Mattel's Radica Adds To Girl Tech Line; Fisher-Price Bows DVD Player

EL SEGUNDO, CALIF. — Mattel's Radica division made two recent tween-targeted introductions in its Girl Tech line.

The Video Journal digital camera is said to let users age six and up take photos and record videos, and then create a customized digital journal with the included software. The software is said to feature a variety of templates and graphics as well as a calendar. The journal also offers password protection.

Mattel said users can print out their journal pages for storage in their separately-sold Password Journal.

The Video Journal package includes the software, a digital camera, a USB camera docking station and a lanyard for a suggested $29.99. One AAA battery is also required but is not included. The Video Journal is available now.

Also available is the IM-ME, a wireless messaging system targeted at users age eight and up. The handheld device uses a home Internet connection to allow the user to chat via instant message with friends who also have IM-ME devices. IM-ME retails for $64.99.

Separately, Mattel's Fisher-Price division is adding to its preschool electronics line with its new Kid-Tough Portable DVD player, which will be available in June at a suggested $179. According to the company, the player is "built to survive drop after drop after drop." It features a 3.2-inch color TFT screen, rechargeable batteries with two-hour life, and a battery charger with a wall power unit. The device also has a dual-rail DVD drive, a digital anti-skip buffer, dual-grip handles, a "kid friendly" DVD door and controls, CD playback capability, kick stand legs for hands-free viewing, a video out jack and headphone jack. The device runs on four AA rechargeable batteries which are included.

Also new from Fisher-Price is the Computer Cool School which will be available in May for a suggested $59.99. The device connects to a parent's computer via a USB cable and it allows kids to play learning games from five learning centers: reading and writing, math, science, art and music; additional "field trip" activities are also available. The system allows children to print their stories, artwork and supplemental worksheet activities. Password protection is included to prevent the child's access to the parent's hard drive and the Internet.

Fisher-Price said additional learning CDs will also be available featuring characters like Clifford, Dora and Diego, Scooby-Doo and more for a suggested retail of $14.99 each.