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Cisco Cius….

I know that this is old news to most, but I felt like rekindling the flame a little bit as we edge ever closer to the general release of Cisco’s Android powered tablet.

So for review, here are the specs for the Cius:

- The Cius features a 7” mutli-touch capacitive screen with 1024 X 600-pixel resolution

-Powered by an Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor

-1GB of RAM

-32GB of flash memory

-OS – Android 2.2 Froyo (however Cisco states that they will be keeping up with newest versions of Android

-It features two cameras:

-A forward-facing one that is capable of 720p HD video at 30 frames per second

-And also a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera capable of VGA video

-Wireless antennae are built in to the Cius as well as Bluetooth 3.0 capabilities

-Additionally, 3G (and 4G most likely) support for data traffic will be available

-External ports (via the Media Station) include

+ 3 USB Ports

+ 3.5-mm headset jack

+ 1-Gbps switch ports with POE support

+ Additional Speaker

+ DisplayPort (which is a VGA/DVI replacement – of course there are adapters available to convert DisplayPort to legacy monitors

- Ports on the device itself

+ Micro USB

+ Micro SD slot

+ HDMI

+ 3.5-mm headphone jack

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After this “review” the question still remains….

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Is the Cisco Cius the first “real” iPad rival?

In short I would have to say, no.

The Cius is a commercial device that is specifically targeted toward Unified Communications and Cloud Computing.  Though the iPad has apps that will allow access to a Virtual Desktop, this is a “bonus” of the iPad, where as the Cius (with it’s dock) could end up being the all in one device that us cloud enthusiasts have been looking for.  Plus, with it’s expandability and seamless integration with all of Cisco’s Unified Communication products, the Cius could really replace a desktop (or thin client), standard IP phone, and iPad (or other tablet).   I feel that this causes a Morpheus moment of “freeing you mind”.  We are moving to a world where the desktop and laptop are morphing into the same device.

Plus, with the open source nature of the Android OS, this really opens the door for developers to create serious business applications that would provide a unique benefit to the device.  (No App Store red tape)

Of course security is always an issue, but Cisco (being quite security conscious themselves) have made it so that the devices can be locked down pretty tight, where you can even block the Android Market.

So, is the Cisco Cius a viable Cloud Computing, Unified Communication device?

I would have to say, yes.  This is really the first of its kind, and with Cisco’s backing I believe that the Cius could become very popular over the next year.

Let’s hope that Cisco puts its best foot forward when the device is generally released, and keep to that under $1000 price tag.

I know I’m excited to see it in action!!

Here are a couple links with hands on demos of the Cisco Cius…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pGTyj7DohU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpIPaoq08w4

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