Disney is re-entering the personal computer this July with the Netpal, a $350 laptop that is designed for kids from the ages of 6 to 12. The entertainment giant has partnered with ASUS, the company behind the cheap and easy-to-use Eee PC netbook. Naturally, the Netpal will have the Disney touch -- kids can choose from either pink or blue shells and decorate their desktops with images from their favorite Disney or Pixar movies and TV shows. Disney has also developed its own special software for media and games, like Disney Mix, Disney Pix, Disney Bobblehead, and Radio Disney, among other Disney-only applications.
The Netpal will be fairly easy to set up out of the box and also offers a "rugged" design, a spillproof keyboard, and ShockShield data protection that will protect data if the laptop is dropped. (Sounds like something we could all use!) The base model comeswith Window XP, the Intel ATOM N270 processor, built-in Wi-Fi, and 16 GB of storage space; this model will start at about $350 and will be available at Toys 'R' Us. Parents can also opt for one with 160 GB of storage space instead, although that price has not yet been announced.
Additionally, the Netpal comes with extensive parental controls for email and web browsing.
"Parents can pre-select email correspondence options, browsers, the websites their kids visit and the programs they use. These permissions can also be scheduled on a calendar, providing parents with a convenient, automated means of granting access on the days and times that they choose. Parents can also pull up data to determine where children spent time, and for how long. Additional websites can be added for access, but only if the parent approves and submits the request within the password-protected system."
Even in a recession when the rest of the market is opting for more low-end toys and gadgets, it's possible that the Netpal will catch on if it's as durable as Disney and ASUS say. ASUS "practically invested the netbook," according to laptop experts at CNET, so perhaps this will be a justifiable investment for parents looking for a good, low-end laptop for their kids.
Does the Disney Netpal sound like a good investment for your household, or is it something you'd hold off on purchasing because of the recession? Also, why does there have to be a Princess Pink and Magic Blue versions to choose from? Let us know in the comments.
