A “thin client” is basically a computer that doesn’t
need a lot of memory, storage, or processing power because it’s designed to let
you access software that’s actually running on a server, often due to
virtualization technology.
So we typically see thin clients in business and
enterprise environments. But Dell’s newest model actually looks like a pretty
nice little PC in its own right, if you don’t need a lot of RAM or storage. The
Dell Wyse 3040 Thin Client is a US$ 329 system with an Intel Atom x5 Cherry Trail
processor, support for dual displays, wired and wireless network support, and
Dell’s ThinOS or ThinLinux operating system options.
The Wyse 3040 has just 2GB of
RAM and 8GB of storage. So if you were going to repurpose it as a full-fledged
PC, you might want to either add storage, or find applications that don’t need
much additional storage space.
Or if you actually are looking to use the system as
a thin client, Dell says its Wyse ThinLinux operating system is based on SUSE
Linux, but it features additional security hardening. And the system uses less
than 5 watts of power.
The Wyse 3040 includes Gigabit Ethernet, a USB 3.1
port, 3 USB 2,0 ports, a headset jack, and dual DisplayPort jacks with support
for up to two 2560 x 1600 monitors with 60 Hz refresh rates. An 802.11ac WiFi
card is also available as an option. The system measures 3.8″ x 3.8″ x 1.1″ and
weighs just over half a pound.
