HP offers what we believe is the industry's widest range of thin clients, including x86-based models with Intel, AMD, and Via CPUs, and ARM-based models with Marvell CPUs. (Back in the day, it also tried out Transmeta's Crusoe processor.) The company says the multiplicity of processor choices allows customers to find a product at every price point, while its wizard-based Easy Tools software provides simplified setup for each product. 

The new t5550 and t5570 (right), respectively based on Windows CE 6.0 R3 and Windows Embedded Standard 2009, use Via's 64-bit Nano U3500, clocked at 1GHz. The CPU is paired with the VX900 northbridge/southbridge, providing the thin clients with hardware acceleration for "true HD" video, according to Via.

According to HP, the t5550 and t5570 both include 1GB of DDR3 RAM, 128MB of which is reserved for video, and the two devices feature 1GB and 2GB of flash storage, respectively. (Another device, the t5565, offers the same hardware as the t5550, but employs HP's Linux-based ThinPro operating system, which is outside the scope of our coverage.)

The t5550 and t5570 both include two front-panel USB 2.0 ports, two rear-panel USB 2.0 ports, and two USB 2.0 ports in a secure compartment (below) internally, according to HP. Additional front-panel ports include a microphone input and headphone output, while rear-panel connectors include a parallel port, a serial port, and two PS/2 ports, the company adds.

The internal compartment for USB devices on HP's t5550/t5570
(Click to enlarge)

The thin clients are able to support dual displays via DVI-D and DVI-I connectors, according to HP. The devices' rear panels also include gigabit Ethernet connectors, while Wi-Fi is optionally available, according to the company.

Adding to the environmental credentials of the t5500 and t5570, HP notes that both are Energy Star-qualified, contain cases made of more than 30 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, and are EPEAT Gold registered.

Features and specifications for HP's t5550 and t5570 include:

• Processor -- Via Nano U3500 clocked at 1GHz
• Chipset -- Via VX900
• Memory -- 1GB of DDR3 RAM (maximum n/s), and 1GB of flash storage (t5500) or 2GB of flash storage (t5570)
• Networking -- 1 x gigabit Ethernet and optional Wi-Fi
• Other I/O:
  • 6 x USB 2.0 (2 front, 2 rear, 2 internal compartment)
  • audio -- mic in, headphone out (front panel)
  • 2 x PS/2 (rear panel)
  • 1 x parallel
  • 1 x serial
  • 1 x DVI-D
  • 1 x DVI-I
• Power -- 65-Watt power supply provides 19VDC
• Dimensions -- 8.5 x 8.25 x 2.30 inches
• Weight -- 3.0 pounds

Further information

Further information may be found on the HP thin clients page. The devices start at $249 and will be available Dec. 10, according to the company.

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