Epson Digital Photo Frame Insecure About Itself

Tough Love For Xerox writer Michael J writes that the notion of digital technology replacing print is the “figment of some politician’s imagination.” We’re inclined to agree – and what better proof than the Epson digital photo frame which doubles as a printer? Far from proving the redundancy of print, Epson’s new release demonstrates that digital technology is insecure about itself.

Described by Epson America’s Consumer Inkjets General Production Manager Stacey Tieu as a “convenient, portable printer,” we wonder why Epson fussed with the digital photo frame. As a printer, the PictureMate Show is too bulky for displaying on the mantelpiece. The printer’s whirring is also likely to interrupt any sentimental moments you may have admiring the displayed image.

What’s more, Epson are adamant about the quality of the PictureMate Show’s printing. Images are guaranteed for 96 years under glass and 200 years in a photo album – presumably for people passing the photos to their grandkids, rather than enjoying a lifespan more than twice the average. Epson doesn’t mention how long the PictureMate itself lasts – meaning that though digital images may last forever, it doesn’t mean much if they’re shown on a 1 year warranty device.

All in all, we’re surprised the PictureMate hasn’t taken to lopping off its digital display. At the very least the mobile printer must be suffering an identity crisis. Suffering that is – until the battery runs dead. Then the gadget doesn’t do anything.