Thin ClientsThin Clients

A viable replacement for A viable replacement for Desktop PCs?Desktop PCs?

What is a thin clientWhat is a thin client

True Thin ClientTrue Thin Client Hybrid (lean) ClientHybrid (lean) Client Ultra Thin ClientUltra Thin Client Managed PCManaged PC Legacy Thin ClientLegacy Thin Client Zero ClientsZero Clients

Initial AdvantagesInitial Advantages

Better SecurityBetter Security Lower Power consumptionLower Power consumption Greater ProductivityGreater Productivity CheaperCheaper Quieter and CoolerQuieter and Cooler Less maintenanceLess maintenance Less desirable for theftLess desirable for theft Longer Life spanLonger Life span

SuppliersSuppliers WyseWyse HPHP IGELIGEL ThinSpaceThinSpace VXLVXL Sun MicrosystemsSun Microsystems SafeDeskSafeDesk N-computingN-computing Recycling Legacy PCsRecycling Legacy PCs

Operating Systems/PlatformsOperating Systems/Platforms

Windows CE Windows CE Windows XPeWindows XPe LinuxLinux ThinOSThinOS

Virtualisation allows Running of Virtualisation allows Running of virtually any operating system virtually any operating system remotely on a server.remotely on a server.

Sun Ray 2Sun Ray 2

Ultra/True Thin ClientUltra/True Thin Client 4Watts4Watts Costs around £190Costs around £190 Virtual Windows DesktopVirtual Windows Desktop

SafeDesk MiniPCSafeDesk MiniPC

Managed PC / Lean ClientManaged PC / Lean Client ~20Watts~20Watts Costs around £140Costs around £140 Modified Ubuntu DesktopModified Ubuntu Desktop

Dell OptiplexDell Optiplex

Desktop PC (low range)Desktop PC (low range) ~80Watts (processor alone uses 65W)~80Watts (processor alone uses 65W) Costs around £250 Costs around £250 Windows XP DesktopWindows XP Desktop

Overview of Tech SpecsOverview of Tech Specs

Thin Client Managed Pc (Lean) Desktop Pc (Compact)

Hardware Specifications

Supplier Sun Microsystems SafeDesk Dell

Model Sunray 2 SafeDesk MiniPC Optiplex 755

Cost £192.39 £140 ~£250

CPU Frequency 500 MHz 1.6 GHz (HT) 2 x 1.8GHz

CPU Power 500mW 4 W 65 W

Memory 0 MB 1024 MB 1024 MB

Unit Dimensions 28mm x 122mm x 205mm 65mm x 205mm x 210mm 90mm x 250 mm x 250mm

Performance In the OfficePerformance In the Office

Office Work Performance

Boot up time ~0.5 sec ~ 6-7 min ~ 35 sec

Login time ~ 4 sec ~ 45 sec ~ 5 sec

Load word processor ~ 2 sec ~ 5 sec ~ 1 sec

Load spread sheet ~ 2 sec ~ 3 sec ~ 3 sec

Typing lag None None None

Cell dragging lag Jittery Slow None

Thin Client Managed Pc (Lean) Desktop Pc (Compact)

File HandlingFile Handling

File Handling

Small file (44KB) ~ 0.5 sec ~ 6 sec ~ 0.5 sec

Large file (152MB) ~ 2.5 sec ~ 37 min ~ 5 sec

Several files (50 x 44KB) ~0.5 sec ~2mins ~ 0.5 sec

Many files (1000 x 44KB) ~4.5 sec ~35 min ~ 7.5 sec

Thin Client Managed Pc (Lean) Desktop Pc (Compact)

Video PerformanceVideo Performance

Streaming Video Performance

Loading YouTube video ~ 3 sec ~ 6 sec ~4 sec

HD playback stutters Unbearable A few None

Full screen iPlayer Unbearable Poor Good

Sports Play Back Mediocre Good Good

Comments Video loads quickly and plays at the correct rate, but refreshes in dirty rectangles and is not at all watch able.

Low resolution video play back is fine with very few stutters. Struggles on higher resolution video, stutters a lot.

All video playback is excellent and smooth. Stutters are very rare.

Thin Client Managed Pc (Lean) Desktop Pc (Compact)

Casual GamingCasual Gaming

Casual Gaming Performance

Flash

Yeti Sports Flamingo 8/10 5/10 10/10

Yeti Sports Pingu Throw 8/10 7/10 10/10

Super Flash Sonic 3/10 4/10 10/10

Car Crushin’ 9/10 10/10 10/10

Magic Pen 2 8/10 10/10 10/10

Java

RuneScape 0/10 6/10 10/10

Scared 3d 1/10 9/10 10/10

Futuristic arenas 0/10 8/10 10/10

Thin Client Managed Pc (Lean) Desktop Pc (Compact)

Network UsageNetwork Usage

ConclusionConclusion

PCs are still best for home usersPCs are still best for home users SafeDesk could become viable for SafeDesk could become viable for

inexperienced usersinexperienced users Sun Ray 2 is acceptable for business Sun Ray 2 is acceptable for business

useuse Safedesk or Sun Ray 2 could Safedesk or Sun Ray 2 could

potentially be used in schoolspotentially be used in schools