Dell unveils Nickelodeon PC for kids

Dell Inc on Tuesday unveiled a line of Nickelodeon co-branded personal computer for children, the first in a series of branding 

deals intended to galvanize its consumer business. 

Dell's move is the latest example of PC makers using design and targeting particular demographies to stand apart from rivals such as Hewlett-Packard Co and Acer Inc in an increasingly commoditized industry. The Dell Inspiron Mini Nickelodeon Edition will come clad in the Viacom Inc channel's trademark "green slime" design, with additional designs based on programs such as "SpongeBob SquarePants" and "iCarly." 

The 10-inch netbook has wireless Internet access, weighs less than 3 pounds and comes loaded with entertainment and educational content. It will also feature a personalized user interface with Nickelodeon-branded desktop wallpaper and icons, and easy access to the channel's online content. 

Michael Tatelman, vice president of global consumer sales and marketing for Dell, said the Nickelodeon netbook is just the start of its co-branding effort as it pushes into areas such as college students and pro sports. "The PC, like the smartphone, has become a 21st century symbol of self-expression. People are identified by what they carry, and people identify with what they carry," he said. 

Leigh Anne Brodsky, president of Nickelodeon and Viacom consumer products, said the "sweet spot" for the PC was the so-called "tween" market. "This really is not a toy. This is the real deal," she said. The world's No. 2 PC maker did not announce pricing for the netbook, which will be available in October in the United States through Dell's online store, and at Wal-Mart Stores Inc outlets and Walmart.com. The Nickelodeon PC is based on Dell's Inspiron Mini 10v, which starts at $300.

Shared PCs breed, spread germs

 You may have no other option than to use shared computers in your office or at an Internet cafe, but a study has revealed that these 

terminals are breeding grounds for germs. 

Researchers have found that shared computers are hot beds for bacteria and hot-desking in the office can even cause workers to become ill -- in fact, shared keyboards may contain five times the number of microorganisms as those used by one. 

Lead author Enzo Palombo was quoted by leading British newspaper 'The Daily Telegraph' as saying, "High use, multiple user Internet cafes and computer labs are potential hot spots for harbouring microorganisms." 

The researchers have based their findings after an analysis on computers -- in tests, almost half of keyboards harboured the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus which, although usually harmless when it is on the skin, can lead to serious infections if it enters the body. Swabs showed it was present on only one-fifth of single-use keyboards, they said. 

According to the researchers warn that the risk of infection was high if the equipment was not thoroughly cleaned. Given that computers are not routinely disinfected, the potential for transmitting disease is great. 

"Organisations need to be more rigorous in keeping shared equipment clean. Keyboards and other hand contact areas such as a computer mouse should be regularly cleaned and disinfected, especially for multiple-user workstations," Prof Palombo of Swinburne University of Technology said.