It may be put out by Mattel and carry the Barbie name, but I'd hardly call it a toy. Still, it is something that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves having fabulous looking nails. The variety of designs is great. From your article, I assume the program is not available for Mac users. The only question I have is aren't there programs on the market that allow you to run PC programs on MAC computers? Wouldn't these conversion programs allow you to run this device from a MAC?

I think this is a fantastic toy based on what I have read. However I think the price is extremely steep for this kind of item (However this kind of technology does not come cheap and I am sure this is item like all mattel items is built to quality). I was wondering if any white nail polish could be used or just the barbie white? As I feel 10 minutes for a little girl to keep her hands still is too much time. I would recommend rimmel 60 sec dry in a white color. I also wonder how long the ink cartridges last and how much a replacement cartridge runs? I think this is a great toy but not really geared for a young girl, however those that see women in their families with highly stylized fake nails will definetly want this item as its less dangerous then fakes and totally appropiate for a child. Yes, this is something an 8 years old could really get about 10+ years of use of out so I think its a great product.

It looks awful !! And almost 200 bucks!! Good job trying to turn little girls into stupid consumers wasting money on this ! And if your smart you can just use a blowdryer to dry your nails like we do.We use to get manicures but 1.with the economy it's a waste and 2. we do a better job ourselves .

I think a better idea would be to have an app that allows a salon to print off the images in nail-size stickers. Then cut out the stickers, paint the nails white and finish up. The colors could be muted, like the 1950's style, or they could be anything. The app would allow you to take any image, including photos of your dog or baby, and make them nail-size. Now, this isn't something I would be interested in doing, but I think it has phenomenal potential in the beauty industry. Translation? My way, it's money!

Why weren't the nails "cleaned up" before the photo was taken? I'd think you'd want to show the product in the best way possible. Maybe the nails don't clean up so nicely.

I have three daughters, ages 8, 15 and 19. My youngest got this for her birthday, and we all enjoy it. I purchased it off ebay for about $140. We found that if the directions are followed properly, it's easy to set up. The picture does not do it justice. We've never had nails look that sloppy. The cartridge lasts a good while, and replacements for it, as well as the polish, can be purchased off Mattel's web site. Any color nail polish can be used, but it's necessary to use the base coat, otherwise the image won't stick to the nail. Yes, it's a little costly, but when you have three daughters who love to be girly, it's worth the price.

I think the nails were not cleaned up to show it is not perfect..as the article stated the cuticles clean up with nail polish remover. I think the idea is nice but the price is just too much. Girls are going to enjoy but again for that kind of money I would not be leaving even my 10 year old alone working with it. I think the post about pets and children being printed on would be a great idea..yes yes i know this is Barbie..but maybe a little variety of being able to put something you like as well ..at least for 179. dollars it would be nice. Hopefully they sell!

I'm an older lady who loves to decorate her nails. I think this is a great idea. I'm sure, as with any new creation, that the price will come down and the product will improve over time. All and all it looked pretty good. And I'm sure they wanted to show the nails not cleaned up so you could see how it really comes out. I know some tweens who would love this!

I just want to know if I can stick my toes in it? lol

Well you have to consider that the person who did this may or may not be good at doin her nails. Also, she's showing off her LEFT hand, which usually comes out f'ed up, granted she is right-handed. Why the heck didn't she do her left hand where it would of came out better to show on a webpage?. Some people, like myself, are pretty good at painting our own nails, also the size of our fingers vary from person to person, so this thing may come out better for some and not for others. This does look cheap and trailer-trashy on an adult female though, (maybe on just ONE nail, with a nicer more in style color, with a quality polish thats not painted all trashy like in this pic...and a cute design. Then maybe it wouldn't look that nasty) probably is why it is made for little kids by barbie, and there is none for adults.

My 8 yr old got this for Christmas and she loves it! My 14 yr old has also used it and thinks it is awesome. It does take a few tries to get the nail positioned in the right place, but once you get it, it's really easy. Some of the more simple pics turn out better than others, but overall, I think it is a quality product that is worth the price.