14 DAY TRIAL // PC manufacturer NCS has just launched on the market the very first zero client laptop, called the Cirrus LT PCoIP, which combines the functionalities of a desktop and a laptop computer.
Have you ever heard of zero-client computing? If not, let us tell you, traditionally the term defines a stationary desktop devoid of hard drive, local storage or operating system. Basically, what the device would be capable of is connecting a monitor, keyboard and mouse to a data center.
The zero-client approach is often used to minimize cost, energy usage and at the same time enhance security levels and ease of administration.
NCS puts its own spin on this concept, allowing the Cirrus LT to be used in concert with the PCoIP Remote Workstation Card, that taps into security protocols like AES-256 and NSA Suite B ciphers.
Teradici Director of Product Management explained even further.
“Teradici's PCoIP technology was designed to deliver a high performance, secure and easy to manage user experience for virtual desktop and remote workstation users on any device and on any network.”
“The new Cirrus LT PCoIP zero client laptop combines PCoIP technology and NCS computing innovation to answer the call for a more secure computing capability in today's increasingly mobile environment.”
The tweak is that the Cirrus LT doesn't retain any data, because it does not have local storage, hard drive or OS. Nevertheless, we can tell you users have an option of choosing either a 14-inch HD LCD display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 with anti-glare, LED backlight or go a little further and embed a 14-inch HD LCD with 1600 x 900 with anti-glare, LED backlight.
The Teradici PCoIP protocol is used to compress, encrypt and encodes every action at the data center that, in turn, sends back only pixels across the IP network.
The laptop also comes with Integrated Realtek 10/100/1000Mb Base-TX Ethernet LAN; Ralink 802.11 a/b/g/n 3T3R 450mbps LAN; 100.1000Mb Fiber SFP support in port replicator; wake on LAN and wake on USB support.
Last but not least, this laptop bundles a 5,200 mAh battery which should provide a decent life to your device.