AI Computer, Thin Client Media Players & MiniPC

Edge Computing digital signage and thin client

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We cover edge computing and lately AI computing (since 1999) — thin clients, miniPCs, media players, and AIO resources. Managed endpoints come to mind as well. For more information — complete a contact form or you can contact Craig Keefner at craigkeefner@pm.me or 720-324-1837. We also run a large APAC group on WhatsApp for Shenzen and Asian participants.

Thanks to solution partners Intel (Kathy) , Pyramid Computer (Zahdan), TPGI (Traci) and Olea Kiosks (Frank).  

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The primary AI Computing, Thin Client, Mini PCs and Media Player providers we highlight are:

Members of our APAC group also provide thin client and media players

  • Giada — providing digital signage player, edge computer, OPS/SDM and embedded motherboards for enterprise customers. Contact Lily at  giadatech.com
  • HYSTOU – top mini-pc manufacturer
  • NEXCOM International — embedded computing — nexcom 2025-IPS-Brochure-compressed
  • Centerm – thin client embedded
  • Minix – embedded
  • Newsmay – mini-PC

Recent Thin Client, MiniPC, Media Player and AIO News

Lockdown clients are available for those “old systems” as well. You can use Sitekiosk to lock down a Windows Terminal desktop to prevent unauthorized data transfers and web browsing as well as filter security threats.

And we extend that definition to include Chromebooks and ChromeOS which these days are often less than $300 and complete with remote management.

And now we have ultra-micro players creeping into the digital signage market.

Contact info@thinclient.org with any questions.

What is a Thin Client aka Thinclient?

  • Originally all data stored/accessed from cloud (a browser with no hard drive)
  • NComputing had some really nice and super inexpensive “workstations”
  • Became the marquee deployment for Windows Embedded
  • Began adding new ports, functions until it almost became your standard PC  (it might cost $600 too)
  • With advent of raspberry, high-speed internet, and the pandemic to push it along it is now evolving back towards to ultra-micro less than $200
  • A new player in the thin client market is the Raspberry Pi.  You can get fully configured touchscreen units now from Amazon for less than $200.
  • What we are NOT are the usual Dell or Lenovo office desktops. Those are “fat” clients and typically require singular discrete support and security.
  • See our feature is the test and review of the Raspberry Pi 400 as a Thin Client (just add a monitor).

About Us

Since 1999, Thinclient.org has been reporting the thin client computing market and the ChromeBook, Zero Client, Android clients, Pi Raspberry Clients, and Thick Client market. Generally, the cloud computing market has been around since it started with companies such as Citrix back in the late 80s.

What is it?

A thin client is a miniPC computer optimized for digital signage content or establishing a remote connection with a server-based computing environment.

The server does most of the work, which can include launching software programs, performing calculations, and storing data. This contrasts with a fat client or a conventional personal computer; the former is also intended for working in a client–server model but has significant local processing power, while the latter aims to perform its function mostly locally.

Thin client hardware generally supports a keyboard, mouse, monitor, jacks for sound peripherals, and open ports for USB devices (e.g., printer, flash drive, webcam). Some thin clients include legacy serial or parallel ports to support older devices such as receipt printers, scales or time clocks. Thin client software typically consists of a graphical user interface (GUI), cloud access agents (e.g., RDP, ICA, PCoIP), a local web browser, terminal emulators (in some cases), and a basic set of local utilities.

New hardware interfaces include socket-based enabled devices, eliminating the need for a physical USB connection. Bluetooth wireless connectivity is also a big factor for devices.

AI Computers

  • Start with the usual suspects from Dell, HP, Wyse, 10Zig, IGEL, etc
  • Add in Chromebooks
  • Add in converted desktops running a remote desktop
  • You can add in smartphones
  • Hardware starts at $25 Pico ITX and Raspberry PI
  • You have Power Over Ethernet versions
  • Many conventional historical thin client computers have assumed so much of a standard PC’s functionality that they are almost a Thin Client in name only.  The price can be higher than a standard desktop.
  • We have AIO or All-In-One Computers – typically with touchscreens.

Other Links

Here are some good resources for edge computers (edge computing devices and solutions):

  • Top 10 Edge Computing Devices for 2024

    • Detailed comparison and review of leading devices such as NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX, Google Coral Dev Board, Raspberry Pi 4, AWS DeepLens, Intel NUC, plus industrial models like Lenovo ThinkEdge SE50 and Dell EMC PowerEdge XE2420.extrapolate

  • Best Edge Computing Platforms 2025

    • Reviews of the best industrial edge computing platforms: Helin, Microsoft Azure IoT Edge, Sensia, Siemens Insights Hub, and more.helindata

  • CRN’s 50 Hottest Hardware, Software, and Services in Edge Computing (2024)

    • crn

  • Enterprise Networking Planet: 6 Best Edge Computing Companies & Solutions (2023)

    • enterprisenetworkingplanet

  • OnLogic: How to Find the Best Edge Computer

    • onlogic

  • Dell Edge Solutions

    • dell

  • InoNet: What Is an Edge Computer?

    • Explains edge computer concepts, focusing on industrial applications like IPCs for on-site processing and analytics.

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