What Is a Thin Client or Zero Client?
A thin client is a compact computer that runs applications and data from a central server or cloud service. It has a local operating system, such as Windows 11 IoT, Ubuntu Linux or Thinux Embedded Linux, and it connects to a remote desktop, virtual desktop or terminal server. A zero client has no local operating system. It connects directly to a remote session and carries out only display and input functions. Both types reduce hardware cost, simplify management and lower power use compared with a full desktop PC.
Key Specifications
Thinvent thin clients in this range use two processor families:
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Intel processors: Celeron J1900, Celeron J4125, and N-Series N100 and N150 (12th generation). The N100 has 4 cores, up to 3.4 GHz and 6 MB cache. The N150 has 4 cores, up to 3.6 GHz and 6 MB cache.
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ARM processor: Cortex A53 on the Micro 5, with 4 cores, up to 2.0 GHz and 1 MB cache.
Memory and storage options:
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Main memory ranges from 2 GB on the Micro 5 to 32 GB DDR4 on the Neo S with N100.
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Storage uses SSD or eMMC, from 16 GB to 512 GB, and some models combine two storage devices.
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Wireless models include Dual Band WiFi. Other models have no WiFi.
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Operating system options include Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 IoT, DOS, Ubuntu Linux and Thinux Embedded Linux.
Comparison Table
| Model | Processor | Cores | Max Frequency | Cache | Memory | Storage | Wireless | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro 5 | ARM Cortex A53 | 4 | 2.0 GHz | 1 MB | 2 GB | 16 GB eMMC | Dual Band WiFi | Thinux Embedded Linux |
| Neo S | Intel J1900 | 4 | 2.4 GHz | 2 MB | 4 GB DDR3 | 256 GB SSD | None | Windows 11 Pro |
| Neo S | Intel N100 | 4 | 3.4 GHz | 6 MB | 32 GB DDR4 | 32 GB SSD | None | DOS |
| Neo S | Intel N150 | 4 | 3.6 GHz | 6 MB | 8 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | Dual Band WiFi | DOS |
| Neo S | Intel N100 | 4 | 3.4 GHz | 6 MB | 8 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | None | Windows 11 IoT |
| Neo S | Intel J4125 | 4 | 2.7 GHz | 4 MB | 8 GB DDR4 | 128 GB SSD | None | Ubuntu Linux |
Use Cases
Thin and zero clients suit call centres, retail point-of-sale, kiosks, digital signage, classrooms, hospitals and office desks. Administrators update one server image instead of many local machines. The fanless design of the Thinvent range keeps noise low and reduces dust intake in busy environments. Lower-power processors such as the N100 and N150 suit continuous operation.
Thinvent Thin Clients
Thinvent has thin clients for remote desktop and virtual desktop deployments. The Micro 5 is a compact ARM-based unit with Dual Band WiFi and Thinux Embedded Linux. The Neo S series covers Intel Celeron and N-Series processors with a range of memory, storage, wireless and operating system options, including Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 IoT, DOS and Ubuntu Linux. The Thinvent range does not include a dedicated zero client model. It has Thinux Embedded Linux and Windows-based thin clients for centrally managed deployments.
