thinclient
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Dell's Project Ophelia Android stick shows up at the FCC as Wyse Cloud Connect
The summer passed without signs of Dell's Project Ophelia Android stick, but it at last appears to be getting close. The thin client has just surfaced at the FCC branded as the (now expected) Wyse Cloud Connect. While there's no mention of software in the filing, the hardware info reveals an MHL-capable HDMI connector, Bluetooth, 802.11n WiFi, a microSD card slot and USB ports for both power and peripherals. There aren't any clues as to when Cloud Connect will ship. However, the company promises device demos at the Dell World conference in mid-December -- we'll hopefully get more launch details by that point.
VMware View brings virtual desktops to iPad with touchscreen-friendly controls (video)
Remote controlling your personal desktop from an iPad is one thing, but today VMware is offering something a little heftier -- a streamlined app to connect to enterprise-class virtual desktops. Like Citrix Receiver, the idea is that you'll get the iPad client for free, and hopefully pay to have the cloud computers served up, but instead of streamlining applications for tablet use, VMware's app hands you customizable PC-like controls. There's a handy-looking virtual touchpad you can use for fine control over the mouse cursor if your fingers prove too pointy, a set of Windows shortcut keys at the top of the virtual keyboard, multi-finger gestures and more -- but why not just watch the video after the break to see what's in store?
MSI WindBox III gets a bit more oomph, still lives on your LCD
If your current WindBox is growing a bit long in the tooth, MSI has a newcomer with somewhat more respectable internals. Since it's a fanless machine designed to live on the rear of your LCD, you won't be ordering one with a Core i7, but the included Core 2 Duo chip is certainly a step above what's been offered in the past. It's designed primarily to be used as an ultra-low power solution for folks needing to handle the simplest of simple tasks, though the integrated graphics are purportedly capable of HD playback (on a good day). It's packing DVI, VGA and HDMI outputs, six USB 2.0 sockets, a pair of mini-PCIe slots, inbuilt 802.11b/g/n WiFi and a Bluetooth module, but your guess is as good as ours when it comes to price or availability.
Google adding 'Chromoting' remote desktop functionality to Chome OS?
Well, this one's come a bit out of left field, but it looks like Chrome OS could be set to get a pretty big new addition: a remote desktop feature dubbed "Chromoting" (at least for now). That word comes courtesy of an apparently authentic message from Google software engineer Gary Kačmarčík posted on a Chrome OS mailing list, which goes on to explain that the feature would let you run "legacy PC applications" right in the browser, and that it would be "something like" Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection. No more details than that, unfortunately, nor is there any indication that the feature will actually be included in the initial release of Chrome OS that's launching this fall, with Kačmarčík only going so far as to say that Google is "adding new capabilities all the time."
Dell slips out OptiPlex 980 desktop, FX100 Zero Client
Dell may be branching out with exciting new products like the Mini 5, but it still has to keep its base of business users well stocked with nondescript desktops, and it now has a new pair for them in the form of the OptiPlex 980 and FX100 Zero Client. The latter of those is a barebones remote desktop that was previously only offered when bought with Dell's Precision R5400 rack workstation, but it's now available on its own and boasts some added support for VMware View 4.0 with PCoIP for a bit more flexibility. The OptiPlex 980, on the other hand, is a traditional desktop, and is available with Core i5 or i7 processors, optional SSD drives, an optional Dell EcoKit that promises to cut noise by 50%, and your choice of three different chassis options (minitower, desktop or small form factor). Look for it to be available in the "coming weeks," with prices starting at $807.
Fujitsu's sleek FUTRO S100 gets VIA Eden implant
By and large, thin clients are relatively boring. That said, they're typically dead silent and plenty powerful to handle the most basic of tasks, and thanks to Fujitsu, this one's even halfway easy on the eyes. The new FUTRO S100 was revealed today, complete with a 500MHz VIA Eden ULV processor that enables the entire system to suck down just 11 watts under full load. Other specs include 1GB of DDR2 memory, a pair of USB 2.0 connectors, VGA output, Ethernet, a VX800 media processor, Chrome9 HC3 graphics and internal CF-based storage support. There's nary a mention of price, but it's ready to ship today for those with the correct change.[Via HotHardware]
Kinpo shows off 7-inch Android thin client tablet
First was the G1, and next came a slew of other cellphones. Now, we've got Android sashaying on over to netbooks, and just in case you're not really looking for that, there's Kinpo's 7-inch tablet. As the Google-sourced OS continues to show its versatility, the aforementioned company has thrown it onto a so-called thin client with a Freescale i.MX51 processor and WVGA display. From the video posted after the break, we'd say the system makes a good fit on this form factor, but feel free to hop on down and judge for yourself.
