The CEIVA Connected Digital Photo Frame is an amazing digital frame that does so much. It's much more than just a frame; it's a sharing device that allows you to send pictures from your CEIVA frame to another. You can also receive photos from others who do not have a CEIVA frame. I was sent two frames for review - the CEIVAshare and the CEIVAPro80. Not needing two frames, I sent one to my mom.

The Basics

Because there is so much these frames can do, I'll just start with the basics. Truthfully, I've been holding off on writing this review because I wanted to take the time to really understand all that the CEIVA frames have to offer so that I could do them justice. Unfortunately, I'm not a very technically gifted person, so it's taken me some time just to figure out the basics! Some may consider this a drawback to the CEIVA, but the capabilities of these frames are just so amazing that, in my opinion, understanding just the basics is enough. It is required to purchase a yearly PicturePlan service in order to share photos. You can buy this in combination with your frame purchase for a discounted price.

The frames use your phone line or internet connection to send and receive photos. This capability is what makes these frames so special. For example, I am now able to send pictures to my mom's frame. The pictures are uploaded to the frame each day, as I send new ones, and she's able to view them in her frame and display the photos for others. It's so much better than sharing photos through Facebook or email. Having the frame on a desk or table in your home adds such a personal touch!

How It Works

The frame is easy to set up. I chose to hook mine up through my wi-fi. All I had to do was follow the directions. Even I could do it. I have to admit that there was a learning curve as I began to use my frame. There are several ways to send pictures. You can send them through a Mac or PC uploader on your computer or by mobile uploader on your cell phone. You can email photos to another's frame or invite friends and family to send photos to your frame.  You can also share pictures from your CEIVA account to social networks like Facebook.

My mom and I actually had some trouble sending photos at first. We were trying to email them individually. I could send them to her in this manner, but I wasn't receiving hers. CEIVA customer service is amazing. They walked mom through the quick fix for the problem, and we've been doing great ever since. I send her pictures of the kids and she sends me photos of her and my dad when they go on trips. It's so much fun to receive new photos!

Advanced Features

There are so many things you can do with this device, beyond photo sharing. You can add captions or talk bubbles to your photos. You can even add decorative frames. You can also have information sent to your frame. Yes, I said information. For example, I receive a new "word of the day" on my frame as well as information from Mashable, one of my favorite websites.  Other channels that are available include local weather, ABC News, and a calendar feature. There are so many to choose from! You can also send custom greeting cards to frames as well.

CEIVA frames make the perfect gift for almost anyone on your list. They'd be great for a student going off to college, a grandma or yourself. Yes, you'll definitely want one for yourself! The CEIVAshare costs $127.99, and the CEIVAPro80 sells for $147.99. Each comes with one year's PicturePlan service.

Thank you so much, CEIVA, for allowing me to review these wonderful frames. Mine sits on my desk where I work and brings me pleasure every day.