Spend Trend: Thin Clients

[ Thanks to Ken Hess for this link. ]

"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."

Complete Story

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