of the frames on the market, however, fall between $200 and $450, so we’ll have a very brief look at three such items.

VideoChip Wallet
While being a smaller model, the VideoChip Wallet has an appealing set of features, and is probably the choice for portability. If you prefer to carry your photos around with you wherever you go rather than setting a frame up on a side-table, then this is probably the one for you. The Wallet uses only CompactFlash card media, meaning that the number of photos you can store is limited only by the size of the JPEG or Bitmap files (.jpg, .bmp), and the storage capacity of your CF card. While the viewing area is just 4” with a 230×200 pixel display, it still manages to impress, weighing in at less than 11 ounces! It can be run directly off the included AC adapter, which also charges the internal 3 volt lithium batteries. This allows 3 hours continuous viewing between charges, and you don’t have to worry about changing batteries, as you can simply just plug it in again to recharge, much as you would a cell-phone. VideoChip Wallets offer rudimentary viewing options, either as a static image, a slide-show, as well as the option of several animated image transitions. They can be bought for about $350, making a Wallet a hefty purchase, considering that the main feature is its compact profile. But if you’re always on the move, or delight in showing your friends and family your photos wherever you are, then maybe this is the one for you.

Ceiva Internet Connected Picture Frame
This really is a remarkable product. Ceiva boasts this as the world’s first web-enabled digital picture frame. When you buy one of these, Ceiva signs you up with a subscription for their service for a period of time – usually a year – then you simply plug a spare phone line into the rear of the frame. At a scheduled time, say, at night when you’re not making calls, the frame’s integrated dial-up modem connects directly to Ceiva’s servers and synchronizes with your account on their service, which you can configure from your home Internet connection, or by phone if you don’t have a PC! In this way, you can download new pictures every day, or send them to family and friends also on the service. The frame itself stores only 30 JPEG images, however, your Ceiva account can store thousands, in almost any digital picture format you care to name. Viewing options are wide and flexible, with a full complement of features. The frame is powered only by an AC adapter for constant use, meaning it is not especially portable. It features a large 8.2” LCD display, making it easily one of the biggest on the market. Ceiva is currently offering a deal for three frames plus a free digital camera with new subscriptions for $340. For what is included this is an excellent purchase, however, if all you want is a digital picture frame, and you are not so much concerned with the Internet capabilities, then you may find the small storage capacity and lack of other more rudimentary features too restrictive.

DigiFrame DF-560
If what you’re after is a medium sized viewing area, with high-quality image reproduction and the most flexible range of features, then the DF-560 is for you. The DF-560 accepts both SmartCard media and CompactFlash cards, stores up 1,500 images on board, which display on a 5.6” high resolution 640×480 pixel LCD display. Also designed for constant, or all-day use, it is not battery powered, but runs off the included AC adapter. It offers changeable cosmetic frames, which allow the user to have a wood finish, if they’re after the authentic look, or something sleek and modern, giving an impression of brushed stainless steel, as well as everything in between. Again, you don’t need a PC to run this, as it has everything it needs on board, and images can be transferred via either of the storage card slots. However, if you do wish to use it in conjunction with a PC, it has a 9-pin serial port on the side, and includes a cable and software to allow you to transfer files directly between your PC and the frame, at a theoretical maximum transfer rate of 128kbps, or slightly better than twice the speed of a dial-up Internet connection. The DF-560 offers the widest range of slide-show transition effects, and allows you to prepare a number of customized slide shows using the images of your choice, all on the same card. As well as scaling large images down on the fly, which it is able to do with the inclusion of its relatively powerful processor, this digital picture frame packs a host of other features. All of this comes at a price, however, and while the feature set is great, the DF-560 retails somewhere around the $560 mark.

If you’re in the market for something to put your digital photographs on display or to show to friends, then one of these could be for you. There are more than just the three digital picture frames reviewed here out there, and this brief examination is by no means exhaustive, but it should give you an idea of what the different features on offer are, and what to base your decision on. If you’re after portability, then VideoChip’s Wallet may be for you. If the idea and the possibilities of an invention such as an Internet digital picture frame really appeals to you, the Ceiva frame is a logical choice, and cost effective at that. If all-round solid performance and flexibility is what you’re after, and you’ve got a budget to match, then give the DF-560 serious consideration.

