HP is switching to Via processors for its new thin client computers. The vendor had previously used the Crusoe and Efficeon processors from Transmeta.

HP is set to start shipping the new t5125, t5520 and t5525 models equipped with the Via Eden processor, but will stick to the Transmeta processor for the current t5710 model.

Power efficiency was the main reason for HP to select the chip from the Taiwanese vendor, according to Greg Schmidt, product marketing manager for HP's Imaging and Personal Systems Group.

"Via's high-performance low-power design allows for a smaller footprint. This is a big bonus to a traditional desktop customer wishing to capitalise on the security and manageability of thin client computing in a small, reliable and cost efficient client," he said.

Thin client computers offer enterprises a low cost alternative to desktop computers. Applications and user data are stored on a central server instead of on the user's desktop, leading to lower maintenance costs.

The new HP computers run Windows CE or Linux and use 128MB to 256MB of Flash memory for storing firmware and caching.

Transmeta has discontinued its line of Crusoe and 130 nm Efficeon processors and last week sold the product line to Culturecom of China. 

The company has committed to fulfilling existing orders and will continue to supply HP with its chips for existing thin clients.