Fresh off HP’s recent thin client announcement comes another one: the company has announced what it is calling ‘smart’ clients, designed to be affordable and powerful, Dell, meanwhile, is countering with its latest OptiPlex thin clients. Tech specs, price tags and channel implications are all here, so read on for the details …

First, HP’s technology. HP doesn’t like using the term “zero client,” so it is calling its t5335z and t5565z “smart” clients. According to HP, using the term “zero client” is an understatement for these little boxes. Both are slated to work with Citrix, Microsoft or VMware virtualization infrastructures, and feature an ARM chipset in the t5335z or a VIA CPU equipped with integrated graphics processing for the t5565z. Both units can deliver 1080p HD picture when using Citrix’s HDX protocol, and the t5565z supports dual monitor output, too. They start at $199 and $249, and launch in July and August 2011, respectively.

Meanwhile, Dell is offering the OptiPlex FX170 and FX130 thin clients. Also compatible with the big three virtualization players, the boxes are essentially cousins. The FX170 has better guts, designed to offer a multimedia consumption and creation workstation replacement, while the FX130 is ideal for more simple tasks. Dell doesn’t unveil what’s under the hood, but unlike HP, both units support dual monitors and neither have moving parts. These 1.5-pound boxes integrate with Dell’s existing virtualization management offerings including the Devon IT Echo Management Console. Available now, the Dell OptiPlex FX170 starts at $449 and the FX130 goes for $349.

Dell’s director of Software & Solutions Product Marketing John Holstrom offered his company’s take on what sets Dell’s offering apart from HP’s recent plethora of similar solutions: “Our thin clients have the smallest footprint [and I think] you’ll find the size compelling. It’s a huge differentiating factor. [Also,] we do support dual displays in HD, which is not typical in other value lines.” He also noted Dell is targeting its devices to task workers or as computers in healthcare and vertical environments.

But a direct comparison here isn’t exactly fair: All the products fall into different price ranges and use cases. One thing is for sure, however: Vendors are responding to what customers need (especially with dual-display technology). HP’s and Dell’s strategy seems to be to provide a more tailored device experience instead of a one-size-fits-all thin client — a strategy that in the long run can save money on the unit and save money for the customer.

Bottom line: thin and zero clients are booming. Factor in Pano Logic’s recent Citrix certification and virtualization momentum, thin clients seem poised to take off in the channel.

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