Understand
Overview of the Chip PC Jack PC Wall Outlet Thin Client Computer
Overview
A detailed look at the Chip PC Jack PC, a unique thin client computer released in early 2006 designed to look like a standard North American wall outlet. The device runs Windows CE 4.2 and is intended to be mounted in walls to free up desk space, powered via Power over Ethernet (PoE), and connected to a remote server using remote desktop protocols.
Key points
- The Jack PC by Chip PC Technologies was first released in early 2006 for around $300 as a wall-mounted thin client.
- It aims to reduce desk clutter by fitting inside a wall plate and running on a single PoE Ethernet cable.
- The unit tested runs Windows CE 4.2 and lacks a visible standard Windows Explorer file browser in its default setup.
- It supports remote desktop connections to access a full-fledged Windows operating system on a host computer.
- Gaming over remote desktop, such as playing Half-Life, results in significant lag and performance limitations.
- The product line has since been discontinued by the manufacturer.