Review 4 of 4
Summary: The Mattel Barbie digital camera/Photo Design software package is inexpensive ($75) and primarily of interest only to pre-teen girls, or collectors of plastic cameras. It has serious limitations (fussy hardware requirements, holds only six photos when not connected to a computer), but is a nice introduction to photo editing for children. Strengths: It is very inexpensive. The absurd pink and green flower design around the lens may bring smiles to even the most difficult portrait subjects. The battery -- a common 9V -- is easily available.
The software is very easily understandable and kid-friendly.
Lots of kitchy, goofy modifications can be made to the photos with the Barbie Photo Designer software, including inserting Barbie and other clip art into photomontages. Weaknesses: When used as a portable camera, it can only take six photos. Any further snapshots will erase those stored in the camera.
Very poor quality lens -- worse than most plastic "Krappy Kameras."
Works best in moderate daylight conditions.
There are numerous compatibility issues: graphics card settings, com port & IRQ conflicts, serial port specs, etc. that must be overcome to even hook up the camera.
Changing the battery requires a small hexhead screwdriver -- a pain if you don't happen to carry one with you at all times.
The "girl power" design of both the camera and the software limits its appeal to mostly ... girls. Perhaps Mattel should consider a boy's version as well. Maybe a GI Joe war photojournalist camera? Similar Products Used: I am not aware of any comparable products. Customer Service: Mattel does respond fairly quickly by email, but cannot resolve all problems, of which there are many.
Their website is mostly promotional, very little in the way of useful troubleshooting information.
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