HP and 3M power desktop PCs with just an Ethernet cable

HP and 3M have collaborated on a project they call One Wire. In essence, this is a combination of thin client desktop PC and power-over-Ethernet cable to produce a simple system that can be used in both emerging markets, and in disaster situations.

The resulting product, called the T410, supports Citrix, VMware and Microsoft, as a thin client. It's powered not using a power cable, but by a single Ethernet cable connected to a powered switch.

In order to produce a desktop thin client that would use just 13 Watts of power, there had to be some new technology, and some compromises. It took about 18 months to develop One Wire in concert with 3M.

3M and HP worked together to create a screen technology for the T410 where the film reflects light from the LED back onto the screen, so that it's brighter and can produce an image using much less power. There are improved signal processors within the screens firmware, too.

This means that the maximum size for the One Wire system is 18.5 inches at the moment, and requires a powered switch. It needs to have the combination of a power-over-ethernet cable plus the modified monitor technology.

HP sees its main use in emerging markets, where low power solutions are vital, but there is also potential during disasters; if it only takes a single cable to deliver both power and network connectivity, with low power requirements, this can get computing systems back up and running much faster.