The Disappearing PC?
Are PCs as we know them about to disappear? Well, maybe not completely but they will become a lot thinner on the ground if the hype around new virtualisation and ‘zero-cost’ thin client solutions is anything to go by. One supplier in particular appears to be shaking up the market – Ncomputing, who already sell virtual desktops – have announced that they will be selling their Numo chip for use in a range of devices used in both business and the home. The chip contains a dual-core processor based on an Arm design that will allow multiple users access one PC for their work simultaneously. Only one set of hardware and applications is required on the PC side with each user connecting via a small dumb terminal that allows connections to monitor, keyboard, mouse, Ethernet, audio and USB. One company that NComputing will supply is LG Electronics who plan to sell monitors containing the Numo chip sometime this year. This will negate the need for a separate dumb terminal and simplify setup even further. NComputing’s client devices cost around 70 USD which makes them a viable option for many organisations including those in developing countries where there can be lower user-to-PC ratios. Another big plus in going with thin clients like these is reduced power consumption with Numo devices drawing 1-5w only compared to 80w-90w for a medium-spec PC and this this would also be an important factor where power supply is unstable. Numo devices currently work with Microsoft XP only with support for Windows 7 imminent and are best suited where video demands are low (not for gaming or video streaming at the moment).
Another company supplying virtual solutions is Pan Logic of California who have recently produced one of the thinnest clients available in the Pano Device. Sleek and sexy, this cube-like device is only 3.5 inches square at it’s base, 2 inches tall and weighs only 1.1 pounds. It is also considered a zero client in that it contains no software (well, that’s the claim but it must hold a tiny bit at least to be managed). Pano Devices are typically being used with VMware in business environments and have good results with video-intensive applications. As usual, careful consideration has to be given to Desktop licensing requirements.
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