Similar to the company's earlier 2533t, 4410t, and HP Compaq 6720t, HP's latest portable thin client is designed to offer all the features of a notebook computer except for its hard disk drive. This eliminates the risk of sensitive information getting into the wrong hands if the device is lost or stolen, making it suitable for highly regulated industries such as distribution, education, finance, government, healthcare, insurance and manufacturing, says HP.

HP's 4320t thin client
(Click to enlarge)

The 4320t comes with 2GB or 4GB of flash storage, preloaded with Windows Embedded Standard 2009, according to HP. It's said purchasers will be able to upgrade the device to a Windows Embedded Standard 7 image later this year, though pricing for the modification has not yet been released.

On the 4320t, the OS has been configured so as to offer both Enhanced Write Filter (EWF) and File Based Write Filter (FBWF) functionality, according to HP. Therefore, the thin client can be configured to discard all changes to its file system whenever it is restarted -- ensuring immunity from viruses and unauthorized system modifications -- or to retain only selected files, folders, and configuration settings.

HP notes that the 4320t is its second mobile thin client that lets users watch training videos or other DVDs of their choice, thanks to an optional DVD-ROM drive. To support DVD playback, the thin client comes with Corel's WinDVD, according to HP.

Of course, the device includes client software for Microsoft's RDP (remote desktop protocol) 6.1, Citrix's XenApp 11, and VMWare's View 4.0. Internet Explorer 7 and Windows Media Player 11 are also on board, HP says.

Other than the above details, the 4320t offers hardware that would make any notebook user feel at home, including a 13.3-inch display with 1366 x 768 resolution, wireless networking (802.11b.g or 802.11a/b/g/n), and a wired gigabit Ethernet port. The device also includes VGA and HDMI outputs, an ExpressCard/34 slot, a memory card reader, three USB 2.0 ports, and a combination USB 2.0/eSATA port, says HP.

Features and specifications listed by HP for the 4320t include:

• Processor -- Intel Celeron P4500 clocked at 1.86GHz
  
• Chipset -- HM57 Express
• Memory -- Up to 4GB of RAM in two SODIMM slots
  
• Storage -- 2GB or 4GB of flash memory, plus optional DVD-ROM drive
  
• Display -- 13.3-inch display with 1366 x 768 resolution
  
• Expansion:
  • "6-in-1" card reader
    
  • ExpressCard/34 slot
• Networking:
  • Gigabit Ethernet port
    
  • 802.11a/b/g/n or 802.11b/g wireless
• Other I/O:
  • 3 x USB 2.0 ports
    
  • 1 x USB 2.0/eSATA port
  • 1 x HDMI
    
  • 1 x VGA
    
  • Audio microphone in, stereo headphone/line out
• Battery -- 6-cell or 9-cell lithium-ion battery (life n/s) and 65 Watt AC adapter
  
• Dimensions -- 12.74 x 8.98 x 1.08 inches (32.35 x 22.8 x 2.75cm)
  
• Weight -- 4.27 pounds (1.93kg)

Availability

According to HP, the 4320t mobile thin client will be available this month, though pricing was not stated. More information on the device may be found on the company's website, here.

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