What is a thin client?

Thin clients are computing devices that function as an access device on a network. These solid-state devices connect over a network to a server where the bulk of the processing takes place. Thin clients have no hard drive, allowing for more secure storage of data and applications on the server. In fact, keystrokes, mouse events and screen images are all that is sent between the client and server. This makes the device much more secure than a standard desktop or notebook computer.
With no hard drive, fan or other moving parts, thin clients have a much longer lifespan than standard computers and use significantly less power. Lower maintenance costs are another benefit as software application updates, virus scanning and patches can be executed on the server. Deployment costs are also reduced as thin clients can be remotely configured and do not need to be set up individually. Break-fix simply requires replacing the thin client.

Why should I consider a thin client solution?

You need to learn more about the HP thin client solution if your business is faced with issues such as:
    •     Desktop replacement costs
    •     Network security
    •     Data access to mobile or remote workers
    •     Supporting application software on diverse hardware, or
    •     Ensuring your data remains accessible and secure
Thin clients are ideal solution for today's healthcare, industrial, retail, financial and education industries offering a number of benefits to your business.

Enhanced security

Unlike a traditional desktop or notebook computer, no applications or data are stored locally on the thin client. This makes them easy to replace if lost, stolen or damaged. Thin clients are an ideal choice for businesses that are facing increased regulatory compliance laws such as HIPAA or Sarbanes-Oxley.

Easier manageability

Thin clients are managed at the server, located within the data center. The client hardware has fewer points of failure and lacks a hard drive for storage providing protection from viruses and malware. Thin clients connect to servers via web browsers or remote desktop software. Depending on the functionality the user needs, client desktops can be very simple single-application kiosks or a flexible and familiar Windows environment.
Thin clients can be set up out of the box in less than 10 minutes allowing easy deployment to new users or remote locations. HP thin clients can be remotely configured and managed via management software included at no extra charge.

High reliability

With thin client access devices, business continuity is a given in the event of a natural disaster, as the data and applications are not resident on the client device. Because of their solid state design, thin clients have an extended product life of up to 5 years and can be cost effectively replaced if needed.
Thin clients are ideal for environments unsuited for traditional desktop computers like dusty, remote or space-constrained environments. They can be mounted invisibly behind a flat panel monitor, under the desk or just about anywhere with the optional VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association)-compatible HP Quick Release.

Increased energy efficiency

Thin clients offer significant savings in power usage over traditional desktops. This is realized not only in energy costs but reduced air-conditioning costs in some cases. With their long lifecycle thin clients allow companies to achieve energy savings targets and reduce the need for replacement equipment.
Lower total cost of ownership
The increased security, reliability and ease of management contribute to a lower total cost of ownership for your client computing devices. With a longer useful lifespan, thin clients contribute to cost savings. According to a study by Gartner (TCO Comparison of PCs with Server-Based Computing, June 2006) thin client TCO annual savings have been measured as high as:
    •     79% less downtime cost per user
    •     16% capital cost savings
    •     34% less in maintenance
    •     19% less to operate
    •     48% overall lower total cost

HP's Client Virtualization Solutions

HP offers a complete solution of thin client devices for essential, mainstream, flexible or specialized computing. HP can also provide all the related products and services for remote client computing or desktop virtualization including blade PCs, storage, networking and servers.
 

Introducing the HP Compaq t5135 Thin Client

HP’s simplest and most affordable thin clients ever! Experience desktop-like performance in task-oriented work environments needing basic ICA and RDP connectivity. see demo here

Simple -  Take the HP t5135 out of the box, attach it to the network, and download settings automatically. Run it with settings stored locally, or run in a “stateless” mode.

More secure by design - Store critical data and applications on your secure, centralized server. Lock down user settings and parameters on the client, or add smart card authentication. Protect USB peripherals with two USB ports in a secure compartment.

Easy to manage - A full license of Altiris Deployment Solution is included with every thin client.

Easy to deploy - Easily capture and deploy new settings to multiple thin clients with simple, on-screen instructions using HP ThinState Tools. No need to install new deployment/management software or new servers.

Leading-edge design - The new look supports the HP Quick Release (sold separately) for flexible mounting. More front ports enable easy peripheral connectivity. No moving parts mean higher reliability, lower ownership costs, and extended product life.

System features

See detailed specs

    US QuickSpecs » html » pdf

Operating system

    HP ThinConnect, ICA and RDP, or Windows Embedded CE

Processors available

    Via Eden 400 - 800 MHz

Memory

    128 MB DDR SDRAM

(16 MB of system RAM is reserved for video graphics usage)

Flash memory

    64 MB Flash RAM

Audio, Slots, and Ports

2 secure USB 2.0

Rear:

4 USB 2.0

1 serial

1 parallel

2 PS/2

1 external monitor

1 RJ-45

Protocols

    RDP, ICA

Audio

Mic in/Headphone out (ports in front); Internally amplified speaker, full 16-bit stereo, 44 KHz sample rate

Graphics

    VIA S3 Graphics

Input devices

    PS/2 optical mouse

Keyboard

    USB standard keyboard

Network interface

    10/100 BaseT Fast Ethernet

Product specifications

Dimensions (w x d x h)

    7.31 x 2.06 x 7.31 in (18.57 x 5.24 x 18.57 cm)

Weight

    2.9 lb (1.3 kg)

Power supply

    Worldwide auto-sensing 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz

Warranty Feature

    Three-year limited hardware warranty

Well a Thin Client is useless without the Infrastructure so we built for you the NetSecurer Appliance with a bundle of pre-install server OS and virtual machines ready to use out the box. See here