TechNovus intros Atom-powered Nova Navigator cloud computer
Cloud computing concepts for netbook / nettop-sized machines aren't all new, but TechNovus is looking to jump in head first with its Nova Navigator. The tiny machine gets powered by a 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU and possesses no hard drive within; instead, it utilizes a 512Kbps or higher internet connection to access 50GB of online applications / storage. The unit runs Windows (Server) and SUSE Linux side-by-side, and aside from a few core apps (Firefox, Skype and a media player), everything else is ran from the cloud. As it stands, the box is scheduled to launch next month in India for around $199 plus a $15 to $20 monthly subscription, though there's no word as to when it'll be launched in other nations.
Abaco announces the production of Europe's 'first' Atom dual-core desktop
Italian Engadget readers, take note: Abaco Computers of Milan just announced the production of Europe's 'first' Intel Atom dual-core PC. Measuring up to a mere 27 x 20 x 10 cm (just under 11 x 8 x 4 inches) in the classic and classy "box" configuration, what appears to be a Betamax VCR at first glance is actually a reasonably stacked PC. The machine boasts a 1.6 GHz Atom CPU and up to 2GB RAM; oddly, the site says it sports a "generous" six USB ports, while the pictures clearly show only four and a single firewire jack (which they failed to mention altogether). The Abaco comes loaded with Ubuntu 8.04. Available in Desktop, Thin Client and Solid State flavors, according to your needs. Price varies by configuration, and needless to say, this isn't available Stateside.Update: According to an email from Abaco, we weren't seeing things when we noted a firewire port in those pictures on the site: they were promo shots from a different unit, albeit one with the same case.
NEC intros diminutive US110 thin-client PC
Unfortunately, the wee US110 isn't a full-fledged PC, but it should perform quite nicely as a thin-client machine. Measuring in at just 5.9- x 3.7- x 1.2-inches and weighing 0.77-pounds, this device features a fanless design, 128MB of RAM, 128MB of NAND flash memory, five USB 2.0 ports, a VGA connector, resolution support up to 1,600 x 1,200, gigabit Ethernet, audio in / out and support for RDP5.5 / ICA10.0. Those interested can pick one up at the month's end for around ¥49,000 ($417).[Via AkihabaraNews]
Macedonia to give every student a PC
While the OLPC continues its slow rollout and finds its price slowly climbing, it looks like other companies are aggressively going after NickNeg's target markets -- Macedonia just announced a deal with NComputing to provide every student with a thin client "classroom computing device" that will link up to an account on a Linux server PC. The deal calls for NComputing to deliver 180,000 of the devices at a price that's only quoted as "less than half the cost of any other proposed solution," -- a number we're guessing is in that all-important $100 range. Macedonia's schools were also impressed with the device's ability to be remotely updated and maintained, a feature that significantly cuts support costs. No word on when Macedonians will see these things pop up in schools, but we'd bet quite a few people in other countries wouldn't mind getting their hands on one either.Update: Okay, that's all for comments. While we're sensitive to the many viewpoints surrounding the formal name of the country, Engadget isn't really the place for that debate. Take it outside, kids.
Devon IT intros SafeBook thin client laptop
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania's own Devon IT looks to be doing its small part to make the town known for something more than the biggest mall on the East Coast, today introducing its latest thin client laptop for those ready to give hard drives the boot. From the looks of it, the new SafeBook retains many of the same specs as its predecessor, including a 12.1-inch display and VIA C7-M processor, with the notable addition of 3G AirCard support this time around, along with 802.11 a/b/g WiFi. Despite those additions, this model actually boasts a lower starting price than before, now coming in at $599, which the company says makes it the "most competitive on the market."
Ndiyo's "Hubster" USB-based thin client
Last we heard from Nidiyo, they were developing a thin client intended for use in developing nations. They're apparently still working on it, but they're also now developing another, even thinner client that goes easy on the ethernet and heavy on the USB. Cleverly dubbed "Hubster", the system's based on a USB-to-VGA adapter (like the USB Nivo seen here) with some added USB ports to connect a keyboard and mouse. Mix in the proper software, including a customized version of Ubuntu Linux, and you've got yourself a full-fledged computer terminal. Being USB-based, Ndiyo says the Hubster could also easily be expanded to support additional devices like a Skype headset, a flash drive or a second monitor. The biggest downside to the system, however, seems to be the 15-foot limit of USB 2.0 connections, which should be fine for something like an Internet cafe but probably not the best option if you're looking to trick out every room in your house with its own thin client.[Thanks, David]
