Tag: PeeWee PC

Disney Netpal netbook for kids unveiled

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Pink for princesses or sleek Disney blue? If you’re on the market for a kiddie PC, Disney just might have a kid-friendly laptop for your kid.

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That’s right. Disney, together with ASUS, have developed the Disney Netpal, which is described as a netbook computer for kids. Because it’s a Disney-themed computer, it features a Disney interface, dubbed the Disney Magic Desktop. It also features 40 parental control options, an 8.9-inch LCD display, Wi-Fi capabilities, Windows XP Home and of course, kid-friendly software featuring Disney characters. Kids can customize their desktops with more some of Disney and Pixar’s most popular franchises, including Cars, Club Penguin, Disney Classic Characters, Disney Fairies, Disney Princess, Vintage Mickey Mouse, Toy Story and WALL-E. The Hannah Montana and JONAS themes would appeal to the tween set.9

With its spill-proof keyboard (I so need one of those!) the Disney Netpal by ASUS was designed to be kid-friendly, in terms of durability and content permissions. The Disney Netpal features ShockShield data protection that is supposed to cushion the blow and data loss when the computer is danced upon or tossed off the couch for giggles.

The Disney Netpal, designed for the the 6-12 age range, will be available in late July in two models with prices based on features. Retailers include Toys”R” Us and Amazon.com, and will retail for $350. Some are calling this kid computer affordable, but I think affordability in this economy has a different definition for everyone. A few weeks ago, I reported about the PeeWee PC, but I’d be interested in comparing the two kid-focused PCs to see which has a better bang for the buck.

PeeWee PC debuts tablet laptop for kids

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

PeeWee PC has launched a new spill and drop-resistant tablet laptop for kids. The small, but rugged 3-pound laptop features a swiveling screen and can alternate between keyboard mode and a tablet mode. The PeeWee PC features kid-friendly, touch-optimized software that’s said to be suitable for 3-10 year olds. Security options allow Parents to limit usage and control how kids use their laptop. The laptop features an Intel Atom Processor, a Disney Windows XP Theme, and a 1.3 megapixel and rings in at about $600. You can heck out the PeeWee PC specs here.

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I definitely appreciate PeeWee PC’s rugged, kid-friendly approach; however, the pricetag for a kid purchase—an electronic investment, no less—definitely makes me think twice.  PeeWee PC also offers the Power Laptop, another kid-friendly laptop, but $100 cheaper and with different specs.  Kid friendly laptops aren’t a new concept.  The OLPC XO, tasked to change the lives of children in developing countries, is a lowcost kid-friendly computer, but on a much different scale.
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