Carson Block, Carson Block Consulting
CPUs, Thin Clients, Laptops… What’s the Difference?
Thin Clients will most likely be cheaper than buying a full desktop, take up less space than a full desktop, and possibly even use less electricity over the device’s life span.[1] This is because they are designed to work with a server or using cloud-based services. The Thin Client device itself does not have large amounts of memory because it is designed to store everything on the server, meaning that it works better in places with better network connections. Thin Clients might also make pushing necessary updates or setting policies (such as clearing the cache after each time the device is used) easier for IT, because those updates and policies can be set for the server.[2] Despite these apparent benefits, because the Thin Client does not have much processing power, it may not be the best device for streaming video or audio, or work for gaming purposes.
A traditional Computer Processing Unit (CPU) will be more expensive than a Thin Client, but might be a better solution if the library’s network connections are slow. Unlike the Thin Client, CPUs work by storing information locally, meaning that the storage capabilities will need to be considered. Multiple users on the device might mean that the Random Access Memory (RAM) is filled up quickly, even with a profile clearing policy set up on the device. Once the RAM is filled up, the device will slow down, and eventually won’t be able to run processes that require memory. Unlike the Thin Client, however, depending on the graphics card within the CPU, a higher quality may be achieved for displaying visuals for things like streaming video or gaming. Most CPUs will need to be wired into the network, sharing the same issues that Thin Clients have.
If either a Thin Client or a traditional CPU are used, each device will require a computer monitor. Some monitors may come with things like a built-in camera and microphones, but not all. While there are definite pros to having these devices already connected to the device, there may be privacy concerns for the computer users. Monitors come in a range of sizes, and if the library chooses to use desks that recess the screens, there may be an upward cap on the size of the screen. Aside from physical size, the other major consideration for monitors will be resolution. Resolution determines the quality of the screen imaging, and is measured in pixels. While there are standalone devices that combine a CPU and monitor that can connect wirelessly, such devices tend to not have a lot of RAM.
Using laptops and docking stations may take up less desk space than either a thin client or a CPU. Expectations from laptops can vary widely between brands and models, and like a CPU and monitor pairing, RAM, graphics, and resolution should all be considered during the selection process. Like with CPUs, the library will want to consider the storage capabilities of each unit. While the laptop has its own screen, most can also be configured to work with a monitor, either as the primary screen or a secondary screen. Securing the laptop to the desk might be something the library needs to consider, if there are concerns that these could walk away, and this can be done fairly affordably.
Knowing that these devices won’t last forever allows the library to plan for a replacement schedule. Most Thin Clients will last six to eight years, while a standard CPU can last three to five years, an All-In-One device can last for three to five years, a laptop can last four to five years, and the docking station for the laptop might last three to five years.[3] Estimates for server lifespan vary wildly based on what model the library chooses and how they’re maintained, but five to seven years are industry standards.[4] Computer monitors are measured in usage hours, and average between 30,000 to 60,000 usage hours before needing to be replaced, meaning that of all of the devices, these will be the longest-term investment.[5] While it’s generally acknowledged that libraries have a tendency to retain their technology past the recommended replacement window, planning for replacements might allow the library to stagger the cost, and maintain the services offered.
Thin Client | CPU | All in One | |
Local Memory | No. Cloud/Network Based | Yes | Yes |
Wired or Wireless? | Wired | Wired, can be adapted to Wireless | Wired, can be adapted to Wireless |
Separate Screen | Yes | Yes | No |
Replacement Schedule | 6-8 years | 3-5 years | 3-5 years |
An awareness of planned software systems might inform the library’s choice of hardware. Some software will not work on competitor brands or will perform better on some devices. While the Apple versus Windows debate may seem silly, if the library has a subscription to a service that can only function on one, it might be wise to consider either a mix of brands, or using the brand that works best with that software. This brand awareness also carries into the periphery goods, such as mice, keyboards, and even headsets.
Periphery goods may also help shape the usability and safety of the space. Ergonomic mice and keyboards are an easy way to care for those who use the computers in the lab. Similarly, having trackballs, large print keyboards, one-hand keyboards, keyboard guards, or other types of keyboards may make workstations more accessible to the community. In the post-Covid world, considering how to clean things handled by multiple people is a matter of safety and an act of kindness. Things like keyboards, computer mice, and headsets in particular should all be chosen with a mind for how easy it will be to sanitize the device. Additionally, if the monitor is not recessed, an adhesive screen cover to protect the privacy of computer users can be applied to each monitor.[6]
While most of the country experiences severe weather regularly, planning for thunderstorms and bad weather is something everyone can do. A battery backup with surge protection capability may prevent the devices connected to it from being fried by a lightning strike, and provides enough time to save and close open files, preventing devices from shutting down suddenly. While this is technically not considered a periphery good, it is a useful tool to extend the life of your devices.
