The $50 Computer

“Project Ophelia”. It sounds like a black ops secret government project. Well, almost, but not quite.

It all started with WYSE,  a world leader of thin client technology, and desktop virtualization. In April, 2012, Dell quietly acquired WYSE, which was definitely a very wise decision. Dell then renamed the company “Dell WYSE”, and leveraged the newly purchased technology treasure trove to create an Android 4 based ultra miniature device, a tad larger than a USB memory stick, and enables users to convert any MHL capable TV or monitor into a personal computer. The device gets its power from the attached display through a Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) interface to the monitor’s MHL port, therefore no batteries are involved.

It is an Android 4 based device, but it virtualizes multiple Operating Systems (OSs), including Windows, Mac OS X, Google’s Chrome OS, and any other OS you really would want to run, as it is a thin client maintained, controlled, and managed by Dell Wyse Cloud Client Manager software-as-a-service (SaaS). Because it is a thin client, it enables instant and secure access to your personal cloud, entertainment, work content, and applications wherever there is an available capable display. It has integrated  Wi-Fi for internet connectivity, and Bluetooth, allowing use of a keyboard and mouse wirelessly.

To learn more about MHL, read a previous column I wrote ” MHL: A Link To Big Screen Entertainment ” that talks more about the technology.

So, what does this mean for YOU?

This is the evolution of computing. The era of bulky desktop systems, or even laptops, is coming to an end, replaced by an ultra mobile thin client, with all applications, data, and storage in the cloud. This means reduced costs, increased computing power and capacity.

Project Ophelia will be available in the first half of 2013 from Dell Cloud Client Computing, and is slated to cost approximately $50 for the hardware. No word yet about any possible monthly service fees.

What do you think? I would love your thoughts and comments. You can Email me directly at drtechblog@gmail.com and I will reply to as many of your messages as possible, maybe using some questions and answers in a future post.

J. D. Redmond  ~ “Dr. Tech” ~ http://www.DrTech.co

Jacques Redmond

About Jacques Redmond

I'm an I.T. Security Professional, Technology Analyst, Consultant, & Tech Writer Protecting You From Viruses, Malware, Trojans, Hackers, and other Cyber Threats. I enjoy taking complicated subjects, and putting them in a way that's easy for everyone to understand. My site INFORMATIONWARFARE.US gives free advice to combat threats to your system.