Seven Hot Features From LG's Zero Client Monitor

Monitor With Benefits

Who needs a computer when there's zero client monitors like those from LG Electronics? The Korean electronics giant in October will begin shipping the N1910LZ, a 19-inch LCD monitor with built-in PCoIP and RDP client logic, enabling deployment of VMware View and Microsoft Remote Desktop clients as easily as setting up a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Part of its P-Series unveiled at CES in January, the N1910LZ is built with a 4:3 aspect ratio and will be followed by 22-inch model with a 16:10 ratio. Both support PCoIP and RDP; an R-Series, to support Microsoft's Hyper-V, is under development.

Connecting The In/Out

Out of the box, the N1910LZ looks and sets up like any other monitor. Just attach its screw-on base and you're ready to plug into a video source. Like many monitors these days, the N1910 includes audio and USB ports. These are on the left side when the monitor is pivoted in landscape mode. Depending on client settings (shown later), signals through the headphone, speaker and microphone jacks are redirected from the host to the client.

Monitor With Connections

This larger panel handles home DVI output, VGA input and output, Fast Ethernet, power and two more USB 2.0 connectors, for a total of four. Aside from the small AC/CD power adapter connector, the only connection needed here is one to the LAN. When the monitor is in landscape mode, this panel faces down, helping to keep cables low and out of the way. When a new connection is needed, the N1910LZ's pivoting exposes the connectors for easier installation. A 15-pin VGA input (with included cable) allows the monitor to display content from another source, for example a laptop. Additional VGA and DVI outputs permit connections to additional monitors for mirroring or desktop extension.

In Search Of A Host

Once connected to a LAN and powered up, the N1910LZ obtains an IP address if available (DHCP client is enabled by default) and begins searching for VMware View hosts. While Teradici's PCoIP protocol is enabled by default, the unit also supports Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), which we used for our tests.

Make The Connection

If no hosts are found automatically, this is remedied with a trip to the Options>Configuration menu, where the Session tab enables selection of the host protocol, along with corresponding settings and preferences. An additional tab (not shown) permits selection of RDP-specific performance settings such as the default screen resolution, color depth (8, 16 or 24), audio and wallpaper, as well as the Terminal Server port.

Take The VMware View

When using VMware, the VMware View tab lets administrators select whether to use an IP address or a fully qualified domain name (FQDN), which port to use and how to secure it. Further security can be enabled with a Kiosk Mode, which locks access to the unit's particular MAC address (or a custom one) with password.

Multiple Functions

User-accessible settings include mouse and keyboard responsiveness preferences, an image quality slider and Display Topology, shown here. These settings control resolution, rotation and display position relative to other monitors attached in a matrix. As a monitor, the N1910LZ is better than average. At its maximum native resolution of 1280 x 1024, the LED-lit TN panel puts out clear, bright images when viewed straight on, but exhibits color and brightness shifting as viewing angles increase. Its five-button control panel is among the best we've seen, with on-screen button labels that change as their functions do. As a zero client, the N1910LZ behaves exactly as it's supposed to; it sets up in seconds, it automatically tries to find a host on power-up, and if it doesn't it presents menus to rectify the situation with ease, and it acts like a high-end monitor when needed. The units runs a bit hot though; 110 degrees at the top of the rear vent, and 107 on the screen. These temperatures cooled by a few degrees when using the unit as just a monitor. It consumed 39 watts during all operations. Pricing was not immediately available.