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        Portable thin client's based on Dell notebook

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Dec 9, 2009 | Comments: 1


        Devon IT announced a thin-client notebook computer based on Dell's Latitude E5400. The SafeBook E5400X includes a 2.2GHz Intel Celeron CPU, a 14.1-inch display, 1GB of RAM, and runs the Windows Embedded Standard operating system, according to the company.

        Devon IT describes the new SafeBook E5400X as its "third generation" thin-client notebook. The company's first such device, the 2006 SafeBook, ran Windows XP Embedded on a 1.5GHz Via C7M processor, while last year's SafeBook LVO, stepping up to a 2.0GHz Celeron processor, was based on Lenovo's ThinkPad R61.

        In its release announcing the SafeBook E5400X, Devon IT says the new device includes an 80GB hard disk drive. This confused us a bit, because a feature of the earlier SafeBooks was the fact that, like most other clients, they omitted hard disks, adding security by ensuring that little data would be stored locally on the device.


        Devon IT's SafeBook E5400X is based on Dell's Latitude E5400 (above)

        Whether or not it includes a hard disk, the SafeBook E5400X runs the Windows Embedded Standard 2009 operating system, according to Devon IT. As a result, the device likely incorporates Microsoft's write filters, which may be configured either to discard all changes to any storage device each time a thin client is restarted, or to allow changes only to selected directories.

        According to Devon IT, the SafeBook E5400X supports Citrix's ICA (independent computing architecture) and Microsoft's RDP (remote desktop protocol). The notebook works with Windows Terminal Servers 2000/2003/2008, Citrix's XenAPP, XenDesktop and XenServer, VMware's View, Unix/Linux servers, and other legacy servers, the company says.

        The SafeBook E5400X is said to be based on Dell's previously released Latitude E5400 notebook, making adoption easier for enterprises that may already be familiar with this device. While Dell itself offers this model with a choice of Core 2 Duo or Celeron M processors and up to 4GB of RAM, Devon IT has selected a 2.2GHz Celeron 900 CPU and equipped the E5400X with 1GB of RAM -- more than adequate for a thin client.

        OUR VERDICT:
        Portable thin clients are becoming more common, but connectivity can be a snag
        Devon IT says the SafeBook E5400X includes a 14.1-inch display with 1440 x 900 resolution, a gigabit Ethernet port, VGA output, a "seven-in-1" card reader, and a slot that accepts a Type I or Type II PCMCIA card. Wireless networking (802.11a/g/n) is standard, while a PCI Mini Card slot provides for optional cellular connectivity, the company adds.

        Dell offers the Latitude E5400 with both six- and nine-cell batteries, presumably available to the Devon IT customer as well. The Latitude device also includes the choice of an optical disk drive or "TravelLite" module (simply a weight-saving shell), according to Dell.

        Finally, Dell's Latitude E5400 is said to offer an IEEE1394 (FireWire) port, a docking connector, and an S-Video connector. We have not listed these in the spec tablet below because they have not been confirmed as present on the SafeBook E5400X by Devon IT.

        Features and specifications provided by Devon IT for the SafeBook E5400X, or by Dell for the Latitude E5400, include the following:

        • Processor -- Intel Celeron 900 clocked at 2.2GHz
        • Memory -- 1GB of DDR2 memory
        • Chipset -- GM45 GMCH (graphics controller memory hub) and ICH (I/O controller hub) 9EM
        • Display -- 14.1-inch screen with 1440 x 900 pixel resolution
        • Storage -- 80GB hard disk drive; may also be available with optical disk drive
        • Expansion:
          • Type I/II PCMCIA slot
          • Seven-in-1 card reader
          • PCI Mini Card slot
        • Networking:
          • LAN -- Gigabit Ethernet
          • WLAN -- 801.11a/g/n
          • WAN -- EVDO or HSDPA/HSUPA (optional)
        • Other I/O:
          • 3 x USB 2.0
          • 1 x VGA
          • Headphone jack and microphone input
        • Battery type -- 6-cell or 9-cell lithium-ion battery; life n/s
        • Dimensions -- 13.3 x 9.5 x 1.5 inches (338 x 240 x 37mm)
        • Weight, with six cell battery and hard disk drive -- 5.58 pounds (2.54kg)
        Joe Makoid, president of Devon IT, stated, "The experience and sophistication that propels Dell's renowned laptop lineup will ensure our users have access to the best in functionality, reliability, and quality. We expect the SafeBook E5400X to be an industry standard for deploying mobile thin client devices."

        Further information

        Devon IT's SafeBook E5400X appears to be available now, though pricing was not released. According to the company, the Windows Embedded Standard version will "soon" be supplemented with a version running the proprietary, Linux-based Devon Terminal Operating System (DeTOS).

        More information may be found on the Devon IT website, here.

        Background information on the Dell Latitude E5400 may be found on the Dell website, here.

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