Cisco To Challenge iPad With Cius 'Business Tablet'

GMGruman and several other readers noted Cisco's announcement of the forthcoming 7-inch Android-based iPad challenger, the Cius, which "... will offer multiple networking capabilities, keyboard and mouse support, and the ability to do videoconferencing. Cisco says it will cost less than $1,000, or about the same as an iPad. The Cius will come with a front-facing high-definition video camera that can record 720p video at 30 frames per second and a 5-megapixel camera at the back that can capture high-quality video and still images. Users will be able to engage in live video calls [most likely via WebEx] when the tablet is docked or being held. Some units will be available this fall, though general availability is not expected until early 2011."

Comments

The software is key.

[pushing-robot]

They could probably duplicate the hardware, but I doubt Cisco could make anything like iOS.

Re:The software is key.

[masdog]

I see what you did there.

Android? Should be ios

[cstdenis]

Why would Cisco use Android? If they seriously want to compete with the iPad, they need to make it run ios.

Very User Friendly

[marciot]

Cius> enable t
Password:
Cius# conf t
Cius(configure)# addressbook
Cius(configure-addressbook)# phone bob 222-4343
^Z
Cius>dial bob
...

Cius>no dial bob

Re:OH GOD MAKE IT STOP

[Darkman, Walkin Dude]

I genuinely see no advantages of the tablet shape in any case, unless maybe you work in inventory or something and you can hang it from your belt by a strap. I mean how do you carry it without the screen being scratched? Also keyboards are not additional complications, they are NECCESSARY to prevent greasy and/or fat fingers getting on the monitor and blocking what the monitor is meant to do. Its been tried before and failed, for good reasons, and once the Apple marketing spin fades away, so will the ipad.

I fully expect this to be modded down for no greater reason than some sucker wants to justify his purchase. Meh.