| Wyse releases thin-client notebooks |
Sep. 10, 2007
 Wyse Technology has introduced laptop- and desktop-style thin client devices based on Windows XP Embedded, plus new companion software. The X90 and X90e "thin notebooks" and V class LE desktop employ a Via C7-M processor clocked at 1.2 GHz.
(Click here for a larger view of the X90 thin notebook)
With the laptop announcement, Wyse joins AT Labs, Devon IT, Neoware, and Xeratus in offering portable thin clients. The ubiquity of Ethernet, WiFi, and cellular connections are said to make these devices practical for mobile computing, while the lack of a hard drive eliminates security risks.
X90 and X90e
The fanless X90 and X90e pair Via's C7-M ULV processor with 512 MB each of RAM and flash. The X90 includes 802.11b/g wireless networking, USB 2.0, and an ExpressCard slot; upgrading to the X90e adds Bluetooth 2.0 and an ISO 7816 Class A and AB smart card reader, for secure sign-on.
According to Wyse, the devices feature a 12.1-inch display with 1280 x 800 resolution. They also include "high definition" audio output and a microphone input.
Touted features and specifications for the X90 and X90e include:- Processor -- Via C7-M, clocked at 1.2 GHz
- Memory -- 512 MB of RAM; 512 MB of flash
- Video -- 12.1-inch display with 1280 x 800 resolution; VGA output port
- Audio -- AC '97 compatible; line in and line out jacks
- Networking:
- Ethernet
- 802.11b/g
- Bluetooth (X90e)
- 3 x USB 2.0 ports
- Expansion -- ExpressCard 34/54 slot
- Dimensions -- 11.7 x 8.3 x 1.4 inches (297 x 210 x 35 mm)
- Weight -- 3.8 pounds
- Battery life -- between 5 and 7 hours
Quoted in Wyse's press release, Bob O'Donnell, vice president of research at IDC, said, "Given the shift to notebooks on the PC side, it’s critical for thin client vendors to come up with solid offerings and it finally seems as if those efforts are starting to bear fruit. These new thin client notebooks address a growing market segment that is currently being under-serviced.”
V class LE
 Wyse's new V class LE is an enhancement of its previously announced V class L thin client, upping the processor speed from 800 MHz to 1.2 GHz. Other specifications appear to be unchanged, except that, like thin clients announced earlier this year by Neoware, the device is now said to include built-in support for VMware's Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI).
Wyse offers the V class LE in versions with 128 or 256 MB of DRAM, and 0, 128, or 512 MB of flash memory. Operating system support includes Windows CE, Windows XP Embedded, and Wyse Linux.
Enhanced multimedia support
Wyse also announced TCX Multimedia support for both Citrix and VMware VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure). In a statement, the company said TCX Multimedia enables the "natural use of multiple screens" and provides "full-screen, full-performance" video. The technology "intelligently utilizes the thin client's video processing power so server performance is maximized," the company added.
TCX Multimedia is said to work across all Wyse-based versions of Windows CE, Windows XP Embedded, Linux, and Wyse Thin OS, and with the dominant datacenter architectures: Microsoft Terminal Services, Citrix Presentation Server, Citrix Desktop Server, Citrix Access Essentials, and VMware Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI).
Availability
Wyse says volume shipments of the X90 and X90e, priced at $699 and $779 respectively, will begin in late September. The V class LE is "available immediately," starting at $479.
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