NComputing: The Energy-Efficient $70 PC
Imagine a PC unit that costs only $70 and uses as little as 1 watt of power. Sound too good to be true? Not anymore, thanks to the innovation of a California-based company called NComputing. The company creates access devices that have no CPU, memory, or moving parts. Instead, the devices connect to a central shared computer that uses NComputing’s virtualization software to share its excess processing power.
According to NComputing’s Chairman and CEO Stephen Dukker, 30 users can share a single $500 PC and still run videos, the Internet, and a host of other programs. And since the access devices don’t have any moving parts, they use 95 to 99% less energy than a traditional PC—in most cases, just 1 to 4 watts per user. That same lack of moving parts means the devices have a service life of 10 years or longer.
NComputing’s solution has been quick to catch on—in only 20 months, the company has sold over 1 million units. Not surprisingly, many of the devices have been sold to developing countries like Macedonia, India, and Bangladesh.
So will you use an NComputing device in your home anytime soon? Probably not, but don’t be surprised if they pop up in schools and offices around the world— after all, almost any organization would jump at the chance to save thousands of dollars while looking environmentally responsible.
Photo Credit: NComputing
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This is just cloud computing… It’s becoming a reality, which in some cases is scary. Your information is held on a main computer with other people’s information.
But still, $70? Cool!
This is just cloud computing… It’s becoming a reality, which in some cases is scary. Your information is held on a main computer with other people’s information.
But still, $70? Cool!
This is just cloud computing… It’s becoming a reality, which in some cases is scary. Your information is held on a main computer with other people’s information.
But still, $70? Cool!
this is a crock. A central server requires much more existing infrastructure and therefore has a much larger resource footprint. The author sees only the box, not the massive Client server nightmare behind it.
Lets walk through it, shall we?
System does not work without a massive it system. (no computing in remote locations)
System limits user choice. (all software comes from a central server), this is death to f/oss and a serious whack to innovation.
single manufacturer, Monopolies are bad mkay?
Massive invasion of privacy. All your files belong to big brother
Single point of failure. Server goes down everyone goes down.
Slow: please make all my computing go through a pipe. I don’t find it restrictive enough now.
Boondogle.
this is a crock. A central server requires much more existing infrastructure and therefore has a much larger resource footprint. The author sees only the box, not the massive Client server nightmare behind it.
Lets walk through it, shall we?
System does not work without a massive it system. (no computing in remote locations)
System limits user choice. (all software comes from a central server), this is death to f/oss and a serious whack to innovation.
single manufacturer, Monopolies are bad mkay?
Massive invasion of privacy. All your files belong to big brother
Single point of failure. Server goes down everyone goes down.
Slow: please make all my computing go through a pipe. I don’t find it restrictive enough now.
Boondogle.
Wow,you must admit that is pretty cool.
Jiff
http://www.anolite.echoz.com
Wow,you must admit that is pretty cool.
Jiff
http://www.anolite.echoz.com
This isn’t rally all that new. I work for a large retail company and this is how our terminals are setup. One main computer, with several different people accessing it for several different areas in the store.
This isn’t rally all that new. I work for a large retail company and this is how our terminals are setup. One main computer, with several different people accessing it for several different areas in the store.
This isn’t rally all that new. I work for a large retail company and this is how our terminals are setup. One main computer, with several different people accessing it for several different areas in the store.
…can you say ‘time sharing’….
…can you say ‘time sharing’….
Where is the “Buy now” link? why cant I order this in the US ?
Where is the “Buy now” link? why cant I order this in the US ?
This isn’t really a PC. It’s a dumb terminal. Inaccurate reporting.
This isn’t really a PC. It’s a dumb terminal. Inaccurate reporting.
We have been using the NComputing units at the school I work at for almost 2 years now…every Elementary classroom has what looks and acts like 4 computers for less than $1500…and that’s the monitors, tower, everything. There’s no way we could do that without a unit like this.
We have been using the NComputing units at the school I work at for almost 2 years now…every Elementary classroom has what looks and acts like 4 computers for less than $1500…and that’s the monitors, tower, everything. There’s no way we could do that without a unit like this.
To those of you who are saying it requires a main server, that is not the case.
They make many units that are installed into a PCI slot on any PC and then have three to six of these plugged in and run off of that…do not need to connect it back to a main server.
To those of you who are saying it requires a main server, that is not the case.
