Mattel Media has announced a deal with Patriot Computers to produce Hot Wheels- and Barbie-branded PCs for children. While the idea at first sounds puerile, the new PCs could be a new fad - especially for games looking for inexpensive machines. The two Windows 98-based machines in custom cases feature an Intel Celeron 333, a 3GB hard drive, a 15-inch monitor, 32MB SDRAM, 32X CD-ROM, a 56k modem, and four USB ports (with USB keyboard and mouse) and will come packed with Mattel and The Learning Company software.

　　The machines are scheduled to go on sale this September for US$599. Both machines take their brand look to the extreme. The Hot Wheels machine sports a blue and gold color scheme with the signature flame logo and a Hot Wheels steering wheel controller. For the girls, the Barbie machine uses a pink and purple color scheme with floral accents and a Barbie Digital Camera.

　　Even though the machines aren't exactly high-end gaming machines, the Hot Wheels machine looks pretty interesting. Imagine buying a Quake III Arena, Starcraft, or Myst-inspired machine....