What Is Thinstation N380?
Thinstation N380 refers to a WIN CE thin client system. The N380 is a WIN CE 6.0 OS thin client that connects to a host and runs multimedia platforms, where each platform works as if it were running on a single computer. Setup includes enabling disk drivers so that flash storage is available when the thin client connects. Startup can open a local WinCE desktop or the Thin Client main interface, and it can start the Client, IPC or a custom program.
Thinstation as an Open Source Thin Client OS
Thinstation is a separate open source thin client operating system. It is small and supports major connectivity protocols, including Citrix ICA, Red Hat SPICE, NoMachine NX, 2X ThinClient, Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP through rdesktop or FreeRDP), VMware Horizon View, Cendio ThinLinc, Tarantella, X, telnet, tn5250 and VMS terminal. The latest version is available from the SourceForge download section. Prebuilt images allow a Thinstation setup in about half an hour, and this route does not require a Linux machine to build the image.
Thinstation Compared With Thinvent Thin Clients
| Feature | Thinstation (open source OS) | Thinvent Micro 5R Thin Client |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Thin client operating system | Hardware thin client |
| Processor | Runs on compatible hardware | ARM Cortex A53, 4 cores, up to 2.0 GHz |
| Memory and storage | Depends on hardware | 2 GB onboard RAM, 16 GB eMMC |
| Wireless | Depends on hardware | WiFi 6 and Bluetooth |
| Operating system | Thinstation | Thinux Embedded Linux |
The Thinvent range does not include a WIN CE 6.0 model. Thinvent thin clients run Thinux Embedded Linux, and the Micro 5R is the thin client in the range. For users who need a ready hardware platform for remote desktop and virtual desktop sessions, the Micro 5R is an alternative to a Thinstation N380 setup.
Use Cases
Thin clients suit remote desktop, virtual desktop and hosted application access. Multimedia display through a host is another common use. Organisations that need a fixed client with a central host can match the Micro 5R with a host setup or use Thinvent industrial and mini PCs where more processing power is required.
Thinvent Products for Thin Client and Remote Desktop Use
The Thinvent Micro 5R Thin Client, with its ARM Cortex A53 processor, 2 GB RAM, 16 GB eMMC storage, WiFi 6, Bluetooth and HDMI 2.0 output, is the Thinvent thin client on this page. The Thinvent Treo Mini PC with Intel N5095A and the Thinvent Aero Mini PC with Intel Core i3-1215U are compact options for remote and desktop work. The Thinvent Industrial PC IPC5 and IPC3 cover demanding and industrial environments.
