Barbie Digital Nail Printer
© 2009 Mattel, Inc.
This specialized toaster-sized thermal ink-jet printer is designed to put tiny images on your fingernails, using "specially formulated" cosmetic grade ink. No, it doesn't hurt -- in fact, you can barely feel it. A built-in color video camera lets you model nail designs before printing. After you plug the device into your Windows computer (not included in the price) and install the software, you place your finger of choice in a special cradle. Note that you get far better results if you coat your fingernail first with either a clear sealer or some sort of nail polish; a test that this reviewer did not try. When you print on a regular rough nail (like this reviewer's) the image looks dull and rubs off easily. In many ways, this printer looks and works like a traditional printer, except there's a finger holder instead of a paper tray. There's also a camera, that shows your fingernail magnified many times on your computer screen. You superimpose a template over the image of your nail, and in a few seconds, you're done. Your child can either brand herself with a vast selection of Barbie-related art, or import her own images. Ink cartridge refills look like regular inkjet cartridges and promise to be expensive -- but then again, with "pages" the size of fingernails, they'll probably last along time. This is the first of a new planned series of electronics from Mattel, called the “Beautronics” line. We were told that this printer might cost in the $250 price range, although a final price was not provided.
Windows
Teaches: creativity, Barbie culture