RIM unveils Mini Keyboard for its PlayBook tablet

Research In Motion (RIM) has launched BlackBerry Mini Keyboard for its PlayBook tablet, offering a full QWERTY keyboard.

The 6 mm thick keyboard comes with a convertible case and offers an integrated touchpad, allowing users to navigate and control the tablet easily. The virtual keyboard on the tablet dosen't show up when the keyboard is active, providing the user with a 100 percent of the display.

''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.

The incorporated touchpad offers PlayBook gestures, as well as 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.

It connects to the tablet via bluetooth, and features 128-bit encryption to keep the data passed between keyboard and tablet secure. Priced at $ 119.99, it uses the PlayBook's USB charger, and offers a battery backup of 30 days.