Dell Launches Virtual Lab 2.0, Expands Desktop Virtualization Line

Dell has rolled out an enhanced Dell Virtual Lab 2.0 solution, as well as two new thin clients: the Dell OptiPlex FX130 and FX170.

Dell Virtual Lab 2.0 is designed for colleges and universities and works with virtualization technologies from Citrix, Microsoft, and VMware. It enables students and faculty to access specialized lab applications from their own PCs, anywhere with an Internet connection, rather than using dedicated computers on campus. Virtual Lab 2.0 is currently validation tested on Adobe Premiere Pro CS3, AutoCAD 2DLT, Wolfram Mathmatica 7, Mathworks MathLab, SAS, and IBM SPSS. Validation testing on seven more applications will be completed by the end of 2011.

Dell OptiPlex FX130 and FX170 thin clients are designed for desktop virtualization in educational and other organizations. The more basic FX130 is geared toward application and task-based environments, while the FX170 is designed for knowledge workers focused on multimedia creation.

Both the FX130 and FX170 allow access to Citrix XenApp, Citrix XenDesktop, Microsoft Remote Desktop Services, VMware View, and Web-based applications. The FX130 runs Devon Terminal Operating System (DeTOS). The FX170 is available with either DeTOS or Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard (WES) 2009 operating system. Both thin clients feature optional dual-monitor support and low energy use.

Key features of the Dell OptiPlex FX130 thin client include:

  • VIA Eden ULV 1 GHz processor with integrated VIA VX855 display data control;
  • 1 GB DDR2 RAM;
  • 1 GB disk-on-module (DOM) flash memory;
  • Up to 1,600 by 1,200 display resolution with 32-bit color; and
  • USB, P/S2, DVI, audio in/out, and RJ-45 ports.

Key features of the Dell OptiPlex FX170 thin client include:

  • Intel Atom N270 1.6 GHz / Intel 945GSE + ICH7-M processor;
  • 1 GB DDR2 RAM;
  • 2 GB DOM (for WES 2009 version) or 1 GB DOM (for DeTOS version);
  • Up to 1,920 by 1,200 display resolution with 32-bit color;
  • USB, P/S2, DVI, audio in/out, and RJ-45 ports.

The Dell OptiPlex FX130 and FX170 are available now. The FX130 has a starting price of $349, and the FX170 has a starting price of $449. Further information about Dell OptiPlex FX130 and FX170 can be found here.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

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