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First Look: BlackBerry PlayBook Bluetooth Keyboard in BlackBerry Leather Case - the ultimate SuperTablet setup?!

By Kevin Michaluk on 15 Sep 2011 02:33 pm
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What's this? A BlackBerry PlayBook? And a BlackBerry Bluetooth Keyboard (+ mouse!) made specifically for the BlackBerry PlayBook?! Oh wait, and there's a BlackBerry PlayBook Leather Case made to fit said PlayBook and Bluetooth Keyboard perfectly?!! Yep... that's what we're looking at here in this CrackBerry exclusive hands-on accessory first look.

We've seen the rumored PlayBook Keyboard show up before on some leaked PlayBook accessory slides, but no word on availability or anything like that as of now. All I know is that PlayBook owners would LOVE to get this setup... it's the ultimate combo of accessories for the PlayBook. We need to see it get released. ASAP. It turns the your boring old tablet into a... wait for it.... SuperTablet!!

See More BlackBerry PlayBook Accessories

Topics: BlackBerry Playbook BlackBerry PlayBook Keyboard News & Rumors BlackBerry Accessories

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Kevin Michaluk Kevin Michaluk 3682 (articles) 3022 (forum posts)
91 comments

rroyy

Looks good honestly!

ianbordas

This is Awesomeee!!!!!! I was about to go shopping for a Apple BT keyboard or generic... Great timing!!

I want one now!! How much $$ ???

Ian
Torch 9800 & PlayBook 64GB Wifi

the brother

Errrr, but now it's not a tablet....

Kevin Michaluk

no no no.. you need to think like RIM does.  It's not a tablet... It's a SUPERTABLET!!

the brother

LOL....right, CBK! my bad!!

knightfall

Well since the addition of the case and keyboard are not permanent, then yes, it is still a tablet.

Innerchild

Makes for a TOTAL package! I would definitely want one!

UnknownError507

rroyy man you got my 3 in a row posts :D, Yeah the Keyboard and PB looks good ;)

trsbbs

Very cool. If it was able to allow the power supply to be connected at the same time it would be perfect!

Tim

primusd

+1 - this is essential...

murialita

Congratulations. You invented a laptop.

Don't kill me. I do own and enjoy my own PlayBook. I just had to say it.

Kevin Michaluk

It's too small for your lap. More like a kneetop.  But I think SuperTablet is where it's at!

murialita

True, it would be very helpful for those business people that get stuck on very cramped and very long plane trips all the time. Or for people that just hate typing on the screen.

noTh1ng

I have a top tip for those people: buy a laptop or a touchbook!

UnknownError507

PlaylapBook :D ??LapBook?...

Jake2826

I have to get that setup!!! Awesome!

MrFuts

Blackberry Part Number or it didn't happen :P I don't care if the video says otherwise!

Hopefully they sent it in some kind of package that accidentally had the Part number on it!

noTh1ng

what a nonsense...
this is a netbook (or even a laptop) but not a tablet, sorry kevin, but sometimes you are TOO enthusiastic about things that are just not special or will improve the experience...
get a laptop in the first place if you want a keyboard, the end!

123berryaddicted

Or get this combo, and have the choice of tablet or netbook. This is a super awesome thing here, if you don't like it... Oh well... Lots of us do, and Kevin's enthusiastic tone is great for this product.

gord888

There are times when you don't need the keyboard, and times when you do. So, if you're going to be mobile you can leave the case and keyboard at home, but if you need it for a long plane trip, you can bring it with you. choice... isn't it wonderful?

bighap

I have visions of the keyboard scratching the PlayBook screen when closed.

padamssm

Not with a Zagg InvisibleShield screen protector

pkcable

Puts my Rii Mini to SHAME!!!!!!

browniet87

I LOVE IT! I NEED IT! I just hope it is not as pricey as the rest of the BB Authorized accessories??

TomCanuck

It looks beautiful... But.. I'm leaning towards "now it's a smaller and useless (by comparison) laptop" instead of "yay supertablet".. Sorry Kev :(

I'll prolly buy it anyway though, I'm a sucker for pretty things, and that really does look pretty.

dbroomex

That looks really good to me. Yes, it makes the tablet like a netbook, but a small one that you can carry around in your hand like a big paperback book. Plus, you don't *have* to use it. When you won't be needing the keyboard, like when you're laying in bed reading a book at night, don't use it.

Also, the build quality of that setup looks nice. You know, classy.

Kingkracker

I want this NOW!! I was just hawking a similar (though not as sleek) item on Ebay. I would love it in PINK!

thudpaul

it's NOT COOL for me..the reason why i purchase this tablet is its portability compare to those 10 inches..i suggest if external keyboard will be used it should be built-in on the leather case, a ultra thin keyboard where the key is not bulging..i guess you have seen this type of keyboard in the market, the one which you can fold..

mmcpher

Never mind the carping, what is that square section? A trackpad? That might be interesting!

Kiddo2050

What the hell kind of video is that???

Tell us what we all want to know, how did the king of cell phone keyboards do with this keyboard.

It is a definite must have. I would not use it day to day, but travelling to a conference or on vacation, yes.

And to the point above. Yes I want the keys buldging. I want a premium keyboard feel above all, this is RIM's trademark and I want them to nail the keyboard.

mcaples

That looks really sweet!!!...OH BTW...THIS video PLAYED for me!!!...SO ODD since I had to go to youtube B4...whateve!!!...HA...that case tooks SOLID and not flimsey leather like other laptop cases!!!

efd2051

Good start, but this make no sense. I agree w/ the comments ...Ideally any accessory adding this much bulk defeats the purpose of a Tablet. It should be Flexible/soft/thin close to silicone keyboard. If you carried around this much bulk better to have a laptop, which is thinner by comparison

Kiddo2050

Nope. As I said above ... this is RIM... make it premo keyboard. YOu don't have to carry the keyboard all the time, so make it a good one even if it adds a little bulk.

