How to Choose The Right Thin Client?

Here are some of the questions this article seeks to address:

How much processing power do I need in a thin client?
What are the types of thin clients?
What kind of thin client do I need?
What are the uses of thin clients?
What are the differences between a thin client and a mini PC?
Can a Raspberry pi serve as a thin client?

As remote work, automation, and virtualized computers have expanded, the demand for thin clients has increased dramatically. Thin clients are lightweight computing devices that rely on a remote computer (host machine) for most of their processing and storage needs. The host machine can be a virtual computer or a physical computer. The host machine handles tasks such as running applications, storing files, and managing user accounts. This type of system architecture offers several key benefits over traditional desktop computing, including increased security, easier IT maintenance, and reduced hardware costs.

How much processing power do I need in a thin client?

Because the host computer does most of the heavy lifting, the thin client device itself does not require much computing power. In fact, most thin clients are designed to be as simple, reliable, and relatively inexpensive. They typically have a small amount of memory, a basic processor, and minimal storage.

The exact specifications needed for a thin client will depend on a variety of factors, such as the…

specific software being used
complexity of the tasks being performed
environmental factors where the thin client will be located
I/O ports needed to connect to other equipment
whether 2-way audio and video are required and
the display resolution desired

Most thin clients would be able to handle basic office applications such as word processing, email, and web browsing with ease.

What are the types of thin clients?

Thin clients vary in many physical and performance factors, such as:

size
computing capability (e.g., benchmark CPU performance)
chipsets (Raspberry pi, x86, Intel, AMD, etc.)
active or passive cooling (fan or fanless)
vented or sealed housing
I/O ports (types and quantities)
mounting options
output video resolution
copper or fiber network connections
power consumption

Thin clients that are sealed and fanless are often referred to as “industrial” thin clients because they can operate in hot, dirty environments without sucking contaminants into the case. Some such thin clients are IP-rated against dust and moisture, providing additional protection. Industrial thin clients commonly have specialized serial ports and mounting options for integration into automated equipment. Fanless thin clients have the additional benefits of being silent, creating no air disturbance (for laboratory us), and being long-life devices in part because they do not have a cooling fan that could fail over time.

Some thin clients are small, simple devices with limited processing power (e.g., a Raspberry pi). At the other end of the spectrum would be mini PCs that are quite capable in themselves but still connect to a host computer for certain functions.

ClearCube Technology is an industry leader in both thin client hardware and thin client architecture. Our team has tremendous experience in centralized computing, VDI, and thin clients.

What kind of thin client computer do I need?

Two key pieces of information are needed to determine what kind of thin client computer you need: (1) What will you be using it to do? (2) Where will the thin client be operating?

Of course, there are other factors to consider, but if you begin with these two, you will be well on your way to understanding your options. For example, if the thin client needs to run off a battery for an extended period of time (e.g., a medical cart), then mini-PCs would probably need to be excluded. If the thin client will be in a dusty environment or connected to industrial equipment, then a fanless unit with serial ports may be best. That may also be true if the thin client will be in an enclosure (e.g., digital sign, kiosk). If the thin client will be for basic office work, then the options are wide open, and selection can be made primarily by price. If you need the thin client for video conferences, then you will need a thin client with a more robust processor. The ClearCube team is eager to talk to you about your needs so we can recommend the options that will work best for you.

What are the uses of thin clients?

Thin clients operate in all kinds of settings, performing tasks from the simple to the complex. The uses of thin clients widely varies because they are flexible and wide-ranging in features and capabilities. The most basic thin clients can relay data and control simple operations (e.g., devices that turn on/off other

equipment). Basic thin clients can also be adequate for basic office work (e.g., email, web surfing, standard office software). Fanless thin clients can operate in hot, dusty, or quiet environments (e.g., industrial settings, kiosks, digital signage, hospitals, laboratories). Thin clients with more powerful processors offer terrific performance for advanced office work, video calls, and even content creation.

What are the differences between a thin client and a mini PC?

This is a good question because the distinction between thin client computers and mini PCs can be fuzzy. Software can allow any standalone PC to serve as a thin client, connecting back to a host computer of some kind. A mini PC can be a very capable standalone PC that would rival most laptops and some standard desktop computer. Mini PCs can also serve as thin clients. Because of their strong processing power, they can easily handle video calls and multiple 4K (high definition) displays. With their higher performance capabilities comes higher power and cooling demands, requiring active cooling fans to keep the processor within its operational limits.

Thin clients also include devices that might not be able to provide a good experience with video calls or support multiple 4K displays in a VDI environment. Some may be able to run common operating systems and office software satisfactorily. That’s where the line between a thin client and mini PC becomes challenging to define.

Here’s a guideline for determining whether a device is a thin client or a mini PC:

If a computer doesn’t have a cooling fan, can’t handle 2-way audio and video transmission well, and cannot support multiple 4K displays (even in a VDI environment), then that computer should be considered a thin client. If a small computer can perform all of those functions well, it can be considered a mini PC.

Can a Raspberry pi serve as a thin client?

In short, the answer is yes, a Raspberry pi can serve as a thin client. In fact, in the right use cases, a Raspberry pi may be an ideal thin client. A Raspberry pi as a thin client can connect back to a Citrix or VMware VDI environment for basic office tasks. Because of its diminutive size, it can easily be attached to the back of a monitor or under the work surface, freeing up space and reducing the risk of tampering. Depending on the requirements, it could be used for controlling a digital display or in a kiosk. Where a Raspberry pi fails to serve as an adequate thin client is when video calls or HD displays (in a VDI environment) are required.