Is Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is making a bet that a business-oriented tablet will catch on with the enterprise thanks to the popularity of the iPad? The company unveiled what it calls an Android-based mobile collaboration business tablet that delivers virtual desktop integration with a range of Cisco collaboration and communication applications, such as HD video.

Called the Cius, the device weighs 1.15 lbs and is designed to extend Cisco's collaboration applications to a secure mobile platform and offer HD video streaming, real-time video, multi-party conferencing, email, messaging, browsing and the ability to produce, edit and share content stored locally or in the cloud.

Cisco is touting the device as one that mobile workers can use instead of desktops since the Cius will feature virtual desktop integration and flexible computing options with cloud-based services. Cisco said the tablets will provide dramatically lower capital costs and cost per user for desktop maintenance.

"Businesses can also tap into the growing Android developer community that is building business-class productivity applications with appropriate IT controls. The combination of applications and flexible computing options provides a compelling alternative to today's PC-on-every-desktop paradigm," Cisco said in a release

Other product features include:

• A front-mounted 720p HD camera which refreshes at up to 30 frames per second; a seven inch, high-resolution wide screen super VGA touch-target display for real-time and streamed video; and single-button TelePresence interoperability that can be utilized either when the tablet is docked, or being used remotely via WiFi.
• A 5-megapixel rear facing camera that can transmit streaming VGA quality video and capture still images and dual noise-canceling microphones for audio conferencing.
• A contacts-driven user experience, designed to enable users to quickly reach their important contacts.
• An on-board accelerometer that orients applications for viewing in portrait or landscape modes as the user rotates the device to their preferred viewing orientation
• 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi for enterprise campus mobility and 3G cellular services when off-campus. 4G services will be available at a later date. Bluetooth and Micro-USB means users can work untethered and share data with a PC.
• A detachable and serviceable battery that offers eight hours life under normal usage.

Cisco said customer trials of the device will begin in the third quarter, with general availability in the first quarter of 2011.

For more:
- check out this release

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