Today i got the time to play a little bit with a new IGEL Thin Client generation. The client is Linux based (LX), comes with a ARM CPU and a digital signal processor (DSP) aka System on Chip (SoC).
The ARM based “system on a chip” technology comes with the benefit to provide a good multimedia experience for a low price. Of course you can’t compare it with a UD3/UD5 in the overall performance, but for multimedia content it can beat other devices in the thin client entry level segment. SoC was introduced by Citrix in 2011 and also Microsoft Remote Desktop Services have a clear advantage here.
The device was already introduced at the CeBit 2012 (Europe), the Microsoft TechEd North America (US) and the Citrix TechEx (Germany).
Specs:
CPU: Texas Instruments DM8148 ARM 1GHz
DSP: 750 MHz
RAM: 1GB DDR3 800MHz
Audio: Texas Instruments TLV320AIC3104
Network: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
Network Chipset: Realtek RTL8211E
Storage: 2GB eMMC
Display: DVI-I Port
Connectors: 4 x USB 2.0, Audio In, Audio Out
Available Sessions (Beta Firmware): Citrix ICA (incl. HDX), Microsoft RDP (incl. RemoteFX), VMWare View (no SuC support), Browser, local Media Player, Leostream and Appliance Mode support for Citrix XenDesktop and VMWare View
+ Price
+ SuC support for Citrix HDX and RemoteFX (VMWare View/PCOIP was not available during my tests, maybe upcoming?)
+ Multimedia performance
+ Managed with IGEL Universal Management Suite
– Overall performance (1)
– Less session types available compared to x86 based devices (1)
– Only USB Ports available; no serial,lpt or PS/2
Cheers
Michael
(1) = ARM technology related