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HP takes virtualization to new levels with the introduction of a new mobile thin client and an enhanced desktop portfolio. The company recently got the wraps off the 4410t Mobile Thin Client along with hardware and software additions to its thin client family. In addition to this, HP also revealed select HP thin clients that meet the new version 5.0 star Energy Star specifications.

HP’s new affordable 4410t mobile client now offers users advanced security access to server-based computing. Lowering IT workloads, the client functions as a reliable notebook as it never stores data locally and thus eliminates the risk of losing sensitive information. The client is incorporated with the latest Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard with Remote Desktop Protocol 6.1 OS. This allows it to use the latest security and enterprise technologies straight from the Windows Server 2008 to the best of its abilities.

Users are offered a choice of File Based Write Filter (FBWF) or Enhanced Write Filter (EWF), both preloaded on the system. Besides enhancing the security, these features also add to the productivity factor. With the FBWF users are offered more flexibility and the same data protection benefits of EWF. Administrators are also enabled to save specific files, folders and configuration settings.

“We’re offering businesses a highly secure, manageable and easy-to-deploy virtualization solution that combines HP’s industry-leading thin client and notebook technologies,” remarked Carol Hess-Nickels, director, Worldwide Business Notebook Marketing, Personal Systems Group, HP. “The new HP 4410t Mobile Thin Client leverages HP engineering and design expertise to deliver true notebook performance that customers can deploy in the office or in the field.”

The client also includes the new HP Privacy Filter accessory that adds to the security by narrowing the viewing angle of the display screen. Additional features of the mobile thin client include Wi-Fi certified WLAN that provides free enterprise-grade security and preloaded remote management tools like HP Device Manager and HP Client Automation, HP ThinState tools and a full license of Altiris Deployment Solution.

It is also bundled with the HP Virtual Client Essentials software portfolio that comprises of HP Remote Desktop Protocol Enhancements, HP Remote Graphics Software display protocols and HP Session Allocation Manager network broker. The 4410t has also been adopted by Noodles & Company to help expand its 200 restaurant locations.

Some other attributes of the mobile client include an optional DVD-ROM, a 14-inch diagonal widescreen, mercury-free, LED display, full-sized spill-resistant keyboard and integrated touch pad, HP Fast Charge that recharges up to 90% of the battery percent in 90 mins and HP Smart AC Adapters that save on equipment, power consumption costs and travel weight. The device has a starting weight of 4.3 pounds.

The company’s desktop thin clients that adhere to the new version 5.0 Energy Star specifications include the HP t5145, HP t5540, HP t5545, HP t5630 and HP t5630w models. Offered with a host of performance options, users also have a choice of the Windows CE, Windows Embedded Standard and Linux operating systems.

Besides, HP has also revealed many novel functions and software improvements for its HP t5545 Linux-based desktop and t5540 Windows CE-based thin clients. Integration is now simplified in these devices with VMware View and Citrix XenDesktop environments. Stronger security, an easy setup and richer multimedia experiences are some other highlights of these enhanced clients. All HP ThinPro-based thin clients now comprise of the HP RDP Enhancements display protocol software. It offers users a single-logon, full-screen virtual desktop experience.

Speaking of the HP t5545 Thin Client in particular it is based on the HP ThinPro OS. It now provides an array of operational modes namely Local, Persistent and Stateless Security for automating global images or profile deployment. Configuration of the HP t5540 Thin Client is also made simpler with the HP Easy Update and HP Easy Config utilities. These new software startup tools allow quick and easy identification and selection of the latest image and configuration settings. Thin clients, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and blade client hardware along with virtualization software technologies like HP Remote Graphics Software are a part of HP’s client virtualization portfolio.

The HP 4410t Mobile Thin Client is expected to start shipping in mid-July this year for a starting price of $549 while HP thin clients meeting the 5.0 specification are available today at a starting price of $199. The latter clients won’t display the Energy Star logo until early July.