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        This netbook's a Mickey Mouse device -- and that's official

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Jun 17, 2009 | Comments: 1


        If you've always considered netbooks to be "Mickey Mouse" computers, we've got news for you. Asus and Disney have collaborated on a kids' netbook, to be offered by Toys 'r' Us with a 16GB SSD (solid state drive) and Amazon with a 160GB hard disk drive.



        (Click here for a larger view of the Asus Disney Netpal)

        The new Disney Netpal, known as the MK90 in its Toys 'r' Us configuration, with a 16GB SSD, and as the MK90H with a 160GB HDD (hard disk drive), features much the same innards as dozens of other netbooks. That includes a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 CPU, an 8.9-inch screen with 1024 x 600 resolution, and 1GB of DDR2 RAM.

        Like other mini-laptops, the Netpal also includes a VGA-resolution webcam, but in this case, the camera's bezel features Mickey Mouse ears. Another cosmetic tweak is the device's coloring, offered in "Princess Pink," with pink florals (pictured at the top of our story), and "Magic Blue," with miniature Mickey Mouse icons (pictured below). On a more practical level, the netbook is also said to include a spill-resistant keyboard, similar to the one on Dell's recently announced Latitude 2100.


        Asus's Disney Netpal is offered in "Magic Blue" (above) and pink

        There's little else new to add about the Netpal's hardware. Be it noted, however, that the device offers just as much connectivity as its "adult" counterparts, including 802.11b/g/n wireless, three USB 2.0 ports, an RJ45 LAN connector, a microphone input, and a headphone output.

        According to Asus, the Disney Netpal has a 4200mAh battery that powers the system for up to five hours. With battery, the system weighs 2.2 pounds (1kg) in the SSD configuration and 2.64 pounds (1.2kg) in the HDD version, while both measure 9.76 x 6.81 x 1.12 inches (248 x 173 x 28.7mm), the company says.

        While the Netpal runs the usual Windows XP Home operating system, Asus and Disney say they have enhanced this for children via the "Disney Magic Desktop," featuring a special 2D menu that displays Disney-themed email and web browsing applications. "Robust" parental controls are said to allow pre-selecting what websites children are allowed to visit, plus the people with whom they're allowed to correspond. Kids can dress up their desktops with more than 10 customizable themes, inspired by Disney properties such as Cars, Club Penguin, Disney Classic Characters, Disney Fairies, Disney Princess, Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers, Toy Story, Vintage Mickey Mouse, and WALL-E, the companies add.

        Features and specifications released by Asus and Disney for the Netpal, include:
        • Processor -- 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270
        • Memory -- 1GB of DDR2 RAM (expandability not cited)
        • Storage -- 160GB hard disk drive (MK90H) or 16GB SSD (MK90)
        • Display -- 8.9-inch LED-backlit display with 1024 x 600 resolution
        • Camera -- VGA resolution webcam
        • Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet port
        • Wireless:
          • LAN -- 802.11b/g/n
        • Other I/O:
          • 3 x USB 2.0 ports
          • 1 x VGA
          • Audio mic in and headphone out
        • Expansion -- SD/MMC card reader
        • Battery -- 4200mAh lithium-polymer battery provides up to five hours of operation
        • Dimensions -- 9.76 x 6.81 x 1.12 inches (248 x 173 x 28.7mm)
        • Weight:
          • MK90 -- 2.2 pounds (1kg)
          • MK90H -- 2.64 pounds (1.2kg)
        • Operating system -- Windows XP Home, with Disney additions
        Further information

        According to Asus and Disney, the Netpal MK90 and MK90H will be available late next month for approximately $350. A video of the device, demonstrating its customized user interface, is available on the Laptop Magazine website, here.


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