| Windows CE thin client hides in wall sockets |
Jul. 02, 2008
 Chip PC Technologies has announced new software for its "invisible" thin client computer. Now available with Windows CE 6.0 R2 and Citrix XenDesktop compatibility, the Jack PC fits inside standard in-wall LAN jack boxes, offering four USB ports, audio I/O, and video output, the company says.
(Click here for a larger view of the Jack PC)
 The patented Jack PC is available in versions that fit either standard U.S. or European in-wall cutouts for LAN jacks (right). Once ensconced in the wall, the device can only be removed via a special extraction tool supplied by Chip PC. Therefore, the company claims, the Jack PC not only delivers "zero footprint" computing, but is also physically the highest-security computer available.
The Jack PC runs Windows CE on a 333MHz or 500MHz RMI Alchemy Au1550 processor, with 64MB or 128MB of RAM and 32MB or 64MB of flash storage. Obviously, this doesn't leave much room for installing local applications, making Chip PC's newly announced software upgrades even more pertinent. The Jack PC is now available with RDP (remote desktop protocol) 6.0, supplied as part of a Windows CE 6.0 R2 installation. The device is also said to be compatible with Citrix's XenDesktop virtualization architecture.
The Jack PC, whose tiny embedded computer is shown below and at right, is designed to accept power via its Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability. (To learn more about Power over Ethernet, download this PDF whitepaper.) If PoE is not provided by a company's infrastructure, the Jack PC can accept power from an external 5VDC supply via a jack on its front panel. However, this would detract considerably from the device's hideaway nature.
The Jack PC has four USB ports, intended for connecting a keyboard and mouse, among other uses. It also provides a microphone input and stereo audio output. Video output can be up to 1600 x 1200 pixels on a standard VGA connector, or up to 1920 x 1200 pixels on an alternative version fitted with a DVI-I connector. The DVI-equipped configuration can even support dual displays via an optional Y-cable, says Chip PC.
 Features and specifications cited by Chip PC Technologies for the Jack PC include:- Processor -- RMI Alchemy Au1500, clocked at 333MHz (model EFI6700) or 500MHz (EFI6800, EFI6900 models)
- Memory -- 64MB RAM and 32MB flash (EFI6700), 128MB RAM and 64MB flash (EFI6800, EFI6900)
- Display -- features 128-bit 3D graphics acceleration engine, with capabilities and resolutions as follows:
- EFI6700 -- VGA port, 4MB video RAM, resolution up to 1280 x 1024
- EFI6800 -- VGA port, 8MB video RAM, resolution up to 1600 x 1200
- EFI6900 -- DVI-I port, 8MB video RAM, single-display resolution up to 1920 x 1200, dual-display resolution up to 1024 x 768 pixels per screen
- Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet with RJ45 connector
- Other I/O:
- 4 x USB
- 3.5mm jacks for microphone input and stereo audio output
- 5VDC power input
- Dimensions -- 4.56 x 2.78 x 1.56 inches (U.S. version) or 3.44 x 3.44 x 1.58 inches (European version)
- Weight -- 12 ounces, with frame
- Power consumption -- 5W normal; 0.35W in sleep mode
Chip PC Technology did not cite pricing, but the Jack PC is available now. More information may be available from the company's website, here.
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