California-based NComputing has launched a USB-connected virtual desktop (model U170) at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas today.
The USB virtual desktop is based on the simple fact that today’s PCs are so powerful that the vast majority of people only use a small fraction of their PC processor’s capacity. The U170 thin client taps this unused resource so that a computer can be simultaneously shared by many users.
- The U170 plugs into a standard PC’s USB port, and with vSpace (NComputing’s virtualization software, which is included) enables another user to share that PC.
- The U170 has connections for the additional user’s own peripherals, including keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
- Up to nine U170’s can be connected to a single PC and still provide a high-definition multimedia experience for every user.
- The U170 is extremely easy to set up and is ideal for schools, businesses, small offices, branches, and anyone that needs very low cost computer access.
Over 2 million NComputing virtual desktops have been sold around the world. In addition to lower purchase costs, NComputing also lowers ongoing operating expenses. For example, NComputing devices only use 1 to 5 watts of electricity (compared to 110 watts or more for a stand-alone PC), resulting in a 90% cut in electricity costs. NComputing also shrinks the crippling cost of PC obsolescence by reducing the number of PCs that need to be replaced every few years.
The U170 will be available through NComputing’s global dealer and reseller network in February and will be priced under $99 (prices may vary by country).
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