Last year, there was a line of new netbooks that were branded with some Disney characters and Nickelodeon shows that my kids liked. My 5-year-old daughter had never shown an interest in a computer until her favorite shows were branded on them, then she wanted one. The latest bit of marketing exploitism that will appeal to kids is the Barbie notebook from Samsung.
The machine is called the X170, and it can be had in a nausea-inducing pink or black with a Barbie head silhouetted on the corner of the lid. The Barbie theme on the outside and Barbie content on the inside make it seem that this machine is aimed at younger girls.
Hardware Specifications
However, the hardware inside is full-blown notebook gear rather than the cheap netbook hardware you might expect in a Barbie notebook for kids. The machine has an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, 4GB of RAM, and a 500GB HDD. The screen appears to be a 15-inch unit, though that is unclear. This robust configuration ensures that the Barbie X170 is not just a toy but a fully functional laptop capable of handling various tasks, from educational software to light gaming and multimedia consumption.
The inclusion of an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU is particularly noteworthy. This processor, while not the latest on the market, offers a good balance of performance and power efficiency, making it suitable for everyday computing tasks. The 4GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, allowing young users to run multiple applications simultaneously without significant lag. The 500GB HDD provides ample storage space for a plethora of Barbie-themed games, educational programs, and even school projects.
Target Audience and Market Appeal
The Barbie X170 is clearly designed with a specific demographic in mind—young girls who are fans of Barbie. The exterior design, with its vibrant pink color and iconic Barbie silhouette, is likely to attract this audience. However, the robust hardware specifications suggest that Samsung is also targeting parents who want to invest in a reliable and functional laptop for their children. This dual appeal could make the Barbie X170 a popular choice for families looking for a blend of fun and functionality.
Moreover, the Barbie content pre-installed on the laptop adds another layer of appeal. This could include Barbie-themed wallpapers, screensavers, and possibly even exclusive Barbie games or educational software. Such content not only enhances the user experience but also provides an added incentive for young girls to engage with the laptop, potentially fostering an early interest in technology.
Additional Features and Considerations
While the Barbie X170’s primary appeal lies in its branding and hardware, there are other factors to consider. For instance, the laptop’s build quality and durability are crucial, especially since it is aimed at younger users who may not handle it as carefully as adults. Samsung’s reputation for producing reliable electronics suggests that the Barbie X170 is likely to be a sturdy and long-lasting device.
Another consideration is the laptop’s operating system and software ecosystem. While the article does not specify, it is reasonable to assume that the Barbie X170 runs on a version of Windows, given its hardware specifications. This would provide access to a wide range of software and applications, further enhancing its utility as a learning and entertainment tool.
In summary, the Barbie X170 from Samsung is a fascinating blend of marketing and technology. While its exterior design and pre-installed content are clearly aimed at young Barbie fans, its robust hardware specifications make it a capable and versatile laptop. This combination of fun and functionality could make the Barbie X170 a hit among both children and parents, offering a unique computing experience that goes beyond mere aesthetics.
Pricing and availability are not known at this time, but given the specifications and branding, it is likely to be positioned as a mid-range laptop. This makes it an attractive option for parents looking to invest in a reliable and engaging computing device for their children.
via Akihabara News
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