EL SEGUNDO, Calif.-- Aug. 3, 1999-- Available In September 1999, Each Computer Will Feature An Intel® Celeron Processor And An Extensive Library of Education and Entertainment Software.

Reinforcing Mattel Inc.'s (NYSE:MAT - news) initiative of making computers and technology friendly and affordable for families, Mattel Media Tuesday announced that it has teamed up with Patriot Computers, a leading manufacturer of PC bundles for families, to launch the first-ever BARBIE® and HOT WHEELS® branded PCs for children. Copyright 1998 Patriot Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.

Mattel dolls up PCs with Barbie, Hot Wheels touches
By
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
August 3, 1999, 12:10 p.m. PT

Mattel is launching a computer line for children based on its most popular toys.

Mattel, in partnership with PC maker Patriot Computers, will introduce computers with Barbie and Hot Wheels themes this fall.

With this move, Mattel finds itself at the intersection of the cheap PC phenomenon and the trend toward more compelling industrial design for computers, while also finding a novel way to distribute its popular educational and entertainment software.

Starting in September, Barbie- and Hot Wheels-branded computers from Patriot will be available for $14.98 per month, or $599. These systems, while not offering the hottest technology or the lowest price available, will still probably find a market in parents looking for an entry-level second computer, analysts say.