My company recently ordered several HP Elite t755 Thin Clients running on IGEL OS. We didn't realize that this OS requires licenses for RDP access, making them pretty much useless after the trial licenses expire. We're trying to avoid subscription-based licensing, which seems to be the only way forward with IGEL OS. Now, I find myself in a tough spot deciding between three options: 1. Get the subscription for IGEL OS, 2. Install a different OS on these Thin Clients, or 3. Purchase new thin clients with an OS that doesn't require a subscription. I don't want to waste the old units since we might sell them back or repurpose them later, but I'm leaning away from installing a new OS due to potential hardware compatibility issues and warranty concerns. I've checked out HP ThinPro and HP Smart Zero Core; they seem like better options, but I can't find licensing info for Smart Zero Core. Do those licenses come built-in with the Thin Clients, and are there other HP models I should consider if we decide to buy new ones? Note that we're setting this up for a client, and we prefer to avoid subscriptions when possible, even if it costs a bit more in the long run.
5 Answers
You can load pretty much any OS on those models, including Linux for kiosk setups connecting to your RDP server. If it doesn’t void the warranty, you could try wiping one to test Linux and install RDP just to see how it runs. If you're after something more user-friendly, consider a version of Windows IoT—it's lighter and might suit your needs!
Consider using 10ZiG RepurpOS on those thin clients. Alternatively, since there are only a few, you might just send them back and find a different vendor. I’ve had good experiences with 10ZiG, though I’m not in a VDI setup anymore.
Good point! Checking other options might save you some headaches down the line.
Have you checked Thin Linx? It could be a viable option for your thin clients. Might be worth exploring!
Wow, $800 for those thin clients? You could have just bought laptops with Windows licensing for that price! I'd suggest talking to your HP reseller or sales rep for some advice. It's hard to determine the best course of action without knowing your specific needs, but that’s quite an investment!
Yeah, with that kind of money, a solid laptop could've been a better choice! But I get it, sometimes those decisions come from higher up. Would be cool to see how this plays out!
I hear you, TechWhiz. It may be worth looking into the specifics of your use case before committing to any long-term licenses.
There are control room appliances out there that offer RDP with perpetual licenses. I can't mention names due to my work, but they could be a solution for your situation!
If you can’t name names, could you maybe DM me the info? I’m facing a similar dilemma and would love some specifics.
I agree! 10ZiG's hardware is solid, and their RepurpOS is excellent. Just be cautious of potential licensing changes that may impact your setup.