Windows Embedded Standard 7/Thin PC

[Tim the Techxpert]

Hi There,
As long as your old PC meets the specs listed above AND you can find a way to purchase it here in RSA then I see no reason why it would not be a good low cost use of old technology.

I would be investigating it further if I was you.

Regards

Tim

 

[sajunky]

But to try and answer your question. If you can get it on it should run fine. Ive seen some thin clients with 1.2GHz with 2GB ram and 8GB storage run WES7 well - but remember these devices are not really designed to be used as stand alone PCs per se, they usually have a client protocol installed that is used to connect to a server where most of the processing takes place.

^This.

I installed ThinPC 7 on Fujitsu ST5112 Tablet (Core 2 Duo U7700 i945GM) 2GB RAM. It runs super smooth. OS is at the level 7601 (with Service pack 1). It includes Aero scheme (Home Basic or Starter do not!). Start menu includes server features like:
- Windows PowerShell /ISE
- Subsystem for UNIX-based Applications

Bad things: features are locked, you will be missing Solitaire and other games.

Other bad things: some basic features are not working. Watcom pen by example. It behaves like on XP without tablet component. Driver is installed correctly, but some underlying framework is missing. Properties panel shows "Pen Input is available", but pointer not working. There are also missing apps for handwriting recognition.

Multimedia features are incomplete or moved to the server. Clicking on .jpg file doesn't open in Photo Gallery Viewer. When launched from command line it returns error "Picture printing is not available without the Desktop Experience Feature". Quick googling reveals it is for installing application on the server.

Windows Experience Index cannot be computed (Direct 3D tests fail). It is not driver issue, as Intel GMA950 drivers are passing tests on other OS.

Playing music. Media player is unable to play mp3 file.

To conclude my mini review I have to say. This package is unsuitable for home user. Here is a quote from Readme file, Perhaps it should be readed at first place:

No support for certain Windows products and features
Windows Thin PC does not support the following products and features:

.NET Framework 3.5


Premium codecs: Microsoft AC3 Encoder (Dolby), Microsoft DTV-DVD Audio Decoder (MPEG-2, AAC), Microsoft DTV-DVD Video Decoder (MPEG-2, H.264), MPEG-2 Audio and Video Encoder, MPEG Layer-3 Audio Codec (MP3), MPEG-4 Decoders, Windows Media Video Codecs (VC-1)


Microsoft Security Essentials


Windows Live Essentials

What next? I am looking for original (untouched) copy of Windows XP Pro SP2 OEM version (CD label VRMPOEM_EN - not sure). I need this version to integrate Tablet PC component. My OEM copy is VX2POEM_EN (SP2b level) and includes wrong DotNet version.
Chances are little that I can get copy of Windows 2005 Tablet Edition unless resorting to something loaded with trojans, please let me know if you have one.

 

[sajunky]

Well, when I asked where to find pirated copy of ThinPC I got number of helpful hands in PM. When I ask a copy for legit purpose, there is nothing.... Certainly, it should be hundred thousands copies of the first integrated SP2 OEM release around. So thank you guys for overhealming response. <g>

My dilema was (now solved) that when using legit COA numbers attached to device, Setup is attempting to install Tablet PC component which I don't really need, but installation is not good if I don't supply Tablet PC component (CD2). Tablet PC component doesn't install properly either. It is due to incompatible dotNET in my copy of Windows. Everything is fine if using pirated numbers for XP Pro (not Tablet PC numbers). So in essence MS$ is forcing me to use pirated numbers....

Luckily I found old XP Pro OEM hologram CD (RTM release) and free SP2 CD with files dated 2004, the same as TabletPC component found on the tablet's hard drive. After copying entire CD to a folder and applying service pack 2 with /integrate option, I get 2004 build of XP Pro with SP2, right dotNET version together with Tablet PC update files.

Now after adding TabletPC.cab to the CMPNENTS\TABLETPC folder (having still available space) and burning bootable CD (using ImgBurn), my copy installs as a Tablet PC 2005! Online activation is succesful besides of the fact that there was no copy of generic OEM Tablet PC 2005 available (only from Royalty OEM's).

Next step is to integrate Intel SATA AHCI drivers, as there is a problem with switching to AHCI mode after installation and tablet has no floppy drive for the F6 drivers install.