Digital picture frame maker Smartparts calls it quits

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Digital picture frame maker Smartparts calls it quits

Apr 3, 2009 News

Sales of digital picture frames have been amazing over the past few years, But citing the tough economic times, Smartparts is bowing out of the market for digital picture frames. A spokesperson for the company told us that while an economic turnaround could revive production, "as of now, the company is in the process of winding operations down."

The takeaway: Smartparts' picture frames are still available in retail outlet such as Amazon.com and Costco. In fact, we are in the process of testing some very innovative Smartparts models for our upcoming report and Ratings of digital picture frames (available to subscribers).

But previous Smartparts frames weren't the most stylish and didn't have memorable product names. Some models—such as the Smartparts SP8PRT which had a built-in printer—were, perhaps, a bit more "ambitious" than "innovative." And even though a number of Smartparts frames scored well in our Ratings, you'll find better values among the models in our list of Recommended digital picture frames (also available to subscribers).

Should you buy a Smartparts digital picture frame? We'd suggest that you weigh your options carefully. For more information on how to choose wisely, check out our free Buying Guide to Digital Picture Frames.—Terry Sullivan

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