Wi-Fi vs. Wired Connections
Wired connections can be more stable, but also can be overloaded and slow should a large number of people be on the network at one time, using it for things that require large amounts of data. Thin Clients cannot be wireless, and a fair number of CPUs are also meant to have a wired connection. This means that if you have a lot of devices, your network speeds may decrease significantly if all are in use at the same time. However, there are affordable adaptors that can be purchased to enable a CPU to connect to a wireless connection, both as cards that can be installed into the devices and as USB adapters. This might expand the library’s options, but it is another piece of equipment that will need to be maintained.
Other Services
Printing services are not new to the list of library services, but establishing the difference between devices can be difficult. There are several major types of printers available on the market right now. The two most common types are inkjets (typical for desk printers and home printing needs), and laser (most commonly found in commercial settings). Inkjets typically use ink cartridges, which can be expensive, and require regular use, while laser printers rely on toner, and can handle larger scale printing jobs. Both use dots per inch (DPI) as the measurement for quality–the higher the number of ink or toner dots in a square inch, the less grainy the print will be. Additional specs for printers may include a pages per minute range, or PPM, which describes how quickly a printer can complete a print job; whether the printer can manage double sided printing; and the size of the paper trays.[7]
Paper, ink, and toner cartridges aren’t cheap, and eat up space. Some companies will provide contracts that either lease or sell the printer or scanner to the library as well as provide maintenance and a set amount of toner as needed, and any extras for a fee. Alternatively, the library could purchase the physical hardware out right, from either the company, or from office supplies stores. Since digital print management systems, which can either enable select public workstations to print or even to enable patrons to print from their own devices, may have specific requirements (such as a wi-fi enabled printer), there may be some technical specifications the library needs to look for.[8]
Much like printing to paper, the specific 3D printers and devices selected for Makerspaces may be determined by software specifications[1] [2] [3] [4] . It never hurts to double check that the device will be compatible with the other equipment it is supposed to work with before purchasing. It is not uncommon for the 3D printer to come with a preferred software, or a preferred set of specifications for the computers files are created and manipulated on.
In the post-Covid world, teleconferencing has reached new highs. Regardless of whether the space is a fully soundproofed room or cubical, hosting a dedicated video conferencing space raises questions. Will the space have a computer or provide a way to connect personal devices to speakers? What about a separate screen? Anticipating the uses of the space, for personal meetings such as telehealth appointments to “hot desking”, or shared work spaces that have docking capabilities.[9]
For small spaces, an all-in-one video conferencing device might be particularly appealing, containing a tablet sized screen, speaker, and microphones.[10] Meanwhile, a larger, traditional conference space may be equipped with a separate screen, video camera, speakers, and microphones, which in turn all connect to a CPU somewhere in the room. Devices like a Meeting Owl may combine a 360 degree camera, speakers, and microphones, reducing the number of devices that need to be configured, though even those devices would need to be linked to a CPU.[11] Fewer devices means fewer wires, and fewer things that can break, and fewer things to try to configure, but it may also mean a heftier investment initially.
Much like with monitors, for web cameras and screens, the higher the image resolution is, the better the visual quality will be. This is measured in pixels, and generally, the larger the number, the more detail will be visible. There are a number of high quality cameras on the market at the moment, but cameras that can capture everyone in the meeting space might be a better choice, over those that can only pick up a portion of the space. Screens can include everything from a ceiling mounted projector screen to an interactive smartboard, depending on the desired capabilities of the space.
Just as the space should be soundproofed, the microphones should be noise-canceling or noise-reducing, to filter out white noise or background noises other than speech. There are a number of devices that can serve as both a microphone and a speaker, and can connect via either Bluetooth or cable to the CPU.
Technology Lending Programs
Not everything can be done in every library. If the computer lab space doesn’t have capacity to provide all of the services the library wants to provide, perhaps a technology loaning program might help supplement the lab. If the library offers a public wi-fi connection, offering laptops for either in-library use or to take home might expand the number of devices available for use.
