This morning, BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion officially announced the wireless keyboard most of us gadget watchers already knew was coming soon, the BlackBerry Mini Keyboard with Convertible Case.
This PlayBook accessory isn’t just a Bluetooth keyboard, but it’s also a protective case with a stand on its rear side to prop the PlayBook tablet up while you’re typing or surfing the Web. It’s currently available for preorder on RIM’s ShopBlackBerry.com Web store for $119.99—or for $99.99 from TheSource.ca–and it’s expected to start shipping on March 23.
Considering you can get a 16GB PlayBook for around $200, the cost of this accessory seems a bit steep. But I’ve already requested a review unit, and RIM tells me I’m on the reviewers’ list. I’ll write up a full evaluation of the new PlayBook keyboard as soon as I can. For now here’s a quick breakdown of the most notable, and unique, features and functionality.
The PlayBook Mini Keyboard connects to your tablet via Bluetooth, and any all data that’s transferred between the two is secured via 128-bit encryption, according to RIM, which should please RIM’s security –conscious business PlayBook users.
In addition to mini “Chiclet”-style keys, the keyboard also features a mini “multi-touch” trackpad that lets you navigate around the PlayBook with your finger, access certain PlayBook OS gestures and even right click for more options—as long as you’re using RIM’s BlackBerry Playbook OS 2.0 software. (Find a full review of the new PlayBook OS here.)
The BlackBerry Mini Keyboard has a built-in battery that can be powered up using the charger that comes with the PlayBook, and the device should last about 30 days on a single charge, according to RIM. And you can turn the device on and off with a toggle switch located on the side of the keyboard to conserve power.
When combined with the Citrix Receiver app for PlayBook, the new mini keyboard and RIM’s tablet provide full access to your Windows applications and other resources, making the PlayBook a versatile an functional mobile workstation. The Citrix Receiver app works without the new keyboard, but the addition of this new accessory really takes the app to the next level.
- The keyboard itself is ultra-thin with a width of less than 6mm, and the full keyboard-case combination is just 2.5 cm, so it doesn’t add too much bulk to your tablet, and it’s only about 5mm thicker than RIM’s Convertible PlayBook Case that does not feature a keyboard.
RIM’s BlackBerry accessories are typically high quality and very functional—check out my favorite RIM accessories ever here—so I’m anxious to get my hands on the PlayBook Mini Keyboard and Convertible Case.
Check out the video below for a look at the BlackBerry PlayBook Mini Keyboard in action, along with the cool Citrix Receiver PlayBook functionality.
You can find more information on and preorder the gadget on RIM’s ShopBlackBerry.com website.
AS
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Author: asacco, Managing Editor
Al Sacco was a journalist, blogger and editor who covers the fast-paced mobile beat for CIO.com and IDG Enterprise, with a focus on wearable tech, smartphones and tablet PCs. Al managed CIO.com writers and contributors, covered news, and shared insightful expert analysis of key industry happenings. He also wrote a wide variety of tutorials and how-tos to help readers get the most out of their gadgets, and regularly offered up recommendations on software for a number of mobile platforms. Al resides in Boston and is a passionate reader, traveler, beer lover, film buff and Red Sox fan.
