Windows XP Embedded on thin clients

[Norphy]

I assume there is a point to manufacturing thin clients like the HP t5710 with Windows XP Embedded on them otherwise they probably wouldn't make them. However, for the life of me I can't see what it is.

 

Does it make it easier to install third party drivers on them? Are they easier to install and/or administer? From what I've seen of the HP ones they're not exactly difficult to administer and printers seem to work well enough on both the Linux and CE models.

 

Any ideas?

[ico2]

There is no reason, or even acceptable excuse for using windows XP :]

[Geoff]

Any ideas?

 

Microsoft pay them to.

[CyberNerd]

I assume there is a point to manufacturing thin clients like the HP t5710 with Windows XP Embedded on them otherwise they probably wouldn't make them. However, for the life of me I can't see what it is.

 

Global domination...no wait, they already did that.

[Ravening_Wolf]

Using Embedded XP it is possible to install some local apps for use, say if your Terminal Server goes down. Running local apps would protect your bandwidth and server resources too...?

 

I dunno. Just guessing!

[Geoff]

Well the Linux thin clients often come with Firefox installed. So yes.

[Ric_]

Yuo can run network hungry apps like IE on a terminal and even use it to access web-based apps or as a kiosk.

 

I have a few of the HP t5700 XPe terminals and they are a PITA to set up in comparison to the t5100 Linux-based ones (which are also A LOT cheaper).

 

Generally, if you can't see the need for a full XPe installation, you probably don'e need it... likewise with the CE .NET terminals. Save yourself lots of money and go for a Linux-based device with management software (the HP Linux flavour with free Altiris licenses are excellent).

[Norphy]

In the end we went for some IGEL clients. I'm managing them using the excellent 2X ThinClientServer PXES Edition management software. Personally I found Altiris excessive for just managing thin clients.

 

So far, so good.

[Ric_]

@Norphy: The only reason I use Altiris is because the licenses come free with the HP thin clients. I liked the build quality (and price!) of the Linux-based t5100 series too.

[Geoff]

How much do they cost? and how much more is a WinXP embedded one?

[Ric_]

Linux one is around the £150 mark whereas the XPe ones can be £300. Obviously the hardware is beefed up to take XPe and you have to pay for the XPe license in there.

[Ravening_Wolf]

Check out Wyse Streaming Manager software for another cost-effective solution...