Devon IT's TC5X (right), introduced in March 2009, was surprisingly one of the first thin clients to employ Intel's netbook-oriented Atom N270 CPU, along with the mobile-oriented 82945GSE northbridge and ICH7M southbridge. These components are not noted for their HD video playback capabilities, but Devon IT called the Windows XP Embedded-based devices "HD ready" and said its dual video outputs (one DVI-I and one DVI-D) could support dual monitors with up to 1920 x 1200 resolution apiece.

Now, thanks to an upgrade to the Windows Embedded Standard 2009 operating system and other software modifications, the TC5X is said to be ready to work with Citrix's HDX (high definition user experience) technology, offered as part of the XenDesktop and XenApp products. HDX gives thin clients such features as USB 2.0 support, plug-and-play printing, real-time audio compatible with VoIP, and "true multi-monitor support," according to Citrix.

In particular, says Devon IT, the TC5X offers rendering of 480 x 360 pixel Flash, QuickTime, and Silverlight video either via a server or on the client itself. Taking the load off an enterprise's server and network infrastructure, the TC5X can also render 1280 x 720 pixel video locally in the above format, the comapny adds.

Stephane Verdy, Devon IT's CTO, stated, "HDX allows seamless multimedia, plug-and-play access to USB and other peripherals, high-performance graphics, VOIP, and other key media imperative for business functionality. We are proud that our technology has grown with Citrix and that the TC5X can advance side-by-side with XenDesktop to enhance the experience for thin client users."

Devon IT teams the N270 processor with 1GB of RAM, expandable to 2GB, and 2GB of DOM storage for its operating system. Featuring gigabit Ethernet and an optional 802.11b/g/n wireless LAN module, the TC5X has four USB ports, a microphone input, line output, and a headphone jack, according to the company.

Features and specifications listed by Devon IT for the TC5X include:

• Processor -- 1.6GHz Atom N270
  
• Memory -- 1GB of DDR2 RAM, expandable to 2GB
  
• Storage -- 2GB DOM (disk on module) on Windows XPe version; 1GB DOM with DeTOS
  
• Display -- Supports dual displays via DVI-D and DVI-I connectors; resolutions to 1920 x 1200
  
• Networking -- Gigabit Ethernet port with RJ45 connector; optional 802.11b/g/n wireless LAN module
  
• Other I/O:
  • 1 x DVI-D
    
  • 1 x DVI-I
    
  • 4 x USB 2.0
    
  • Audio -- headphone and line outputs and microphone input
• Operating temperature -- 0 to 40 deg. C (32 to 104 deg. F)
  
• Power requirements:
  • Accepts 100 to 240VAC input
    
  • Uses from 14 to 20 Watts with dual monitors
• Dimensions -- 9.13 x 6.85 x 3.7 inches (232 x 174 x 94mm)
  
• Weight -- 2.43 pounds (1.1kg)

Further information

Devon IT did not provide pricing for the TC5X but said the device is available now, and is orderable via Dell and IBM part numbers. Further information may be found on the company's website, here, and on the Citrix website, here.

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