They make many units that are installed into a PCI slot on any PC and then have three to six of these plugged in and run off of that…do not need to connect it back to a main server.
Sun JavaStation anyone?
Sun JavaStation anyone?
It’s a dumb terminal then, sort of like the Bull and Wyse stuff that we used to use over twenty years ago. Does it run token ring too? 😉
It’s a dumb terminal then, sort of like the Bull and Wyse stuff that we used to use over twenty years ago. Does it run token ring too? 😉
People: it’s a terminal for a mainframe. Jeez, you young people.
People: it’s a terminal for a mainframe. Jeez, you young people.
People: it’s a terminal for a mainframe. Jeez, you young people.
Could be a useful machine in the kitchen, always on and ready to go.
Could be a useful machine in the kitchen, always on and ready to go.
I too have used these in my school district. You can install up to two cards (3 stations each) in one PC expanding a single PC so that it can be used by up to 7 users simultaneously. They are not as simple as they seem, however. A few of our educational software packages are not compatible, and they bring up a lot of questions about licensing. The stations have had a few glitches and (while not the company’s fault) we’ve had situations where Windows update has caused them give errors and in one situation stop working completely. The company is also way behind in developing management software, which they promised us quite a while ago. Aside from that though, these things have saved us tons of money. Buy a decent machine, add some RAM, and you’ve got 4 CPUs that just need monitors, mice, and keyboards.
I too have used these in my school district. You can install up to two cards (3 stations each) in one PC expanding a single PC so that it can be used by up to 7 users simultaneously. They are not as simple as they seem, however. A few of our educational software packages are not compatible, and they bring up a lot of questions about licensing. The stations have had a few glitches and (while not the company’s fault) we’ve had situations where Windows update has caused them give errors and in one situation stop working completely. The company is also way behind in developing management software, which they promised us quite a while ago. Aside from that though, these things have saved us tons of money. Buy a decent machine, add some RAM, and you’ve got 4 CPUs that just need monitors, mice, and keyboards.
I too have used these in my school district. You can install up to two cards (3 stations each) in one PC expanding a single PC so that it can be used by up to 7 users simultaneously. They are not as simple as they seem, however. A few of our educational software packages are not compatible, and they bring up a lot of questions about licensing. The stations have had a few glitches and (while not the company’s fault) we’ve had situations where Windows update has caused them give errors and in one situation stop working completely. The company is also way behind in developing management software, which they promised us quite a while ago. Aside from that though, these things have saved us tons of money. Buy a decent machine, add some RAM, and you’ve got 4 CPUs that just need monitors, mice, and keyboards.
@Amauriel You CAN get 4 real full fledged computers for less than $1500; have you checked Dell etc lately? You can get a brand new Inspiron 530 starting at $279/each! Add in some coupon codes and you’re way under your the you’re citing for your NComputing terminals.
Granted the NComputing terminals will still use less power, though since you wouldn’t be running the Dell’s at 100% for most of the time if ever, but they are slim form factor as well so are quite efficient too. Plus no you have to factor in the central computer that would be running at a higher load to know if they really use less overall.
Managing the Ncomputing central server may be easier than 4 separate computers, but my gut makes me think the difference would be negligible since you’re still trying to set up the same environments for the users.
But anyway, I think the prices are far lower than you might think now a days and more comparable to these Ncomputing machines than people think.
@Amauriel You CAN get 4 real full fledged computers for less than $1500; have you checked Dell etc lately? You can get a brand new Inspiron 530 starting at $279/each! Add in some coupon codes and you’re way under your the you’re citing for your NComputing terminals.
Granted the NComputing terminals will still use less power, though since you wouldn’t be running the Dell’s at 100% for most of the time if ever, but they are slim form factor as well so are quite efficient too. Plus no you have to factor in the central computer that would be running at a higher load to know if they really use less overall.
Managing the Ncomputing central server may be easier than 4 separate computers, but my gut makes me think the difference would be negligible since you’re still trying to set up the same environments for the users.
But anyway, I think the prices are far lower than you might think now a days and more comparable to these Ncomputing machines than people think.
I can see potential use, for some users, for something like this in my office, but where do I find it for $70? The lowest price I’ve seen is $135 for the unit without USB. With USB, the basement seems to be about $195 – many of our users would need USB for peripherals like PDAs and cameras. $135 is quite a bit cheaper than the price of a full-on workstation, but a bit higher than $70.
