Fujitsu Siemens has launched a line of solid-state thin clients that use just 25 watts, or 80 percent less power than PCs. The Futro S clients run embedded Linux on Transmeta processors, are no larger than medium-sized books.

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Key features and specifications of the Futro S series include:

• 9.7 x 1.9 x 7 inches (24.6 x 4.8 x 17.7 cm)
• Processor — Transmeta Crusoe TM5800 at 800 MHz
• Memory:
  • RAM — 128 MB in the S210 and S220 models, 256 MB in the S230
  • Flash — S210: 32 MB, S220: 128 MB, S230: 256 MB
• Display — VESA monitor support with DDC for automatic setting of resolution and refresh rate. Resolutions up to 1600×1200 and up to 32-bit color
• Network — 10/100 Ethernet, RJ45 jack
• I/O ports:
  • RS-232, 9-pin
  • Parallel, EPP and ECP
  • PS/2 keyboard and mouse
  • Four USB 2.0 (two on front panel, two on rear)
  • PCI midsize slot
  • Audio: AC97 codec, headphone and audio out, microphone in jacks
• Silent, solid-state — no fans or other moving parts
• Embedded Linux NG operating system
• Supports ICA 8.0, RDP 5.2, and ANSI, VT320, 97801, and X.11 terminals

Research firm IDC has predicted that thin client sales will experience a 22.8 percent compound annual growth rate through 2007. IDC has reported significant opportunities for Linux based thin clients in what it calls “transactional computing” facilities such as call centers.

According to Fujitsu Siemens, thin clients offer an attractive total cost of ownership due to their tiny size, modest electricity requirements, easy centralized administration, and high availability features.

“These days, companies base their choice of workstations on availability, security, ergonomics, and overall costs. Technical considerations such as clock rate and memory expansion have become less important,” said a Fujitsu Siemens spokesperson.

 
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