Review: Disney Netpal [Asus Eee MK90H Netbook]

Written on Nov 30, 2009 by Brian and filed under Disney, Reviews

Kid’s computing usually comes in a few varieties, but often a kid’s first real computer is a hand-me-down PC from Mom or Dad. While there have been plenty of cheap laptop, desktop and Netbook solutions on the market that can be made to work for kids; Disney has taken an interesting approach, totally customizing an Asus Eee Netbook. Their re-defined Netbook, called the Disney Netpal, offers many enhancements designed for kids that are both cosmetic and designed for Internet safety.

The Netpal comes in two fun colors, Princess Pink or Magic Blue. The exterior shells are well made and immediately give kids the feeling that this is a big kid’s computer, not a toy and not a 5 year-old laptop from Dad that has worn off letter keys and bagel crumbs in the keyboard. The unit, while not technically ruggedized, is very sturdy and should be able to handle the day-to-day life of being a kid’s computer. There’s a spill proof keyboard for instance, to help guard against the mistaken splash or spill.

Inside, the Netpal is pretty standard Netbook fare:

• Intel Atom 270 processor
• 1GB of RAM
• 8.9″ 1024×600 pixel display
• 160 GB hard drive
• Built-in .3MP webcam
• WiFi – 802.11 b/g/n
• 5-hour battery
• Windows XP
• Asus Eee docking port
• 3 USB
• Ethernet port
• SD memory card reader
• Mic/headphone jacks

While this is largely a typical Netbook, Disney managed a few other cosmetic tweaks that are pretty fun. The frame around the webcam is distinctivly Disney, and they’ve taken the fun exterior design and brought it through the touchpad area.

I don’t want to get bogged down too much in the performance and specs area of the Netpal. It’s a Netbook, so don’t expect to stream HD content on it, but that’s not the purpose either. From our testing, kids were more than pleased with the performance of the Netpal and we didn’t notice any unreasonable lag or slowness that would hinder performance. That’s our only speed requirement in this case and the Netpal did just fine. The only other hardware comment that’s worth noting is the mouse buttons are actually one button with a left and right side. Many of our kids were confused by this and needed instruction on how to use the mouse buttons properly. It’s not a big deal, but probably could have been better designed with kids in mind.

The best part of the Disney Netpal though is what they did on the software side. As a parent, my main worry is Internet safety, and perhaps with older children, managing computer usage times. Disney has an entire software suite that addresses these issues and much more.

The Disney Parental Control panel, sits over top Windows and lets parents create custom accounts for their children. When creating a new account, you first specify the name, add an optional password and select a login picture from a suite of the basic Windows icons, or a a few dozen Disney options. From here parents can select the standard XP desktop, which removes all of the parental settings (ideal for older kids), or the Disney Desktop, which gives full control of the Netpal usage.

By full control, we really mean full control. The first option lets parents set which programs the child’s account can have access to. There are a number pre-selected, including the Disney applications like Disney Pix and Radio Disney. Software that gets loaded on later, like games, can also be approved for each account individually. This is great if the computer is being used by more than one person.

The system also allows for usage restrictions for every application. So, if homework time is 5-7PM and kids should be able to use the web browser and calculator but not games during this time, that’s an easy configuration. The times are set in two hour chunks, with an overnight from 11pm-7am. That’s probably fine for most uses, but it’s worth noting that the options aren’t terribly flexible if you want something outside these pre-configured rules.

When it comes to Internet safety, kids work within the Disney browser. This provides them access to a bunch of pre-approved content from Disney and access to popular kid’s sites and content offerings. It’s pretty easy to move around in, kids had fun watching the video content and managed to find the games on such on their own. What they can’t do though is go to any un-approved website. Access to the URL entry form requires the parent’s master password. From there parents can decide if they want to add that website to a child’s favorites list for access later.

There’s quite a bit more on the software side too. Kids can choose custom desktop layouts from popular Disney brands like Cars and Hannah Montana. They can also play widget-based games, access Disney news and activate other programs like a photo editor right from the application launcher that scrolls across the bottom. Overall, the software offering for both parents and kids is pretty solid and adds value.

Bottom Line

For an MSRP of $349, the Disney Netpal is definitely a computer and not a toy. But that’s great, since “real” kid’s computing is one of the most neglected areas of kid’s tech that we cover. Disney partnered with Asus and took a standard Netbook and added incremental value all the way around, from fun design, to parental controls, to an easy to use interface for kids. Sure you might be able to accomplish much of this with a plain Netbook and additional software packages, but Disney has it all rolled up into one nice unit, without charging a ridiculous premium. We’re pretty big fans of the computing experience provided, and more importantly, kids are too.

The Disney Netpal and accessories are available from Amazon.com.

Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars – Editor’s Choice

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