Thin Client Laptops for Server Based Computing
Last month I asked who would be the first main stream vendor to produce a thin client laptop. The very next day King Of Prussia based Devon IT announced a new product named “SafeBook”. Later in the month King Of Prussia based Neoware announced their product ”m100”. Just a little over 5 miles from one another and they both visualize the new market opportunity. Must be something in the water supply.
To be honest I forgot about MaxSpeeds MaxBook 820 that was introduced a few years ago. But wait a minute, Neoware acquired MaxSpeed. Either way, the King of the Thin Client Laptop space will be based in Pennsylvania for the foreseeable future.
Downloaded the specification for each product and placed them side by side. There are a few differences. Screen size, weight and the m100 has a modem. Both list Windows XPe as an operating system and the m100 has Linux as an option. The SafeBook has listed the CPU as VIA C7-M at 1.5G. The m100 listed the VIA Eden as the CPU but did not specify a sp
eed or which core architecture (Esther, Nehemiah, Samuel 2) is being used.The SafeBook (pictured right) has the ability to carry more memory and a PCMCIA type 11 slot. Both can attach to an external monitor. Optional battery life for m100 is listed at the six hours. List prices are at the 800 USD level.
Both companies sight SECURITY as a major feature. Asked a friend that is an IT consultant for the public sector what he thought about the idea of a Thin Client Laptop. Response after a review of the products, “Love it!” I think the time is right.
Who is to become the Thin Client Laptop King of Prussia? Let the competition begin. I suspect that Server Based Computing will become the real beneficiary.
Until the next post,
Steve
