RIM Introduces BlackBerry Mini Keyboard for the PlayBook

Research In Motion (RIM) has introduced its new BlackBerry Mini Keyboard, a new accessory for the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. The BlackBerry Mini Keyboard is ultra-portable and comes complete with a convertible case that doubles as a stand for the tablet. In addition to a full QWERTY keyboard, it offers an integrated touchpad that allows users to navigate and control the BlackBerry PlayBook, as easily as using the touchscreen on the tablet itself. When the keyboard is active, the PlayBook tablet’s virtual keyboard remains hidden, freeing up 100 percent of the display for the task at hand.  

A feature-rich keyboard from BlackBerry

“Whether you’re typing email, creating documents, surfing the web or using other apps, the BlackBerry Mini Keyboard and its integrated carrying case is an ideal accessory,” said James Poulton, Director, Advanced Accessories. 

Here are a few of the features of the BlackBerry Mini Keyboard:

• Multi-touch Control - The BlackBerry Mini Keyboard comes equipped with a touchpad that supports BlackBerry PlayBook gestures. The touchpad also offers additional gestures similar to the standard mouse and touchpad controls on a laptop, including a single tap to simulate a mouse click, a two finger tap to right-click, and a two-finger up or down swipe to scroll vertically.
• Portability - The BlackBerry Mini Keyboard is ultra-portable and lightweight, measuring less than 6mm thick.
• Security - The BlackBerry Mini Keyboard connects to your BlackBerry PlayBook tablet via Bluetooth, and features 128-bit encryption to keep the data passed between keyboard and tablet secure.
• Powered and Ready When You Need It - The BlackBerry Mini Keyboard uses the micro-USB charger that comes with the BlackBerry PlayBook (one less charger to carry), and the keyboard battery lasts up to 30 days on a full charge.
• Third Party App Support - The BlackBerry Mini Keyboard is a productivity enhancer. It works with the new BlackBerry PlayBook 2.0 Messages, Contacts and Calendar apps as well as Documents To Go, and provides an optimal user experience for third party apps such as Citrix Receiver, which allows users to remotely access their Windows desktop and apps from the tablet.

The BlackBerry Mini Keyboard is now available for pre-order internationally, out here for US$119.99, which translates to Rs.6,000. What do you think - a worthy purchase for your PlayBook?