Viewers to Go

Another digital device that is gaining popularity is the portable digital photo viewer. Most viewers can fit in the palm of your hand with no problem. They can also display almost any type of visual file (jpg, pict, pdf, etc.) On top of digital photos these portable digital photo viewers are also designed to read all kinds of other files like mp3s and even video. Though, probably the second greatest feature these viewers posses is its storage ability (it is designed with slots to accept memory cards so on long trips you can download your pictures into the viewer). This, of course, will free up your memory card for more digital camera shooting.

*Since this device is still relatively new, it is still a tad pricey. The average cost will run you somewhere in the neighborhood of $400 to $600.

Phone in Your Photos

One of the smallest devices that can display digital photos is the cell phone photo viewer. Today, phones are designed to not only take your calls, but also take pictures, and even video.

Photos taken with a camera phone can be sent or viewed right on the screen. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the photos that these phones take are pretty low-res. Creating photo prints from cell phones would probably turn out a little grainy—definitely in the larger sizes. Your best bet is to bring a digital camera if you want to capture keepsakes you can print.

Project Your Pics

Thankfully those days of the old slide projectors (that always seemed to jam) have long since vanished. New projectors have been treated to a high-tech makeover that turned them into digital picture viewers.

Essentially, the main idea the digital picture viewer is the same as the one behind the projector them is still the same. You can project visuals on any flat surface. However, instead of loading tons of teeny-tiny slides it can accept digital files. It can work with a laptop, even a PDA (so not only is creating the order of visuals a breeze you can change it without the need of constantly holding up slides to a light). Plus, another benefit to this type of projector is it can actually display other files like word documents or even video.

Viewer with Various Features

Technology has blurred the line between many different modern devices. Now, you can play games on cell phones, TVs can be used to surf the net, and cars come equipped with navigational computers. Digital picture viewers have also found their way into other devices:

• Digital cameras are designed with a mini-screen so you can see your photos
• Organizers that not only keep your appointments, but also can keep your favorite photos
• Some Mp3 players allow you to view digital photos while listening to tunes

Be warned, however, that all of these features are great but they can also be a great drain on the battery. So, if you know you'll be going away and bringing this device, you might want to throw in extra batteries or the battery charger.

The Best View

Technically, a digital picture viewer is any device that lets you view digital photos. Your computer is one such item. In fact, today's computers are probably the optimal choice for viewing digital images.

A quality photo screen can capture all kinds of rich detail and also allow you to see the image full size. Photo software on your computer is also a big help (it can show you multiple photos at once or create a photo slide show set to music). Keep in mind that while a computer is a great digital photo viewer, it is not the greatest place to store all of your photos (it can be an incredible drain on the memory).

*If you see the images are starting to pile up, remove them by burning them to a disk. That way you still have the photo if you need it, just not on the computer.

Screen Pics on a Small Screen

Another device that now has the capability to be a digital photo viewer is the DVD player. This device, however, does need other equipment like a TV to work its magic. But, before you change family movie night to family photo night you need to do a couple of things.

• First, collect the digital photos you want to show on the TV
• Second, use your computer to burn the photos to a disk
• Finally, just pop it in the DVD player and you're done

Before you attempt to do this, check the specs of your DVD player (some of the older models don't have this digital photo viewing capability so you may run the risk of the CD getting stuck in the player).