I've done the x-term thing, and i've admin'd mac networks. that is, if you're buying from a reputable vendor, but the dirt cheap ones usually have a corresponding increase in problems. Note, also, that x-terms aren't as cheap as you'd think - i'm constantly surprised by how expensive they are, actually. on our floor of ~30 NCD x-terms, we swapped out about one a month. i've admin'd sites with that model, and it's wonderful to be able to just replace the whole unit and have to do near-zero config when one breaks. but it involves running the server and keeping the terminal hardware up. The x-term + back-room server model works great if you already have an IT staff on-site for other reasons.
