The MFC100GB -- produced by Lexibook Limited, which also appears to be responsible for a variety of Barbie-branded cameras and other toys -- resembles a variety of other Chinese-manufactured mini-notebooks, such as the Menq EasyPC E790, which is said to sell in China for only $80. As such, it's much less technically ambitious than a kid-oriented netbook also sold by Toys "R" Us, the Intel Atom-based Asus Disney Netpal MK90. (Dell offers a product that's similar to the latter in the form of its Inspiron Mini Nickelodeon Edition.)


The Lexibook MFC100GB
(Click to enlarge)

Under its bright orange case (above), the MFC100GB has an unnamed, 400MHz Samsung processor -- possibly the same S3C2450 employed in the Menq device -- along with 64MB of RAM and 1GB of flash storage, the company says. There's also an SD card reader, useful for expanding storage or just getting files on and off the system.

OUR VERDICT: The MFC100GB would be a great deal -- if only it sold for $100

According to Lexibook, the portable has an eight-inch screen with 800 x 480 resolution. Other hardware features are said to include a microphone input, a headphone jack, two USB 1.1 ports, and an Ethernet port. Wireless networking is not listed among the MFC100GB's specifications, though we suspect it might be included nonetheless.

Lexibook says the MFC100GB offers "secure internet access with parental controls," and includes not only the Office Mobile software usually included with Windows CE, but also fifty different games. The latter are said to include Patience, Freecell, 4 by 4, plus other adventure, action, and educational titles.

According to the company, the MFC100GB also includes Windows Media Player and is capable of being turned into a "media center." However, the device includes only a single mono speaker, according to the company.

Including a 1500mAh battery that is claimed to provide 3.5 hours of operation, the MFC100GB weighs 2.3 pounds and measures 8.85 x 6.45 x 1.18 inches, Lexibook says.

Features and specifications listed by Lexibook for the MFC100GB include:

• Processor -- 400MHz Samsung CPU
• Memory -- 64MB of RAM and 1GB of flash storage
• Display -- 8-inch LCD with 800 x 480 resolution
• Expansion -- SD slot
• Networking:
  • LAN -- Ethernet port
  • WLAN -- n/s, but 802.11b/g may be present
• Other I/O:
  • Microphone in and headphone out
  • 2 x USB 1.1
• Battery type/life -- 1500mAh; lasts for 3.5 hours on average
• Dimensions -- 8.85 x 6.45 x 1.18 inches (225 x 164 x 30mm)
• Weight -- 2.3 pounds