What are the latest advances in digital camera PDAs?

In recent years, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) have become increasingly available and more popular. There is now a wide range of products that come under this category, including devices that serve as little more than a glorified calendar and organizer, to top of the range tablets and “Palm PC’s”. Miniaturization has taken leaps and bounds as developments have progressed, and PDAs continue to grow more powerful. For some people, a PDA is something of a hobby, and the features, gimmicks, and novelties, whether they use them or not, are the most important part of the fun. More often, however, they are put to use in business, across almost every modern industry, at nearly every level, to varying degrees. PDAs now feature massive amounts of storage space, whether on-board, or via flash cards which keep growing in size, wireless networking, web browsing facilities, telephone-PDA hybrids, and ever more advanced software. One other feature that has raised some attention is the integration of digital cameras into Palm PCs.

Digital camera PDAs are not really intended for photography enthusiasts. They are intended more for people who depend upon and always carry their PDA. Integrating a camera into these versatile systems has so far been a matter of convenience and entertainment. The digital cameras combined with modern PDAs do not have particularly advanced camera features, and tend to be relatively poor in quality compared to a separately purchased digital camera. While a $200 digital camera may produce photographs at as high a resolution as 5, 6, or 7 “mega-pixels”, the cameras found aboard a similarly priced PDA will be less than half a mega-pixel, and even more expensive PDAs rarely boast a camera with a resolution as high as 2MP. Digital camera PDAs are not just a trivial toy, though, and have many useful applications. And of course, no-one ever knows just when they might need a camera.

The Hewlett Packard HW6515 iPAQ is a fully featured PDA featuring a 1.3MP camera, with an LED flash. PDA cameras often use a high powered LED rather than a conventional strobe because they use significantly less power. Unfortunately the intensity of the flash is also much lower, but using an LED is the most efficient tool for the job. In addition to its camera, the 6515 has a 312MHz Intel CPU, 320×240 TFT display, and 128 MB of on-board memory, of which, 55MB is available for to the user. It is Bluetooth enabled and has all common digital cell network compatibility (GPRS, GSM, EDGE.) Data cable is USB, and it uses Secure Digital removable media. It comes with a very full bundle of Microsoft mobile software, and runs the Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 (Phone Edition) Operating System. Weighing in at 5 ounces, it will set you back a little under $700.

If you are more interested in the camera capabilities themselves, then you will want to consider external cameras designed to be used in conjunction with an existing PDA. These offer much better camera quality, resulting in better image reproduction. Another 1.3MP PDA camera is the Lifeview Flycam. This small digital camera plugs into your existing PDA by way of the CF card attached to it. This is inserted directly into the CF slot of your tablet or PDA, and you have almost immediate camera functionality. It offers a few more features as a camera, and it is the camera aspect itself that is important to you, it makes a lot more sense to buy your PDA camera and PDA separately. As better PDA cameras are developed, you will be able to upgrade the camera without having to replace the whole PDA, which – as can be seen by the above example –  can be quite an investment. The Flycam retails for as little as $130, making it a very appealing way to retrofit a camera to your PDA.

The HP Jornada is another retro-fitted PDA camera, also installed by way of an attached CF card. At a maximum resolution of only 640×480 (0.3MP), this camera retails for about $60. If you have an existing PDA, and have no desire to upgrade it yet, and you only need a simple camera, then this could well be the option for you. With an auto-focusing lens, this is a very easy camera to use, however, it will not appeal to more astute photographers. If all you want is to be able to take pictures of your friends whenever you want, then this is a great purchase.

Choosing a PDA camera is a matter of weighing up what you need. If you mostly just need a good camera, you are best off buying a normal digital camera, completely independent of your PDA. If it’s a PDA-camera hybrid you need, along with all the other functionality of a top shelf palmtop, and you can afford the considerable outlay, but you don’t need absolutely top notch photography, then consider an integrated option. If the idea of being able to swap the camera between different PDAs, and you like having the option of progressively upgrading as newer and better technology comes out, then you may wish to consider one of the retro-fitting options. They’re an ingenious solution that promises to stay within budget, and allows you to upgrade at will.