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Thin clients are becoming more popular as larger numbers of computer-using companies begin to see their applicability. Still, they are not for everyone. Power computer users, for example-those who need absolutely the best they can get in performance, local storage, high-speed video and the like-don't want a thin client. But for those who use a PC only for such tasks as word processing, data entry into a corporate database or telemarketing, thin clients are great.
Thin clients offer other advantages, as well: They can be centrally managed. Users can't add programs to them and mess them up. And the total cost of ownership goes way down compared with a full- function PC.
We tested eight thin clients from Addonics Communications Inc., Boundless Technologies Inc., IBM Corp., Network Computing Devices Inc., Netier Technologies Inc. and Wyse Technology Inc. A thin client from Boca Research Inc. did not connect to the network due to our own errors, and thus was not tested by press time. We will post a review of this client on the Web in the future.
The machines we reviewed included three Windows-based terminals (from Boundless, NCD and Wyse), using the definition that a Windows- based terminal is based on Windows CE. Two of the machines (from Addonics and Netier) use DOS and NT operating systems, respectively. Three of the machines (two from IBM and one from NCD) are network computers, which use a bare-bones local operating system to bring the machine up and get it onto the network.
We graded the machines on performance, VAR program, setup, versatility and management capabilities. The three machines evaluated in print are our recommended products. Reviews of the five other products are available on our Web site at www.varbusiness.com/extras.
IBM Network
Station Series 1000
If you want to be able to connect to anything at all (well, any server at all), run Java locally, use a local browser in your thin client and run Windows applications at a high speed, then the IBM Network Station Series 1000 may be the machine for you.
IBM thinks that for its customer base-and for its VARs-there is a need for more than a simple Windows-based terminal. Enter the Series 1000, a thin client on steroids, so to speak. It boasts...