X11 got it's start back in the days when networks were
 built with hubs, not 10/100/1000 switches, and it worked
 well back then. It's only gotten back with time.

> >How 'bout just using a regular X terminal?
> X is a heavy-duty GUI interface. it is sure to consume
> more network bandwidth than other GUI interfaces. IMO,
> thin clients are not popular because they expect a fat
> pipe architecture which is not feasible now.
>