I can see potential use, for some users, for something like this in my office, but where do I find it for $70? The lowest price I’ve seen is $135 for the unit without USB. With USB, the basement seems to be about $195 – many of our users would need USB for peripherals like PDAs and cameras. $135 is quite a bit cheaper than the price of a full-on workstation, but a bit higher than $70.
There is no such country as Macedonia. Its The Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia. Macedonia is a province in Greece. Therefore, you could call it FYROM or Skopje. Thought it was quite important.
There is no such country as Macedonia. Its The Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia. Macedonia is a province in Greece. Therefore, you could call it FYROM or Skopje. Thought it was quite important.
I’ve worked with this before in an ActiveDirectory environment, and while the theory behind it is well meant, it is poorly implemented.
First, it does require a host machine. Not too bad, but in our environment, if two people are using that host machine, it begins to degrade the system resources (almost in half!).
Second, security rights are completely altered. This was very apparent in our AD structure, as anyone who was going to use that machine via the N-Computing terminal would need to be in the host machines’ Remote Users group. Sure, you can add the Everyone group in the Remote Users group, but if the host machine is a live, real world box, that opens up a pretty big can of worms.
Third, the installation and setup is clunky. We had a few days to work with it, and it gave the technician who was assigned to set it up a headache. Wires everywhere, no form of management, and if you didn’t use the right N-Computing box with the software that was installed, it didn’t work (we had two different demo models).
So in short, all the N-Computing modules do is allow a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to be a Citrix-like terminal to tap into one machine via the power of Remote Desktop.
I’ve worked with this before in an ActiveDirectory environment, and while the theory behind it is well meant, it is poorly implemented.
First, it does require a host machine. Not too bad, but in our environment, if two people are using that host machine, it begins to degrade the system resources (almost in half!).
Second, security rights are completely altered. This was very apparent in our AD structure, as anyone who was going to use that machine via the N-Computing terminal would need to be in the host machines’ Remote Users group. Sure, you can add the Everyone group in the Remote Users group, but if the host machine is a live, real world box, that opens up a pretty big can of worms.
Third, the installation and setup is clunky. We had a few days to work with it, and it gave the technician who was assigned to set it up a headache. Wires everywhere, no form of management, and if you didn’t use the right N-Computing box with the software that was installed, it didn’t work (we had two different demo models).
So in short, all the N-Computing modules do is allow a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to be a Citrix-like terminal to tap into one machine via the power of Remote Desktop.
no CPU? no memory? What is it? A KVM? A USB Hub?
Even my VT100 terminal used at school had a CPU and memory.
I smell the wave of hype around thin computing from 10 years ago. It was so successful then, it’s bound to succeed now.
no CPU? no memory? What is it? A KVM? A USB Hub?
Even my VT100 terminal used at school had a CPU and memory.
I smell the wave of hype around thin computing from 10 years ago. It was so successful then, it’s bound to succeed now.
this is very awesome
this is very awesome
this is very awesome
Very cool network computer.
We need more energy efficient
appliances. This is a good
example of what we will see
in the near future.
thanks from tony
Very cool network computer.
We need more energy efficient
appliances. This is a good
example of what we will see
in the near future.
thanks from tony
Very cool network computer.
We need more energy efficient
appliances. This is a good
example of what we will see
in the near future.
thanks from tony
Full success …
This is a good solution of what we will see
in the near future.
Full success …
This is a good solution of what we will see
in the near future.
Full success …
This is a good solution of what we will see
in the near future.
These devices are saving 90% in energy cost over powering up standard PCs. In fact because of the energy efficiency, energy companies are starting to give rebates that could eliminate the cost of the devices all together ! I would like to see others compete with NComputing when their product have a cost of $0 to the end user.
Chew on that for awhile.
These devices are saving 90% in energy cost over powering up standard PCs. In fact because of the energy efficiency, energy companies are starting to give rebates that could eliminate the cost of the devices all together ! I would like to see others compete with NComputing when their product have a cost of $0 to the end user.
Chew on that for awhile.
These devices are saving 90% in energy cost over powering up standard PCs. In fact because of the energy efficiency, energy companies are starting to give rebates that could eliminate the cost of the devices all together ! I would like to see others compete with NComputing when their product have a cost of $0 to the end user.
Chew on that for awhile.
