Attempting to make Virtual Desktops with old hardware attractive to the end user

As I have mentioned on a number of previous blog posts, I am not happy with any of the cheaper thin endpoints for delivering video across the network, they simply don't work well. Of course you can spend $600 and get a thin client powerful enough to deliver video but after adding a keyboard, mouse, monitor and licensing, you might as well buy a traditional thick client.

We have migrated a slice of our environment to Xendesktop using old hardware as clients and it has been working exceptionally well from a technical perspective, but its downfall is that people are apprehensive to use "old looking" endpoints. Some of this can be addressed with education, "Yes I understand it looks like the laptop you were using 5 years ago, but actually..", but there is still that aesthetic aspect


While aesthetics is not important in some areas, it does become more of an issue in rooms where we might have external companies or individuals visiting. One of these areas is a presentation room in our Library, which often accommodates external visitors and staff meetings. We have decided to install thin clients in this room and progressively move them out to the rest of the Library, but as this room is used by 3rd parties, aesthetics is a consideration.

The Library computers are nearly exclusively used for Internet and Microsoft Office, with a small percentage of other applications being used making them PERFECT candidate for thin clients.



The Solution

We are using old laptops for this room so we quickly decided we needed to purchase a new monitor, mouse and keyboard. This added another layer of complexity as the laptop lid needs to be opened to access the on/off switch (as the switch is inside the laptop lid). Our solution was to have stands made with a laminate finish that matches the existing benches in the room. The units hide the laptop and most of the cables while acting as a stand for the monitor to sit.

You can see in the above photo we have had a opening made at the back for the cables to be routed though and another opening for the laptop screen to "pop-up" though.

 

A headphone jack and USB port have been built in to the front, to provide easy access for the end user. When you sit in front of this system you totally forget you are at a thin client.

 Above is an image of the fully configured system running.

I wouldn't change very much if I was to rebuild them. Perhaps increase the rear recess by about 2CM to allow easier access to the on/off button.



Total Cost

Custom built stand - $40
Cables - $10
Monitor - $155
Keyboard/Mouse - $20
Server slice + Licensing - $320

Total = $545

Traditionally a desktop build for business or education will cost about $1000 per unit, so in comparison a build like this where you reuse old systems can significantly decrease total cost of ownership, not to mention savings from decreased management.

Our plan is to cycle old laptops through these areas, so every couple of years as more laptops are decommissioned they can be installed as thin clients.

If you have any of your own similar solution I would love to see them!