Dell’s pocket-sized thin client device could be ready to ship soon. The company has been showing off its Project Ophelia device since January, and now the tiny PC-on-a-stick has passed through the FCC on its way to an official launch.
Basically the little device has the guts of a cheap ARM-based computer running Google Android, but Dell’s not really positioning it as a standalone device. Instead, Dell is bundling it with the company’s Wyse software which lets you log into and control remote software using Citrix, VMWare, or other virtualization and remote desktop solutions.
In other words, plug the little Wyse Cloud Client into your TV or monitor, connect a mouse and/or keyboard, and you can use full-blown Windows apps (which are actually running on a remote server). It’s more of a tool for enterprise customers than home users.
That said, the Dell Wyse Cloud Client stick is one of the first devices of its type that we’ve seen from a major US computer maker. While Chinese companies such as Rikomagic and Tronsmart have been cranking out similar hardware since early 2012, it’s interesting to see Dell getting in on the action which a specialized version.
If you really wanted to, you could also use the Wyse Cloud Client as a standalone device capable of running Android apps including a web browser, office software, and other apps designed for phones and tablets.
Dell hasn’t said anything about the processor, memory, storage, or other specs on this device, but according to the FCC documents it looks like the Wyse Cloud Connect features WiFi and Bluetooth, has an HDMI connector, a mini USB host port, a micro USB OTG port, and a microSD card slot.
There’s a physical button you can press for Bluetooth pairing. You can connect the device to a TV with the HDMI connector and use a separate USB cable to supply power. Or if you have a display that supports MHL, you can just use a single MHL cable which supplies power to the Cloud Connect while it sends video to your display.
There’s also a wrist-strap slot, suggesting Dell envisions a situation where employees might carry this pocket-sized thin client around throughout their work day.
via Engadget
This grew from something that I was interested in into something that I don’t want anymore.
Dell. Wtf?
Ridiculous packaging. After you add the totem poles of adaprters, plug in the spiderweb network of cables, etc. you have a mess. If the HDMI jack points backward now the thing juts out just aching to be pushed against a wall, breaking connectos or the unit itself. Just recast it all in a larger case with VESA mount and full-sized connectors and be done with it. probably will run cooler, longer, and have room for decent WiFi & BT antennas. This dumb form-factor needs to go.
“Project Ophelia” began more than a year ago with US$50 as the targeted price point. Now Dell/Wyse is saying the price will be $99 to $149 (and I’m guessing that they’ll choose $149.) This is a large premium over high-end MiniPC’s such as the MK908ii at $70 (including shipping from Shenzhen), especially if Dell/Wyse charges users for their “enterprise” software at current rates.
For more details, see my detailed “Comparing Dell/Wyse’s “Project Ophelia” with Android MiniPCs” article at https://android-minipc.azurewebsites.net/index.php/2013/10/comparing-the-ug007-minipc-with-dellwyses-project-ophelia/ for history and competitors.
What is the difference between a USB host port and a USB on the go port? I would rather both ports be micro USB due to mini USB not being commonly used any more
The micro-USB OTG port is likely to be for power only and micro-USB is the accepted standard for powering phones and MiniPCs. I agree that Mini-USB isn’t commonly used for host ports; Dell/Wyse should have included a Mini-USB to female USB type A adapter or cable so folks could plug the receiver for wireless keyboards/mice/trackpads into it. Bluetooth is a bit pricey for many accessories.