Netbook Review – Acer, Asus Netbook Review

ASUS Disney Netpal Review – Top Features

• Disney Magic Desktop – This netbook is feature packed with kid-friendly apps. The Magic Desktop has a 2D gadget tray with bold visual icons and 15 disney-themed widgets including a stopwatch, calculator and reminder notes.
• Disney Browser and Website link – Purchase of the Netpal means that your little one can access a host of games and videos on Disney’s site. The Disney browser launches a few Disney sites automatically.
• Sturdy Build – We don’t know if the ASUS guys consciously made it rugged because they thought kids would be a little more careless with their netbooks, but nonetheless the Netpal feels solid.
• Keyboard – ASUS has stayed true to their netbook design, and included a keyboard with large enough keys that typing is not a problem.

ASUS Disney Netpal Review – Drawbacks and things to keep in mind

• Slightly Expensive – As is the case whenever a computer manufacturer ties up with a brand, the netbook price is higher for surface applications whereas specifications may be average. In this case, the Disney Netpal does have an above average price, but it’s not by much and Disney has made a significant contribution. So we don’t really grudge them the extra $40-50.
• Parental control not so hot – The parental control on this netbook is kind of all-encompassing where there’s no middle ground. They could have made the interface a whole lot simpler as all they need to do is block out certain websites.
• 2GB RAM upgrade voids warranty – This one will piss the pants off geeks and techies. The company advertises a RAM upgradeable to 2GB, but insertion by anyone but a Acer authorized service centre voids the warranty. And Acer authorized service centres WILL NOT upgrade the RAM. Keep that in mind if you’re thinking of upgrading.

ASUS Disney Netpal Review -Ratings

1. Price and Value for money – 0.75 Star. It’s a bit on the high side, but we guess there’s enough differentiation in the product to justify the extra bucks.
2. Speed and Performance – 0.75 Star. ASUS has made this a spiffy little machine, and it performs admirably with regard to browser speeds and multi-tasking.
3. Screen – 0.75 Star. The 8.9″ screen has a 1024×600 resolution and the colours are bright and sharp.
4. Keyboard, Touchpad, Useability – 0.75 Star. Good keyboard but the touchpad is a bit small.
5. Portability and Battery Life – 0.75 Star. This one is quite light at 2.65 lbs with the battery, and lasts about 5 hours long.
6. Looks and Design  - 1.0 Star. We quite like the cover designs, both in pink and blue. The inside is also finished nicely with the large screen bezel enhancing the look.
7. Connectivity and Extensibility – 0.75 Star. Slightly less options than usual, but nothing important is missing.

This gives the Disney Netpal an overall rating of 5.5 out of 7 Stars.

ASUS Disney Netpal Review – Our Recommendation

The Disney Netpal is a fun netbook for kids. If your child is a Disney fan, go for it. Else you may as well get them a normal netbook with better specs for a lower price.

ASUS Disney Netpal Review – What have buyers on Amazon said?

Pros:

1. “It is a fast machine and so far has had good battery life. We are very pleased with it so far.”
2. “Nice full scale laptop for kids.”

Cons:

1. “I can’t even get the some of the links on the Disney site to work.”
2. “I thought I would like the parental program that is on. It is cute, but makes it impossible to add anything or do anything on the desktop and the internet.”

ASUS Disney Netpal Review – Technical Specifications

• OS: Windows XP Home with Magic Desktop Software
• CPU: Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processor
• RAM: 1GB DDR2 So-DIMM RAM
• Storage Space: 160GB SATA HDD (5400rpm)
• Screen:  8.9″ WSVGA LED-Backlit Display
• Connectivity: VGA Output, 3 USB ports, Headphone & microphone slot, 2-in-1 card reader, 802.11b/g WLAN
• Battery: 4200 mAh Polymer
• Weight: 2.2 lbs (w/o battery)