PC vs. NC: HDS @workStationHDS' @workStation adds Java VM and Netscape Navigator to an otherwise conventional X terminal (upgrade kits are available to add Java VM and Navigator to older models in the HDS ViewStation X terminal line). Powered by Intel's 960 processor, the @workStation comes with 8MB of RAM. Some unique upgrade options include more RAM (up to 128MB), floppy or hard disks, PCMCIA accessory card slots, LAN-based videoconferencing support, a TV tuner and the ability to use dual monitors. Prices, which include a 17-inch monochrome display, start at $749. The @WorkStation can run PC, UNIX, midrange and mainframe applications.
HDS Network Systems
IBM Network StationThe IBM Network Station expands on the NC-1 specification by building in extensive terminal emulation features (IBM 3270 and 5250, plus X/Windows) and a unique personalization feature: The software enables each Network Station user to store his or her personal desktop settings. Base models come with 8MB of RAM, 1MB of video memory (enough to provide 1024x768 at 8 bits per pixel), a serial port and a parallel port. Network connectivity is provided via Ethernet or token-ring network adapter connections. Pricing for the unit, which has a PowerPC processor, starts at $695 (excluding keyboard, mouse and monitor). Upgrades include more RAM (up to 64MB), VGA, Super VGA or SXGA color monitors, and twinax or coax network cards. Support is planned for various PC Cards. Booting the Network Station requires a compatible server (IBM sells kits for its OS/2-based PC servers, AS/400 midrange, RS/6000 minis and System/390 mainframe computers) capable of supporting Internet-standard TCP/IP, DNS and BOOTP protocols.IBM Corp.
Network Computing Devices HMXBy adding Java support to its high-end X terminals, Network Computing Devices has produced an impressive range of high-performance NC-type systems. Baseline HMX features include a 64-bit Mips R4000 processor, 8MB of RAM, 1600x1200 video at 8 bits per pixel, 16-bit audio, serial and parallel ports, and an Ethernet card supporting both 10Base2 (coax) and 10BaseT (twisted-pair) cable. Upgrade options include additional RAM (up to 136MB), 4MB of flash memory for configuration data, extensive terminal emulator support, 24-bit video and a floppy disk drive. Pricing starts at $2,000 (excluding monitor). HMX will run on either a UNIX or NT-based server. Windows application support requires a Windows NT-based server running NCD's WinCenter Pro multi-user ICA software.Network Computing Devices
Sun JavaStationAs the first commercially available unit to meet the NC-1 standard, Sun's JavaStation practically defines the desktop section of the NC-1 specification. The standard unit, which costs $742 (excluding a monitor and speakers), includes a 100MHz microSparc processor, 16-bit audio, 1024x768 video and 8MB of RAM. LAN connectivity is provided by a 10BaseT Ethernet (twisted-pair) connection, and peripheral connection is provided by a single RS-232C serial port. The JavaStation has embedded 8-bit video capability, and you can upgrade to 64MB of RAM and add a 14- or 17-inch color monitor. Later units will include either 4MB or 8MB of flash memory (used for the boot loader), 64MB of RAM and 100BaseT Ethernet. Booting the JavaStation requires a compatible server (such as Sun's Netra j) capable of supporting Internet-standard TCP/IP, DNS and BOOTP protocols.Sun Microsystems
Wyse Winterm 4000 seriesOld-line terminal vendor Wyse differentiates its Winterm line by providing built-in support for the Citrix Internet Client Architecture (ICA) protocol. Several configurations are available in the series. The 4300SE, priced at $699, does not include a monitor. The 4700SE includes an integrated 15-inch color monitor, and the 4600SE comes with an integrated LCD flat panel monitor. Common to all are embedded terminal emulation software, a local browser, the ability to boot locally or from a network, 10BaseT Ethernet, two serial ports and one parallel port, a PCMCIA slot, 8MB of DRAM upgradable to 40MB and 4MB of flash memory. To access Windows applications, the 4000 series works with Citrix multi-user NT and all of Citrix's licensees. But it can connect to any server, including Web servers and UNIX mainframe servers.Wyse Technology
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