Barbie Strikes Out

from the who-the-hell-wants-a-barbie-computer-anyway dept

For some unknown reason a computer company in Canada thought it would be a slick idea to create a Barbie branded computer system. Well, they just filed for bankruptcy so now they know better...
Hide this

Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.

Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.

While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.

–The Techdirt Team


Reader Comments

Subscribe: RSS

View by: Time | Thread


  • icon
    Mike (profile), 21 Dec 2000 @ 3:34pm

    screwing people over for the holidays

    I thought it was interesting that they basically screwed over a number of people who bought computers from them. I'm a little curious about how this happened, since I was under the impression that they can't charge credit cards until the product is shipped... Also, isn't there some law about holding customer money in escrow if it looks like you might go out of business?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Dan Miller, 21 Dec 2000 @ 3:56pm

      Re: screwing people over for the holidays

      The law is actually very clear on credit card charges. There is a common misconception out there that a reseller can not legally charge a card until the product is shipped. The law, however, states that the reseller can charge the card immediately and only has to refund the charge if they are unable to ship the product within 30 days of the order. So, technically, the reseller can have the money for 30 days before giving it back.

      It is illegal, however, to knowingly take money when you know your company is insolvent or on the verge of declaring bankruptcy.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      loupy, 21 Dec 2000 @ 11:32pm

      Screwing people over, period.

      This company went under because they had a habit of bending EVERYONE over. They sent out unsolicited junk mail as often as AOL Canada, claiming great deals on computers, without mentioning the brands of the garbage components inside. I have seen enough Patriot machines to know the case is actually a shell of hardened white dog poo, concealing some browner dog poo inside.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    CRM, 3 Sep 2001 @ 10:14pm

    Barbie Computer

    I have a 4 year old daughter that knows more about computers than a lot of programmers and other professionals. I thought the Barbie computer was a good idea. That is for kids who like Barbie and are able to use a computer. Of course a grown man like you isn't going to want a Barbie computer so don't buy one.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      jen, 5 Nov 2001 @ 4:51pm

      Re: Barbie Computer

      Did the Barbie computer ever come out? I remember reading about it, but now can't find one anywhere for my 5 year old. All I'm finding is the laptop whci is really just a toy and not a real computer.

      Any help is much appreciated.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      tt, 22 Oct 2002 @ 4:54pm

      Re: Barbie Computer

      Well,as I understand it,anyone can be a barbie fan. He is very right about them screwing ppl over,it has nothing to do with whether he is a man or not or whether your 4yr old knows more about computers than most adults (which is just a load of crap anyway). It's about a company,who went under and took some consumers under with them.

      link to this | view in chronology ]


Follow Techdirt
Essential Reading
Techdirt Deals
Report this ad  |  Hide Techdirt ads
Techdirt Insider Discord

The latest chatter on the Techdirt Insider Discord channel...

Loading...
Recent Stories

This site, like most other sites on the web, uses cookies. For more information, see our privacy policy. Got it
Close

Email This

This feature is only available to registered users. Register or sign in to use it.