This is not lethal to free software. This article is scanty on details, but I bet you could run GNU/Linux on the central box. No, it is not intended for a single user. It is intended for something more like a computing lab or a workplace full of cubicles. where you’d already have or be installing butt loads of cabling. It looks a lot like an X terminal or a Sun Ray, and we know what kind of market penetration they have now. Plus I doubt they’re gonna release specs. It’d take advantage of three things people are cheap bastards, you have more computing power in a new box than you would ever (productively) use and most computer cycle are wasted waiting for user input. stuffs
This is not lethal to free software. This article is scanty on details, but I bet you could run GNU/Linux on the central box. No, it is not intended for a single user. It is intended for something more like a computing lab or a workplace full of cubicles. where you’d already have or be installing butt loads of cabling. It looks a lot like an X terminal or a Sun Ray, and we know what kind of market penetration they have now. Plus I doubt they’re gonna release specs. It’d take advantage of three things people are cheap bastards, you have more computing power in a new box than you would ever (productively) use and most computer cycle are wasted waiting for user input. stuffs
This is not lethal to free software. This article is scanty on details, but I bet you could run GNU/Linux on the central box. No, it is not intended for a single user. It is intended for something more like a computing lab or a workplace full of cubicles. where you’d already have or be installing butt loads of cabling. It looks a lot like an X terminal or a Sun Ray, and we know what kind of market penetration they have now. Plus I doubt they’re gonna release specs. It’d take advantage of three things people are cheap bastards, you have more computing power in a new box than you would ever (productively) use and most computer cycle are wasted waiting for user input. stuffs
Great thin client. We have used it at our school district and it was sold as a PC replacement strategy. Nothing of the sort! It is a thin client that works well. The only problem is when it is sold as a PC like replacement. It won’t run applications that are designed for single users (unless “tweaked”), it uses a hack to Windows XP to let multiple users share one copy of Windows that has been been revealed as being “improper” by Microsoft. I am not a big Microsoft fan but we can’t afford to have M$ coming after us, even if it is “in the gray area” as our nComputing rep told us. They keep touting it as desktop virtualization. BS!! I hate vendors treating us as if we are idiots. It is no more of a virtualization product than remote desktop is. True virtualization is wasted upon single desktops. The only exception is Fiddlehead. It is a true desktop virtualization for 4 users on a single PC. It is fast, easy to install, doesn’t screw with M$ licensing and all applications run. It truly works as a desktop replacement strategy. Saves money up front, and money on electricity, but it saves a lot of money down the road when it is time to replace PC’s the second time.
Great thin client. We have used it at our school district and it was sold as a PC replacement strategy. Nothing of the sort! It is a thin client that works well. The only problem is when it is sold as a PC like replacement. It won’t run applications that are designed for single users (unless “tweaked”), it uses a hack to Windows XP to let multiple users share one copy of Windows that has been been revealed as being “improper” by Microsoft. I am not a big Microsoft fan but we can’t afford to have M$ coming after us, even if it is “in the gray area” as our nComputing rep told us. They keep touting it as desktop virtualization. BS!! I hate vendors treating us as if we are idiots. It is no more of a virtualization product than remote desktop is. True virtualization is wasted upon single desktops. The only exception is Fiddlehead. It is a true desktop virtualization for 4 users on a single PC. It is fast, easy to install, doesn’t screw with M$ licensing and all applications run. It truly works as a desktop replacement strategy. Saves money up front, and money on electricity, but it saves a lot of money down the road when it is time to replace PC’s the second time.
Great thin client. We have used it at our school district and it was sold as a PC replacement strategy. Nothing of the sort! It is a thin client that works well. The only problem is when it is sold as a PC like replacement. It won’t run applications that are designed for single users (unless “tweaked”), it uses a hack to Windows XP to let multiple users share one copy of Windows that has been been revealed as being “improper” by Microsoft. I am not a big Microsoft fan but we can’t afford to have M$ coming after us, even if it is “in the gray area” as our nComputing rep told us. They keep touting it as desktop virtualization. BS!! I hate vendors treating us as if we are idiots. It is no more of a virtualization product than remote desktop is. True virtualization is wasted upon single desktops. The only exception is Fiddlehead. It is a true desktop virtualization for 4 users on a single PC. It is fast, easy to install, doesn’t screw with M$ licensing and all applications run. It truly works as a desktop replacement strategy. Saves money up front, and money on electricity, but it saves a lot of money down the road when it is time to replace PC’s the second time.
what is divice access and how its works…..?