Even if the library does not have public wi-fi, loaning hotspots may be an easy way to improve connections. The hotspot devices can be obtained from several major cellular companies, and are billed on a monthly subscription basis, much like a cellphone. Since hotspots work through major cellular companies’ data networks; if a particular company doesn’t have great service to the area, the library might not want to consider them.
Additional peripherals that could be loaned for use within the library might include headsets, mentioned above, video cameras, or adapters for CDs or other media formats. CD drives have become uncommon in CPUs and laptops alike, and are not included on Thin Client devices, though most of these technologies will have USB ports for external peripherals to be plugged into.
[1] “The Green Benefits of Thin Client Computing,” University of Penn Information Systems and Computing, August 30, 2016, https://www.isc.upenn.edu/how-to/green-benefits-thin-client-computing; “PCS VS. Thin Client Devices,” thinkTech Advisors, May, 2020, https://thinktechadvisors.com/2020/05/pros-cons-of-thin-client-devices/
[2] “Thin Clients Vs Full Desktops, a Financial and Operations Comparison,” neDigital, Accessed March 24, 2024, https://www.nedigital.com/en/blog/thin-clients-vs-full-desktops-financial-and-operations-comparison.
[3] Alex Franco, “How long does an All-in-one computer last? (3 Major Factors),” PC Tech Kits, Accessed March 24, 2024, https://www.pctechkits.com/how-long-does-an-all-in-one-computer-last/#:~:text=The%20average%20lifespan%20of%20an%20all-in-one%20computer%20is,average%20lifetime%20is%20less%20compared%20to%20a%20desktop.; Dave Johnson, “How long does a laptop last? 7 signs that you’re due for an upgrade,” Business Insider, October 24, 2022, https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/how-long-do-laptops-last.
[4] Christopher Tozzi, “Why Expected Server Lifetime Is in the Eye of the Beholder,” October 5, 2017, https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/how/why-expected-server-lifetime-eye-beholder#close-modal; Parker, “How Long Do Servers Last?,” Park Place technologies, July 21, 2022, https://www.parkplacetechnologies.com/blog/how-long-do-servers-last-lifespan-expectancy/.
[5] Lawrence Bonk, “How Long Does A Computer Monitor Last?,” Gadget Review, Updated February 14, 2024, https://www.gadgetreview.com/computer-monitor-lifespan.
[6] Marshall Breeding, “Future-Proofing Your Library’s Technology Infrastructure,” The Systems Librarian (December, 2022): 11.
[7] Dan Price, “8 Things to Check When Buying a New Printer,” Make Use Of, Updated June 1, 2023, https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/buying-new-printer-checklist/#:~:text=8%20Things%20to%20Check%20When%20Buying%20a%20New,Options%20…%208%208.%20All-In-One%20Printer%20Features%20.
[8] Marshall Breeding, “Smart Libraries Q&A: print management systems,” Smart Libraries Newsletter(September, 2019), https://librarytechnology.org/document/24771#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20major%20print%20management%20solutions%20for,environment%2C%20offered%20by%20Print%20Manager.%20…%20More%20items; “Printing, Copying, Scanning and Payment for Libraries,” Princh, Accessed March 24, 2024, https://princh.com/library-printing-solution/.
[9] “Hot desking streamlined | Webex Desk Hub,” Cisco Video Portal, Accessed March 27, 2024, https://video.cisco.com/detail/video/6290992065001.
[10] Derek Stevens, “The best video conferencing equipment for 2023,” Webex Blog, April 26, 2023, https://blog.webex.com/collaboration-devices/best-video-conferencing-equipment/.
[11] “Meeting Owl 3,” Owllabs, Accessed MArch 27, 2024, https://owllabs.com/products/meeting-owl-3?utm_source=bing&utm_campaign=US_Non-Brand_Core_Conference-Camera&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=conference%20room%20camera&hsa_kw=conference%20room%20camera&hsa_mt=p&hsa_tgt=kwd-71606431664593:loc-190&hsa_src=o&hsa_ad=&hsa_ver=3&hsa_cam=11004655800&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_acc=2493962266&hsa_grp=1145692075049592&cq_cmp=US_Non-Brand_Core_Conference%20Camera&cq_con=Conference%20Room%20Camera_phrase&cq_net=o&cq_plt=bp&msclkid=17fbef74480f163bb2b4897002d78e0e.