Neoware's Eon e300 is a good choice for firms looking for a thin-client PC with a browser and other local processing, connectivity and customisation facilities, and is remarkable for being little bigger than most standalone LCD monitors. Power comes from an external AC adapter, and because there is no internal hard disk, fans or other moving parts, the e300 is virtually silent in use. A 10/100Mbit/s Ethernet port connects it to the LAN, while another version features a PC Card slot options to accommodate wireless connectivity.
A pair of USB ports and a parallel interface allow local printers and other devices to be attached if required, and there are integrated speakers either side of the display. Standard PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports are provided along with a basic mouse, but for some unfathomable reason and unlike other thin-client devices, the keyboard needs to be sourced separately.
The Eon e300 can be bought with either a Linux or Windows CE operating system installed, but our top-of-the-range test unit was equipped with Windows XP Embedded (XPE). Effectively a cut-down implementation of standard XP, this software boots from Flash memory and has had a lot of extraneous functionality removed. This leaves the emphasis on thin-client connectivity, using either a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) client (XP Remote Desktop) to connect to Windows servers or ICA for use with Citrix.
There is also a terminal emulator called TeemTalk for use with legacy mainframe and mini systems, and a full copy of Internet Explorer 6, to allow for web browsing without the need to burden a remote application server with the task.
The e300 boots up just like an ordinary Windows XP PC and can be configured for workgroup or domain networking. By default it will synchronise the internal clock using an NTP time server and can be further customised to connect to specific hosts and run applications as required. It is possible to make extensive modifications to the Windows setup, install local applications and so on, just like on an ordinary PC.
On the downside there is only 192MB of Flash memory, although this can be expanded to 512MB if needed. Processing power is equally limited; the e300 is powered by a 32bit x86 VIA Eden processor that runs relatively slowly to limit power consumption and heat output. This is not a major issue when running applications remotely, because all the client has to do is handle the GUI, but it can prove a constraint when running local programs. But then administrators wanting users to run applications locally really ought to steer clear of thin clients altogether.
We connected the Eon e300 to a Windows terminal server and were impressed by its capabilities, but it is hard to work out exactly who would buy it. At £722 + VAT the price is on a par with a good desktop PC with a similar flat-panel display, but it lacks the processing and storage options a PC has to offer, while the thin-client capabilities can be added to any PC. Also, firms looking for a pure thin client can find lower-spec products at less cost.
On the positive side, the Eon e300 offers simplified management and enhanced security, because viruses cannot really affect a thin client. The lack of noise and the handsome integrated flat panel means that the e300 could also find a niche in upmarket reception areas, or conference rooms and other locations where a secure yet stylish system is required.
Price: £722 + VAT
Contact: Neoware 01344 382 164
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