Cisco has now entered the Indian tablet market by launching the Cisco Cius tablet. However the Cius is not a low cost tablet but comes for a price and is targeted especially for business use. This tablet can function like a PC, a business phone and is perfect for running business applications and reading emails on the move.

Cisco Cius features

The hardware configuration is similar to many of the tablet PC available in the market. Cius comes with an Intel Atom Processor (not sure if it is a dual core or a single core), the touch screen is of size 7 inches supporting 1260 by 700 pixels resolution, this device houses 1 GB RAM, supports 3G /4G and comes with built in Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n).

Cisco Cius is a bit advanced as it does support 4G but this technology is current not available in India. Up to 32 GB of expandable memory can be used in case you run out of free storage space. There are 2 cameras, one placed at the back and the other in front for video calling and video chat. Video recording at 720p (HD video) is possible.

The Cisco Cius tablet is especially designed for business executives and for that reason it comes loaded with applications like Cisco Jabber Instant Messenger, Web Conferencing, Calendar, organizer, email and telepresence.  Almost all tablets that are available come with built in battery but the Cius gives users the option to replace the battery when needed, because for business use 8 hours of battery runtime may not be sufficient and users can always carry a spare battery.

Cisco Cius  tablet replaceable battery
Cisco Cius tablet replaceable battery

Cius is strictly for business use if you are looking for a tablet for home or small business use look out for the Reliance 3G Tab, Mercury mTab, Spice Mi-720, iBall Slide and Beetel Magiq to name a few.

The Cisco Cius will run on the Android 2.2 OS which is pretty much outdated, but Cisco has confirmed that this tablet can work even on the Ice Cream Sandwich OS. Access to the Android market will allow users to download and install apps they want. Cisco AppHQ is Cisco’s own android app store that administrators can setup it is a kind of store within a store. The administrators will make only company approved apps which can be downloaded by company employees.  Moreover the administrators will also have the power to disable or enable android market when required.

An optional Cius docking station is also available; you can place the tablet on the dock which will then resemble a desktop phone. The docking station comes with Ethernet port so you can connect wired network and surf on the tablet.

Cisco Cius business tablet price in India
Cisco Cius business tablet price in India

Cisco Cius Price In India

MRP: Rs. 35,000 for the Cisco Cius android tablet.
MRP: Rs. 50,000 for Cisco Cius android tablet with docking station.

By Rajeev Rana

Founder and Chief Editor - gogi.in