FIRST LOOK: Jetway Magic Twin MiniQ Computer

2-User Operation

Since we have tested a number of Intel 865G SFF systems, we took a look at the Jetway in what is unique to the system, namely the 2-user operation. Frankly, we were skeptical that an 865G board with a hardware modification and a simple software layer could really provide 2-user operation with each user acting like a separate computer. We set up the 860Twin with an Intel 2.4, an 80GB hard drive, 512MB Memory, the 5600XT, Windows XP Pro and Magic Twin software. This would be considered a very low-cost entry-level Pentium 4 system, and is the kind of set-up a lot of buyers might use with the 860Twin.

We then used the splitters to feed 2 keyboards and 2 mice, used the on-board mini-jack for User 1 audio, and a USB converter (to mini-jacks) for User 2 audio. Two flat-panel connectors were connected to the 5600XT and off we went. The splitters were picky about the arrangements of connections for User 1 and User 2, but it was pretty easy to sort out. Otherwise, the setup was easy.

We set up 2 users who were checking email, writing in Word and adding data to spreadsheets. We had no problem getting our single-user installation of Microsoft Office to work just as if these were separate PC's. We also saw no perceptible difference in performance when we ran the 860Twin as a single user or with 2 users working. We can only assume that the time-slicing mechanism used to enable Magic Twin works very well.

As a SFF alone, we did a quick check of the Jetway versus a Shuttle system that is very low noise. With everything else off in the room, we could barely hear the Jetway. Compared to the latest Shuttle, the Jetway seemed just about as quiet. Certainly, most would consider the Jetway a very quiet system, not like some of the loud SFF systems that we have tested in the past.

Unfortunately, things in our industry don't always perform as promised, but the Jetway 860Twin did just what it promised - serving 2 users from a SFF system without a lot of hassle.