Cisco revealed its tablet ambitions back in June when it announced the “Cius.” It is very likely that Cisco’s tablet has not made it to any most-anticipated-tablets list in the intervening period. This is due to the fact that the 7-inch Android-running Cius is an enterprise product. As for those of you interested in such an offering, the price – or at least the price range – of the Cisco has been revealed.
According to a FAQ document sent to potential software partners and leaked by CrunchGear, the Cius will be priced below $1,000. Comparisons with the iPad are an inevitability for any upcoming tablet regardless of its intended purpose. Cisco appears to understand the perils of such a comparison, and therefore draws a clear line between the two.
The FAQ document explains why Cisco Cius is twice the price of an Apple iPad: “Cisco Cius is not a consumer device so it’s not an equivalent comparison. Cisco Cius is the first-of-its- kind mobile collaboration device. With Cius, casual and highly mobile employees benefit from a communications, collaboration and computing solution.” It then goes onto list the various “additional benefits additional benefits over an iPad.”
“Pricing is still be finalized at this time. With typical discounts applied, expectation would be that the Cius tablet would be available at under $1000 ($USD street price). Note that discounts may vary by Cisco reseller and thus, prices noted should be considered a guideline,” reads the FAQ document.
“Limited availability of Cisco Cius is expected to be CY Q4 2010 with general availability in calendar year Q1 2011.”
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