Cisco’s
new Flip and Valet models keep it simple
by
Alan Zisman (c) 2010 First published in
Business
in Vancouver August 31 - September 6, 2010 -
issue #1088
High Tech Office column
Trick question: what’s the biggest Internet corporation you’ve never
heard of?
With a 2009 market cap of US$108 billion and revenue of $36 billion,
the answer may be Cisco Systems, which provides much of the hardware
that, behind the scenes, keeps us connected. The odds are high that
Cisco routers and switches are sitting in racks in your organization’s
server room.
In 2003, Cisco bought Linksys, a company whose home and small-business
wireless routers seemed a natural fit. In 2009, when it acquired Pure
Digital Technologies and its line of flip pocket digital camcorders, I
wondered why.
Recently, I’ve had my hands on a newly updated Flip MinoHD camcorder
and Cisco’s new ValetPlus wireless router and the connection has become
clear.
The new Flip MinoHD, like its predecessors, is a pocket-sized digital
video camera with a flip-out USB connector. The new model ($239)
features a solid-feeling aluminum case, a larger display, an HDMI port
for connection to a high-definition TV and eight gigabytes (GB) of
storage for up to two hours of 720p video.
What really separates this camcorder (and the rest of the Flip product
line) from competition from Kodak, Creative and more, though, is the
built-in FlipShare software. The software is stored on the camera and
installed onto a Mac or Windows computer the first time the camera is
plugged in. After that, video stored on the Flip can be easily emailed,
uploaded to Facebook, YouTube (etc.), iPhones, BlackBerrys and Android
phones. Users can edit movie clips, extract still photos and burn the
movies to DVD.
More powerful video editing tools are available and many users will
prefer to use them, but the straightforward FlipShare software is the
biggest reason many customers will want to slip a MinoHD in their
pocket.
Fast-forward to Cisco’s new lineup of wireless routers aimed at home
and small- business users. Walk into a large retailer and you’ll still
see boxes bearing the Linksys brand. New Linksys E-series models are
described as “wireless-N routers,” with the E1000 ($80) running on the
“2.4 Ghz Band” and offering “fast ethernet ports.” The higher-end E2000
($120) is “selectable dual-band (2.4 or 5 Ghz)” with “gigabit ethernet
(10/100/1000) ports.”
Are your eyes spinning yet?
Next to them on the shelf: Cisco’s new Valet models. No mention of
Linksys. Two models: Valet ($99) and Valet Plus ($150). Look at the
box. What’s most interesting is what isn’t there. No word “router” for
instance. Also missing: “ethernet.” Instead, the box promises “home
wireless made easy.”
Cisco cites IDC Canada research suggesting that even though broadband
Internet is widespread in Canada, only about one-third of homes have
wireless networking set up. With the increasing number of notebook
computers, game systems and smartphones that can use Internet access,
there is room for a wireless product for users who don’t really care
what wireless band is being used or what speed ethernet is built in.
For the new Valet models, Cisco teamed up Linksys and Flip developers
to simplify the setup process. The Valet models ship with a USB memory
key. Plugging it in loads the installation software and stores the
user’s settings. Plug it into additional computers to easily add them
to the home wireless network. (And yes, it will work with both Windows
and Mac systems.)
The Cisco Connect software can also be used to set parental management
controls, letting parents restrict children’s access to specific times
of the day. Each connecting device can have individualized settings
applied – limiting game player access, for instance. Also nice: the
ability to create a wireless network for guests, separate from the main
network.
Like the FlipShare software, the Cisco Connect software is simple and
straightforward, while allowing advanced settings for those who want
it. If your eyes roll when you hear words like router and bandwidth,
one of these Cisco Valet models may be for you.