14 DAY TRIAL // Taiwanese netbook pioneer ASUS has teamed up with Disney studios to roll out a new Eee PC-based computer system that will be known as Netpal. The new netbook PC will be powered by a familiar Intel Atom processor and will be available in Princess Pink and Magic Blue colors, for young girls and boys, respectively. The news about the new Netpal machine comes as another design win for ASUS, which is aiming to become the main netbook vendor this year.
ASUS has a well-known policy of releasing several netbook designs based on the same Intel Atom platform, having already launched a series of new ultraportable 9-inch and 10-inch models. The latest to join the growing list will be promoted as a portable computer system for young children, providing them with a Disney-designed, child-friendly user interface, which will be available on top of the main Windows XP operating system.
As far as technical specifications go, the new netbook will be featured with an 8.9-inch LCD screen and will be powered by an Intel Atom processor. Parents will be able to choose from various configuration options, including a 16GB solid state drive or a larger-capacity 160GB hard drive. The laptop will also have integrated WiFi, but there will be no option for a 3G cellular connection. Slated to become available later in July for about US$350, the new ASUS-designed Disney Netpal PC will be targeted at kids between the age of 6 and 12.
The Netpal will become available at Toys R U and Amazon.com, providing parents with an additional choice for their children's birthday present. Among some of the unique features that will be available on the Disney laptop netbook we need to highlight the Radio Disney widget and the Magic Desktop “gadget tray,” which will include the icons for the Disney browser, e-mail and parental controls.