Is Google Chromebook the Ultimate VDI / TS / RDS Client?

I'm sure that when Google Engineers designed the Chromebook, virtual desktops (VDI) and Remote Desktop Services (RDS) were the last things on their mind. And yet, after using Chromebook for several weeks, I believe that it may be the ultimate client for VDI and RD Session Host (Terminal Services), certainly for mobile users (and let's face it - almost everybody is at least occasionally mobile these days.) Here are my "Top Ten" reasons why Chromebooks are such a great fit for VDI / TS / RDS:

1. Chromebooks are relatively cheap, and easily replaced.
2. They are lightweight yet durable, without moving parts (SSD instead of HD).
3. They can run for over eight hours on a single charge.
4. They have built-in Wi-Fi and 3G.
5. They have a keyboard, touch-pad and support standard mice (tablets may be cooler, but let’s face it, the Windows desktop and applications were not designed for touch-screens).
6. They are instant on - it only takes a few seconds from hitting the power button until you are connected to the remote desktop.
7. You can’t install software on it, so no risk of malware such as viruses, Trojans, or key-loggers.
8. For the same reason, Chromebooks require zero local administration, which is one of the main reasons for using VDI / TS in the first place.
9. They have a built-in browser (guess which), making it possible to connect in airports, hotels, etc.
10. The same browser can also be used to access web content locally, thus reducing the load on the RDP hosts.
11. They support Ericom AccessNow, which enables remote access to both Windows desktops and applications. Ericom AccessNow also integrates with PowerTerm WebConnect (which brokers VDI and TS / RDS) and with the VMware View VDI connection broker.

OK, that’s eleven - I couldn’t resist :) By the way, I wrote this post from home on a Chromebook connected to a Windows desktop at the office using Ericom AccessNow.