New Tablet Aims to Replace Desktops

What’s the Latest Development?

While the newest tablet computer to enter the market, made by Cisco’s Cius, is bulkier than the iPad, it is designed to replace a desktop computer when docked with the company’s deskphone, which connects to a monitor, keyboard and mouse. The Cius runs Google’s open source Android operating system and while most companies that have built gadgets running Android have so far tinkered with it little. The Cius, in contrast, features a radical reworking of Android. “A WiFi only version of the tablet will be available worldwide from July 31 at an estimated price of $750.”

What’s the Big Idea?

In the increasingly crowded tablet computer market, Cius’ major departure from Android’s standard operating system may make the tablet more business-friendly. I.T. departments will have greater control over its use: “I.T. managers can shut down access to the Android app market to protect a company from malicious apps. Cisco has also created its own app store, AppHQ, that contains only apps deemed stable and secure by Cisco. Companies can even create their own app store within AppHQ and limit employees to certain applications, or apps built in house.”