Disney, Asus launch 'Netpal' netbook for kids

Disney and Eee PC maker Asus announced Wednesday their collaboration for the Disney Netpal, a netbook computer for children aged 6 to 12.

Developed with parents and kids in mind, the Disney Netpal has a reinforced mechanical design and, naturally, a Disney user interface. In addition to "more than 40 robust parental control options," the Netpal sports an 8.9-in. LCD display, Wi-Fi, Windows XP Home and kid-friendly software featuring Disney characters.

The system's Disney browser is preloaded with numerous kid-friendly Disney websites for kids to explore, and the 2D "gadget tray" (think Windows taskbar, or OS X dock) displays visual icons for easy access to applications. There's also a collection of 15 widgets, including a stopwatch, a digital memo pad and a calculator.

Browsers and e-mail on the device have extra filters to assure that parents are able to control online safety, content and contacts for their children. The Disney Magic Desktop "gadget tray" offers a 2D menu displaying Disney-themed email, Disney-themed browser and a robust suite of Disney-themed parental control options.

The Disney Netpal will be available in late July in two models (see below), and retailers include Toys "R" Us and Amazon. The Netpal has two distinct lids: Disney Princess Pink (with pink florals) and Disney Magic Blue (with miniature Mickey Mouse icons).

The Netpal has 10 customizable Disney themes to choose from, including Cars, Club Penguin, Disney Classic Characters, Disney Fairies, Disney Princess, Vintage Mickey Mouse, Toy Story and WALL-E. (Hannah Montana and JONAS are available for older kids, but they may already be using your Eee PC).

Suggested retail price is $349.99, not unlike the price of an Asus Eee PC. Full specs of the two models, below:

Disney Netpal by ASUS MK90 (exclusively at Toys "R" Us)

• Operating System Genuine Windows
• 8.9” LED-backlit WSVGA screen (1024x600)
• Intel ATOM N270
• 802.11 b/g/n
• DDR2 SO-DIMM 1GB
• Storage 16GB SSD
• Interface 1 x VGA port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor); 3 x USB 2.0 ports; 1 x LAN RJ-45; 2 x audio jacks: Headphone / Mic-in
• Camera: 0.3 M Pixel
• Reader MMC and SD (SDHC supported)
• Audio: Hi-definition audio CODEC; Built-in stereo speakers; Analog Mic
• Battery: 4200mAh Polymer, 5hrs
• Dimensions: 248mm (W) x 173mm (D) x 28.7mm (H)
• Weight: 1kg with battery
• Casing Colors: Princess Pink, Magic Blue

Disney Netpal by ASUS MK90H

• XP Home Genuine Windows XP Home
• 8.9” LED-backlit WSVGA screen (1024x600)
• Intel® ATOM N270
• 802.11 b/g/n
• DDR2 SO-DIMM 1GB
• 160GB HDD
• 1 x VGA port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor); 3 x USB 2.0 ports; 1 x LAN RJ-45; 2 x audio jacks: Headphone / Mic-in
• Camera: 0.3 M Pixel
• MMC and SD (SDHC supported)
• Audio: Hi-definition audio CODEC; Built-in stereo speakers; Analog Mic
• Battery: 4200mAh Polymer, 5hrs
• 248mm (W) x 173mm (D) x 28.7mm (H)
• 1.2kg with battery
• Casing Colors: Princess Pink, Magic Blue