The Chip PC Jack PC is a wall-mounted thin client computer from 2006

The Chip PC Jack PC is a compact thin client computer designed to be mounted directly into a wall-mounted Ethernet jack. Released in early 2006 for approximately $300, the device was intended to function as a space-saving, secure, and fully managed workstation within a server-based computing environment. It runs a pre-installed version of Windows CE 4.20 Professional and connects to a remote server to provide a full Windows desktop experience. The hardware consists of a wall plate, mounting hardware, and the main computing unit. It features a DVI port, USB ports, and audio jacks, and it is designed to be powered by a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) injected cable, which eliminates the need for a separate power supply. The device's design aims to reduce desk clutter and prevent unauthorized removal or accidental disconnection from the network. While the unit is capable of basic remote desktop connectivity, it lacks a standard file browser and has limited local functionality, as it is primarily intended to serve as a terminal for accessing remote applications.

Tech4K StaffVideo report

The Chip PC Jack PC is a compact thin client computer designed to be mounted directly into a wall-mounted Ethernet jack. Released in early 2006 for approximately $300, the device was intended to function as a space-saving, secure, and fully managed workstation within a server-based computing environment. It runs a pre-installed version of Windows CE 4.20 Professional and connects to a remote server to provide a full Windows desktop experience. The hardware consists of a wall plate, mounting hardware, and the main computing unit. It features a DVI port, USB ports, and audio jacks, and it is designed to be powered by a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) injected cable, which eliminates the need for a separate power supply. The device's design aims to reduce desk clutter and prevent unauthorized removal or accidental disconnection from the network. While the unit is capable of basic remote desktop connectivity, it lacks a standard file browser and has limited local functionality, as it is primarily intended to serve as a terminal for accessing remote applications.

The Jack PC is a thin client computer designed to be mounted directly into a wall-mounted Ethernet jack. The device was first released in early 2006 with a retail price of approximately $300.

It runs on Windows CE 4.20 Professional and is intended to connect to a server for a full Windows experience. The unit supports Power-over-Ethernet, which allows it to be powered through the network cable.

Its design aims to reduce desk clutter and prevent unauthorized removal or accidental disconnection from the network. The device lacks a standard file browser and has limited local functionality, focusing on remote desktop connectivity.

Chapter guide

Introduction to the Jack PCOverview of the Jack PC's unique wall-mounted form factor and its purpose as a thin client.Company and Product BackgroundInformation about Chip PC Technologies and the original release of the Jack PC in 2006.Hardware ComponentsBreakdown of the Jack PC's three main parts: mounting hardware, wall plate, and the computing unit.Booting and OS OverviewInitial boot process of the Jack PC and an overview of the Windows CE 4.20 operating system.Configuring Remote ConnectionsSetting up a remote desktop connection using the built-in connection manager.Logging into a Remote DesktopDemonstration of successfully logging into a remote Windows XP computer.Testing Local Storage and SoftwareAttempting to access local storage and install software from a USB drive and CD.

Worth noting

  • The video demonstrates the device using a non-standard, improvised setup, including a scrap piece of drywall for mounting and a separate PoE injector.
  • The device is no longer supported by the manufacturer, and its software is outdated.

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