Igel Technology announced a $186 thin client for small and home office (SOHO) businesses and “unmanaged” environments. The Igel One runs Linux on a Via Eden processor clocked at 400MHz, with 512MB RAM, 1GB flash, and Ethernet and USB connectivity, says the company.

(Click here for a larger view of the Igel One)

The Igel One is designed for environments of up to 250 users where sophisticated management software is not required, including schools, manufacturing production lines, and small to medium-sized businesses, says Igel. Customers can select one of five different server-based protocols for the system, namely: Citrix XenApp, Microsoft Terminal Services, Ericom PowerTerm Webconnect, Cendio ThinLinc, and NoMachine NX. Once a choice has been made, the system is limited to using that protocol. In addition, the Igel One offers an onboard VNC client, “enabling businesses to provide centralized remote IT support from a helpdesk,” says the company.

Igel One, rear view

The Igel One is equipped with an x86-based Via Eden clocked at 400MHz, as well as a CN700 chipset, says Igel. Offered with 512MB RAM and 1GB flash, the thin client can drive displays of up to 1920 x 1440 resolution with its Via Unichrome Pro graphics, says the company. A standard Ethernet port and two USB 2.0 ports are provided, and Igel sells optional USB-to-serial and USB-to-parallel adapters. The 5.6 x 2.2 x 6.9-inch systems are claimed to consume nine Watts when idle.

Specifications listed for the Igel One include:

• Processor — Via Eden 400MHz; Via CN700
• Memory — 512MB
• Flash — 1GB
• Graphics — Via Unichrome Pro with 16MB to 64MB shared memory; up to 1920 x 1440 resolution; VGA port
• Networking — 1 x Ethernet
• USB — 2 x USB 2.0
• Audio — AC97 compatible; speaker; Line out; Mic in
• Other I/O — PS/2; VGA port; optional USB-to-serial and USB-to-parallel adapters
• Protocols (choice of one):
  • Microsoft RDP
  • Citrix ICA
  • Ericom PowerTerm WebConnect
  • NoMachine NX
  • Cendio ThinLinc
• Power — Auto-sensing 100~240 V; 50~60Hz
• Power consumption — 9W (idle); 2W (sleep)
• Dimensions — 5.6 x 2.2 x 6.9 inches (142 x 55 x 174mm); optional VESA mount
• Operating system — Igel Linux

Background

In another bid for the low-end market, Igel recently released a “Igel TC Card” add-in card that runs Igel Linux and costs only $100. In January, Igel announced five new Linux-compatible UD (“universal desktop”) thin clients that come in four different form factors, with a choice of Via Eden, C7, or AMD Sempron processors.

Stated Erhard Behnke, U.S. president at IGEL Technology Ltd, “The IGEL one is a simple and cost effective desktop solution that provides all the thin client benefits of improved security, lower power usage and better reliability, for a low entry price.”

Availability

The Igel One appears to be available now at a price of $186. More information may be found here.

 
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