(Click here for a larger view of HP's 4410t)

HP's new mobile thin client derives from the ProBook 4410, part of a notebook line the company introduced in April for cost-conscious businesses. As such, it looks just like a standard notebook PC, but stores little or no information locally and "eliminates the risk of sensitive information getting into the wrong hands if the device is lost or stolen." According to the company, this is critical for a variety of highly regulated industries, including distribution, education, finance, government, healthcare, insurance and manufacturing.

Instead of containing a hard drive, the 4410t includes 1GB or 2GB of flash storage, preloaded with the Windows Embedded Standard (WES) operating system. Among other key features noted by Microsoft, WES includes Remote Desktop Protocol 6.1, for connecting remotely to Windows Vista-based PCs. On the 4410t, 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.

The 4410t additionally includes HP's RDP Enhancements and RGS (remote graphics software) software add-ons, said to enhance multimedia performance. For further details, see our earlier coverage, here.

HP also claims that the 4410t is the first mobile thin client to let 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.

Other than the above details, the 4410t offers hardware that would make any notebook user feel at home, including a 14-inch display with 1366 x 768 resolution, up to 3GB of RAM, 802.11b/g/n wireless networking, and a wired gigabit Ethernet port. Features found here, and still lacking on many other notebooks, include both an ExpressCard/34 slot and an HDMI port. The 4410t also includes a "6-in-1" memory card reader, audio I/O, and four USB 2.0 ports, according to HP.

Features and specifications listed by HP for the 4410t include the following:

• Processor -- Intel Celeron clocked at 2.0GHz
  
• Memory -- Up to 3GB of RAM in two SODIMM slots
  
• Storage -- 1GB or 2GB of flash memory, plus optional DVD-ROM drive
  
• Display -- 14-inch display with 1366 x 768 resolution
  
• Networking:
  • Gigabit Ethernet port
    
  • 802.11b/g/n or 802.11b/g wireless
• Other I/O:
  • 4 x USB 2.0 ports
    
  • 1 x HDMI
    
  • 1 x VGA
    
  • Audio microphone in, stereo headphone/line out
• Expansion:
  • "6-in-1" card reader
    
  • ExpressCard/34 slot
• 
  
• Battery -- 6-cell lithium-ion battery and 65 Watt AC adapter
  
• Dimensions -- 9.15 x 3.2 x 1.22 inches (336.0 x 232.4 x 35.8mm)
  
• Weight -- 4.3 pounds (1.95kg)

Availability

According to HP, the 4410t mobile thin client will be available in mid-July for a starting price of $549. More information on the device may be found on the company's website, here.

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