The Disney Netpal is an Asus netbook created for kids and slathered in Disney branding. There are three things that set this 8.9 inch netbook apart from most other Asus Eee PC netbooks:

1. It features Disney themed lids, including a pink princess design and a blue Mickey design
2. Users can choose from a number of Disney themes for the Windows XP interface with options including Cars, Lilo & Stitch, and Hannah Montana
3. The kid-themed applications feature tight parental control software that let you limit how and when your child uses the computer

For instance, instead of a standard web browser, you get a Disney Browser with no URL bar. In order for kids to visit a web site, a parent will need to add the site to a list of pre-approved web pages by first entering the parental password. Same goes for webmail. There’s also a Disney branded media player and picture viewer, and parents can configure th software not to allow the kids to slack off during weekday hours when they should be doing homework, or set other time controls.

The folks at PC Magazine got to spend some time with the Netpal, and shot a brief video overview which you can check out after the break.

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Last week I noticed drivers for a new netbook show up on the Asus support site. After doing a little digging, I realized the Eee PC MK90H is just another name for the Disney Netpal branded netbook from Asus.

The fact that drivers are available is a pretty good sign that this 8.9 inch nebtook should begin shipping soon. And Netbooked uncovered another bit of evidence: Toys R Us, which has been taking pre-orders for this laptop for the past month or so, is now showing an estimated ship date of 8/14.

The Netpal features a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 CPU, 8.9 inch, 1024 x 600 pixel display, Windows XP, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, and a 5 hour battery. It also weighs about 2.2 pounds and features a suite of Disney software.

The netbook is also available for pre-order from Amazon for $349.99 in “Magic Blue” and “Princess Pink.”

Toys R Us has started taking pre-orders for the previously announced Disney-branded netbook from Asus. The netbook features an 8.9 inch, 1024 x 600 pixel display, 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU, 1GB of RAM, and a 16GB solid state disk and will sell for $349.99.

Like most Asus netbooks, it also includes 802.11b/g/n WiFi, 3 USB ports, and an integrated webcam. Since this netbook is designed for children, the small keyboard shouldn’t be much of a problem. The laptop measures 9.76″ x 6.81″ x 1.13″ and weighs 2.2 pounds.

The netbook is also expected to include a suite of kid-friendly Disney-themed software applications including a Disney browser, a Radio Disney widget, and parental control software.

via SlashGear

Asus is reportedly partnering with Disney to release a netbook for children called the Netpal. USA Today reports that the mini-laptop is due out in July and it will run about $350. It’s targeted at kids between the ages of 6 and 12.

The Netpal will have an 8.9 inch display and an Intel Atom processor. It has a 16GB SSD and runs Windows XP. I’m guessing it will look a lot like the Asus Eee PC 901, but it will come in a couple of different colors and include custom Disney-themed desktops. It will be available in a floral “Princess Pink” color or “Magic Blue” with Mickey mouse pictures.

USA Today says it will also include a Disney browser, a Radio Disney widget, and parental control software, among other applications.

Update: Forbes reports that the Netpal will be available in 21 countries in Asia, Europe, and North America. And Laptop Magazine has some hands-on photos and a video which demonstrate that the Netpal looks more like an Eee PC 1008HA Seashell style netbook than the Eee PC 901. While the netbook runs Windows XP, both articles also explain that there’s a custom Disney software shell running on top of the operating system.