"Thin-client machines come in all shapes, sizes and prices. Prices range from $49 up to $1,000 or more with the average around $250. Some sport a minimal embedded operating system, while others include a pared-down version of a standard desktop operating system. Depending on the model selected, thin-client operating system options range from very lightweight embedded Linux or proprietary operating systems based on Linux to Windows CE or Windows XP Embedded. Thin-client hardware manufacturers offer three-year hardware warranties at little or no additional charge. Some companies offer extended warranties beyond those first three years. Ordinarily, I advise against purchasing extended warranties, but thin clients are different: When a unit fails, it needs a full replacement, which justifies the extended warranty price. In three years, traditional desktop computers are at or near their end of life, while thin clients are still in their prime."
