A ShenZhen China-based manufacturer is shipping several thin clients that run embedded Linux and target educational, government, business, taxation, and medical organizations. SZ Bencse Electronic Technology (Bencse) offers the entry level J5200, plus four higher-end H-5800 models, and ships worldwide at affordable prices, it says.

( Click for larger view of the Bencse H-5800 thin client )

Both the J-5200 and the four H-5800 models run Linux on Intel Celeron processors clocked at 566MHz. The devices differ solely in terms of memory allotment, with the J-5200, H-5800D, and H-5800T models offering 64MB SDRAM, and the H-5800H and H-5800A models offering 128MB, with all the models expandable to 1GB. The breakdown is different for DOM (disk-on-module) allotments, with the J-5200, H-5800D, and H-5800H thin clients providing 32MB DOMs, and the J-5200, H-5800T, and H-5800A offering 128MB. All models can be upgraded to 256MB DOMs.

Bencse J-5200


All five thin clients appear to be otherwise identical, supporting up to 1280 x 1024-pixel displays. The J-5200 and H-5800 models are all equipped with an Ethernet port, serial port, and two USB 2.0 ports. Each uses the same 8.9 x 2.2 x 10.6-inch chassis, with VGA out and audio I/O connections, as well as parallel and PS/2 ports. Consuming 35 Watts at full load and 25 Watts standby, the thin clients are rated for operating temperatures ranging from 32 to 104 deg. F (0 to 40 deg. C).

The J-5200 and H-5800 models are touted as supporting Linux client OSes capable of connecting with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003, and Citrix MetaFrame. The thin clients can run local web browsers, and support remote management via SNMP. DHCP is also supported, though whether at the pre- or post-boot stage is unclear.

Bencse also sells several higher-end thin client models, as well as VPN systems that run Windows XP Embedded.

Availability

The Bencse J-5200 and H-5800 thin clients are available now at an undisclosed price, says the company. More information may be found at the Bencse site, which is available in English, here .


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