Asus is reportedly partnering with Disney to release a netbook for children called the Netpal. USA Today reports that the mini-laptop is due out in July and it will run about $350. It’s targeted at kids between the ages of 6 and 12.
The Netpal will have an 8.9 inch display and an Intel Atom processor. It has a 16GB SSD and runs Windows XP. I’m guessing it will look a lot like the Asus Eee PC 901, but it will come in a couple of different colors and include custom Disney-themed desktops. It will be available in a floral “Princess Pink” color or “Magic Blue” with Mickey mouse pictures.
USA Today says it will also include a Disney browser, a Radio Disney widget, and parental control software, among other applications.
Update: Forbes reports that the Netpal will be available in 21 countries in Asia, Europe, and North America. And Laptop Magazine has some hands-on photos and a video which demonstrate that the Netpal looks more like an Eee PC 1008HA Seashell style netbook than the Eee PC 901. While the netbook runs Windows XP, both articles also explain that there’s a custom Disney software shell running on top of the operating system.
Wonder how Disney plans to leverage to deliver(sell) content? Maybe it’s just to try to get more of the kiddies on their websites.
My 5 year old daughter loves playing on my PC, and she loves playing on my netbook (was an Eeepc, now a Dell Mini 9). So a Disney branded netbook is a great idea. I do worry, however, about the “dumbed down” interface. It’s cute and all, but am I limiting my daughter’s potential by making her live with a kid-friendly interface like that instead of the real deal?
I wonder what took them so long. This was inevitable. You just know these will fly off the shelves. How about a Pixar netbook?
Torn. For a child maybe a small keyboard and screen might be a good match. It would be light, inexpensive, and a good size for small fingers. But in all likelihood you could get a non-Disney Asus of the same size and specs much cheaper…that how it always works with Disney branded products from toasters to extremely flammable pajamas. If it has Disney logos on it its will cost you 20% more yet be 20% worse in some way.
If that is not the case I be pleased, gob-smacked surprised, but pleased. Also, if they really want to sell them they need a to be better then “Princess Pink” or “Magic Blue”. How how about “High School Musical Sharpay Red” or “Hanna Montana Thong Purple”