BlackBerry PlayBook vs. Cisco Cius

Attribute	BlackBerry PlayBook	Cisco Cius
Operating System	BlackBerry Tablet OS	Android
Processor	Dual-core 1 GHz Cortex-A9	Intel Atom 1.6 GHz
Display	7-inch LCD, 1024x600 pixels	7-inch TFT, 1024x600 pixels
RAM	1 GB	1 GB
Storage	16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB	32 GB
Camera	5 MP rear, 3 MP front	5 MP rear, 2 MP front
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, micro HDMI	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, micro HDMI
Battery Life	Up to 10 hours	Up to 8 hours
Weight	425 grams	520 grams

Introduction

When it comes to choosing a tablet for business purposes, two popular options that often come up are the BlackBerry PlayBook and the Cisco Cius. Both devices offer unique features and capabilities that cater to the needs of professionals. In this article, we will compare the attributes of these tablets to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Display

The BlackBerry PlayBook features a sleek and compact design, with a 7-inch LCD display that offers a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. The device is lightweight and easy to hold, making it convenient for on-the-go use. On the other hand, the Cisco Cius boasts a slightly larger 7-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. It also has a well-built design, but it is slightly heavier compared to the PlayBook.

Both tablets have responsive touchscreens that provide smooth navigation and accurate touch recognition. The PlayBook's display offers vibrant colors and good viewing angles, while the Cius provides sharp visuals and excellent brightness levels. Overall, both devices offer impressive displays that are suitable for business-related tasks.

Performance and Operating System

Under the hood, the BlackBerry PlayBook is powered by a 1 GHz dual-core processor and 1 GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient performance. It runs on the BlackBerry Tablet OS, which offers a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with BlackBerry smartphones. The PlayBook also supports Adobe Flash, allowing users to access Flash-based content on the web.

On the other hand, the Cisco Cius is equipped with a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor and 1 GB of RAM, providing fast and reliable performance. It runs on the Android operating system, which offers a wide range of apps and customization options. The Cius also supports Cisco collaboration applications, making it an ideal choice for businesses that heavily rely on Cisco's communication tools.

Both tablets offer smooth performance and efficient multitasking capabilities, but the choice between the BlackBerry Tablet OS and Android OS ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.

Connectivity and Communication

When it comes to connectivity options, the BlackBerry PlayBook offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to connect to the internet and pair with other devices wirelessly. It also has a micro HDMI port, which enables users to connect the tablet to external displays for presentations or media playback.

The Cisco Cius, on the other hand, offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 3G/4G LTE connectivity options, providing users with more flexibility in terms of internet access. It also has a micro HDMI port for external display connectivity, along with a USB port for additional peripheral support.

In terms of communication capabilities, both tablets offer front and rear-facing cameras for video conferencing and capturing photos/videos. The PlayBook has a 3 MP front camera and a 5 MP rear camera, while the Cius features a 2 MP front camera and a 5 MP rear camera. Both devices also have built-in speakers and microphones for clear audio during calls and meetings.

Security and Enterprise Features

BlackBerry has always been known for its strong focus on security, and the PlayBook is no exception. It offers advanced security features such as BlackBerry Balance, which allows users to separate personal and work-related data on the device. It also supports BlackBerry Enterprise Server, providing enhanced security and management capabilities for businesses.

The Cisco Cius, being a tablet designed specifically for business use, also prioritizes security. It offers features like Cisco AnyConnect VPN, which ensures secure remote access to corporate networks. The Cius also supports Cisco Unified Communications Manager, allowing seamless integration with Cisco's collaboration tools.

Both tablets provide robust security measures and enterprise features, making them suitable choices for businesses that prioritize data protection and secure communication.

Battery Life and Storage

The BlackBerry PlayBook is equipped with a non-removable 5300 mAh battery, which provides up to 10 hours of continuous usage. It also offers different storage options, including 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB variants, allowing users to choose the capacity that suits their needs.

The Cisco Cius, on the other hand, features a removable 5200 mAh battery that offers up to 8 hours of usage. It comes with 32 GB of internal storage, which should be sufficient for most business-related tasks.

Both tablets offer decent battery life, allowing users to work on the go without worrying about running out of power. The choice between the PlayBook's expandable storage options and the Cius' fixed storage capacity depends on the user's specific requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the BlackBerry PlayBook and the Cisco Cius offer unique attributes that cater to the needs of professionals. The PlayBook excels in terms of design, display quality, and seamless integration with BlackBerry smartphones. On the other hand, the Cius stands out with its powerful performance, Android OS, and support for Cisco collaboration tools.

When making a decision between these tablets, it is important to consider factors such as design preferences, operating system requirements, connectivity options, security features, and battery life. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual needs and the specific demands of the business environment.

Whether you opt for the BlackBerry PlayBook or the Cisco Cius, both tablets offer reliable performance and a range of features that make them suitable for professional use. Evaluate your priorities and requirements, and choose the tablet that best aligns with your business needs.