My DPK Cirrus 1.5 digital key ring photo frame is in pretty pink but there is the option of silver or blue. This turned out to be a wonderful gift to me and I've had it for a couple of years without any faults.

This holds 8MB of built-in memory which equates to eighty-five of my current favourite photographs. As there are so few pictures to add, the whole process of plugging in the USB cable between the computer and key ring, and transferring data takes minutes. It's selecting the photographs that I want to use which takes so much of my time!

The package includes a USB lead which is as it should be but sadly, many gadgets deliberately exclude the lead forcing customers into extra expense. The USB cable will charge up the digital key ring. There is also software for image compression to move and re-size the photos that you choose to put onto the key ring in the form of a slideshow. The software comes in the form of a CD to insert into the computer and there is also a slightly confusing user manual which I ignored. I followed my gut instinct and it worked.

The key ring has the usual metal clip on it but also has a fabric chain to hang from around the neck. I have taken mine off because that is just not a good look but it would be great for people with dementia to be able to hang around their neck reminding them of people they know. However, this might not be a good idea if they wear an emergency assistance necklace. The two devices could get muddled up. The frame itself is of cheap plastic but this is cheap buy and best of all fun so what does it matter for about five pounds?

The frame is a very small 1.5 inches and the LCD screen of 128 x 128 pixel resolutions allows viewers to see photographs in colour. This means that a portrait photo in close-up works best for any details. Two head shots are fine but this is not a good way to view group shots if you want any sharp details.

The digital frame contains an internal 3.7V lithium battery which is rechargeable. All you have to do is plug the cable into any USB port. I always prefer rechargeable batteries as they much better for the environment then throw away batteries and you always have an idea of how long the charge will last.

People who remember carrying around real prints in their bags, in order to show friends and families the latest pictures, and those modern types who can't be bothered to search through the mobile or tablet, to find some shots, will be glad of this purchase.

For me the key ring has been hard wearing as it has endured bumps and scrapes in my handbag. It's cheered me up when I've felt low; reassured me by having my loved ones closes by me at times when I'm feeling alone or under-confident; been a good ice breaker when socialising and allowed me to share photos with elderly people who are without internet access.

The downside is that the pictures are very small so think about this when choosing the images to place on the key ring. I've found elderly friends with poor eyesight have not always been able to tell what they were looking out. One friend wondered by I had taken a picture of a black bin liner. It was actually a black cat! Even that didn't matter because it gave us something to laugh over.

There are negatives. The small size means this is decent for close up shots and macro work on this. Photos with more than two subjects in are not sharp and landscapes have no detailing. Choose the pictures with this in mind. Secondly, the fabric neck chain is not to my liking. Thirdly, the battery life is poor, lasting around four hours on a good day. I only take it out when I feel I want the people I love to be close by to provide reassurance in difficult situations, as an ice breaker in some social situations and to take elderly friends who wouldn't otherwise see the photographs. This is a fun device and for all these negatives, one has to remember, is balanced with the fun and it has lasted for a long while. It is a mistake to have high expectations of this digital key ring instead buy in the knowledge that it will bring happiness.


For technical capability it would have two, maybe three, stars but for the fun factor I give it four. I think it's quite funky (fun key)! You can groan now.