Wyse X90 and V Class LE

Wyse today put a unique spin on its thin client PCs with the introduction of the X90 line of notebooks. In sharp contrast to almost any other notebook, the new 12.1-inch portables have no general storage of their own; the only local storage is a 512MB flash chip that stores an embedded version of Windows XP, with all information coming from a virtual environment provided across the Internet or a local network; Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular broadband make this simple, Wyse says. The systems also break from tradition with a 1.2GHz ultra-low voltage Via C7M processor that offers enough performance for streaming video. The capability lets the system run as though it had all the capabilities of most full systems without the fear of a security risk if the system is lost or stolen, Wyse says.

The base X90 ships with 512MB of RAM and will require an active connection to either Citrix' Application Delivery service, VMware VDI, or Windows Terminal Server to run when it sells for $699. The X90e premium model will add Bluetooth and a smart card security reader for $779. Both are due in late September.

A lone desktop is also being introduced today: the V class LE uses the same Via CPU as the X90 to boost performance 25 percent past earlier models and also brings dual display support; systems can be stripped down even further to as little as 128MB of flash and 128MB of RAM when the OS is lighter, such as Linux, or itself rests entirely on the network. Wi-Fi and support for smart cards and PC Cards are strictly optional, Wyse adds. The LE is available immediately for $479 and requires the same server support as the notebook model.

By Electronista Staff