Disney releases netbook that is more Big Brother than the TV show

Review:

Title: Disney Netpal
Release date:  August 2009
For ages:  6-12

Intro:

Disney, of the Disney World and Land fame, and Asus, a top maker of computers and electronic parts, have partnered to create ‘Disney Netpal’, a netbook designed specifically for kids; so they can easily and safely surf the net, be it at home, school or just on the go.  The system was built to keep beginner to tech savvy kids entertained, while at the same time, putting their parents at ease by offering 40 robust parental controls.

Cost:

Available in two models:

1) ASUS MK90
16GB solid state drive model
The suggested retail price is $350.

2) ASUS MK90H – 160GB hard drive model
Retail price not yet announced.

Specifications:

- Operating System: Windows XP Home
- Wi-Fi internet capabilities
- 8.9 inch LCD display (1024 x 600 pixels)
- Approximately 3 lbs (with battery)
- VGA port, 3 USB ports, a headphone socket, a microphone socket, and an Ethernet connection
- Reinforced mechanical design with spill-proof keyboard

Parent Control Features:

• Parent presets for granting website and program access.  Permissions can be set to full access or no-access, or scheduled on a calendar to run by day and time.  (e.g. your child can be allowed access to games from 6pm to 7pm on Tuesday, and the internet from 6pm to 9pm every day)
• Kid-safe internet browser uses a whitelist technology that requires parents to pre-approve websites as child-appropriate
• Filter restricts email communication to pre-approved contacts
• Program installation requires parent authorization
• Internet activity data allows parents to monitor websites visited and duration of each visit.

The Good:

The biggest reason why parents will buy this netbook for their kids will be the content permission controls, in the form of whitelists. Parents create and manage the whitelists to select which websites and personal contacts are made available to their children, as well as website and program access times.  If you’re a very strict parent, this will probably make your heart flutter in glee. If you take the more pro-active approach, you’ll be like me and wonder why there seems to be an endless array of options and check boxes for parental controls (i.e. ways to limit what your child does online).

In terms of child (user) friendliness, the Netpal is very easy to use, functionally and visually. The system is very Disney focused, from the pre-installed games, tools and themes (icons), which means if your child is a fan, they’ll love it. Otherwise, they’ll hate it.

For a kid’s first computer, the Disney Netpal is very viable, especially since there are very few other options on the market so far.  This computer is part of the evolving tech world marketed directly at youths. It’s still very new, and not ready to be fully adopted, but it’s a glimpse into what’s to come.

Are you ready to fork out hundreds of dollars on this soon-to-be trend? I’m not, but I’m getting ready to, considering how cell phones quickly went from trend to staple, with one in nearly every kid’s pocket or backpack.

The Bad:

If you’re a busy parent, this system might not be the best idea for you. As soon as your child is happily done unwrapping the computer, you have to do all the work of setting up the whitelist.  It is also heavy on ongoing maintenance, as every time your child wants to add a program, personal contact or even email someone, it goes through you first.  So expect to be bugged about an ‘urgent’ email they want sent or to add or delete friends at random.

Another big factor in your purchase decision should be the computing power.  The Netpal is a netbook, not a laptop. Your mini-me will outgrow it, much like buying new shoes as their feet grow.  This, like other netbooks, is basically a miniature laptop, stunted in size and capability.

A minor qualm I have with this system is its availability in only two colours, which are marketed as gender-specific: the stereotypical girl (pink) and boy (blue).  Haven’t we outgrown this yet? Maybe they should consider netbook black.

Visit here http://kiwicommons.com to see the full review.