And the whole package still looked pretty portable to me.

tacocaliente

I cant believe how many posts I just read saying "OMG you just made a laptop!" or "this destroys the portability of a tablet"

Are you kidding me?! I've been waiting so long for something like this and I know others have been as well. Just because you attach a keyboard to your tablet it doesn't make it a laptop... The iPad has all sorts of sh*t like this.. does that make it a laptop too?

Also what the hell.. if you want portability just TAKE IT OUT OF THE CASE! Isn't that the idea? that you can have both a keyboard when you need it and a super-portable tablet? You don't have to carry the keyboard with you all the time no one is forcing you.

I'm just as excited about this as Kevin is. Oh whats that? Can you take just the screen off a netbook and use it as a tablet? I dont think so...

mricantshoot

THANK YOU finally someone that feels the same way as me

ianbordas

+1!!

PEACE!
Ian
Torch 9800 & PlayBook 64GB Wifi

Kingkracker

It's all about choice - that's the beauty of this case. I find I use my Playbook all the time, both work and play.This is just another option (read transformation) from a slim slick tablet to a portfolio with keyboard. It is still portable no matter what the transformation.

jfs101

I don't like it, but will be the first in line when CB gives one away!

Darlaten

Wouldn't something called the "Ultimate Supertablet" be able to do spell-check. Just saying.

But yes, an official Blackberry Bluetooth Keyboard for the Playbook is an accessory I would buy. I wonder if it will come out in 60 days, the summer? LOL :)

colforbin13

I actually saw a prototype of this in person at a PlayBook launch event in April, and it really isn't very bulky. The rep I spoke to say October release, and that was back in April - so who knows when it will finally be out, but it's definitely a cool little device.

gina30k

Just saw a case like this with the bluetooth keyboard on Ebay for $50

moe1up

Looks good. I actually like typing on the screen and would feel weird with that.

This is also further proof that Kevin and the CB staff know a lot more than what we see on the blogs and forums. SPILL THE BEANS ON OS 2 FOR THE PLAYBOOK. I know you know something.

MattDub22

TARGUS was the best case IMO till this. I will buy this ASAP. same package size, PLUS a BT Keyboard!!??!! I am so all over it.

Sexy packaging!!

LaFlamaBlanca

Yes please!

Now when is the CrackBerry giveaway going to be?!?!

jeffreytoronto

I'm going to call it the PlayBooKey

jlb21

So that's what Rachel was talking about on Big Brother....PlayBookie......not Bookie....

jdhuttojr

I want that setup now!

giddygidgid

Is that a touchpad at the bottom? That would make it even more awesome!

Detective M Downs

To me the Playbook is not as portable anymore. I like throwing it in my jean pockets with the neoprene sleeve or leather pouch, with that case that's no longer possible.

GADA

i expected a better looking keyboard like on their phones but i love and want it ASAP

RWD

Whenever it launches, Amazon is gonna have to ship two my way - one for my PB, one for the wife's :)

Sirhill

Did anyone notice that the keyboard is removeable. Guess not from all of the dumb post about how it is now damn laptop/netbook. You would not have to carry both all the time which makes it even better. I love this and need it like yesterday .

padamssm

Been waiting for it since April 19th!

JerseyKurt

I'm SOLD!!.....Crackberry Kevin: When does this go on Sale? & How Much??..Please let the CrackBerry Nation know ASAP!!

Sincerely,
JerseyKurt

mapsonburt

If RIM doesn't soon ship a Bluetooth keyboard program for the Blackberry PHONES so I can use the BB keyboard, I'll take two!!!

jaysloan

SWEET!!! Can't wait to get one, all we need now is a way to print e-mail/docs out and I will be a happy man!

DJ Reyes

I want this! Though I'd be needing a PlayBook first .... :/

The Consigliere

It will definitely have it's place, for those business travelers (on planes, maybe trains, etc.) I can see them utilizing this for sure. Me on the other hand I don't really seeing a need for it, though it's definitely a cool idea.

herrbremerhaven

If it hits in the $50 to $90 range, then I think it should sell nicely.

I was hoping you could say something about the weight, thickness, and battery lifetime on the bluetooth keyboard/trackpad. How does this affect portability?

joeku

this looks great.

so much better than this setup from Asus:

http://liliputing.com/2011/09/asus-eee-pc-slider-tablet-coming-this-mont...

What are they waiting for?!

daredzone

if this case is released, that asus slider thing will be crushed!! best accessory i've seen for the playbook since..... THE PLAYBOOK!

Biulet

I think it is just GREAT. Specially when you travel or need to write lots of things.

Smaller than a laptop, and you can still use the PB without the keyboard wich is cooler than a laptop.

I think I won't use it at all at home, I prefer to stay at the sofa or bed just looking webs/apps, but if I need to work with the PB is just ESSENTIAL.

Good job RIM, just let this accessory hit the market soon please!

sjawelsh

Perfect application.
I did notice that of all the skeptics that posted, they are forgetting one major factor of the BlackBerry PlayBook, and that is the BlackBerry Bridge.
I have been in the middle of Bum F**k Ontario and needed internet service to check on some things, and presto, a 7" flash playing, internet connected, portable power house that does so much at once I can't keep up with what I have open and running.
This just keeps getting better

greatwiseone

Really look forward to this! Hope it's released soon!

BaRTiMuS

Hey, here's a wild idea (that may or may not have been mentioned, I'm too lazy to scroll through these comments); why not allow us to use the keyboards on our BlackBerry devices as BT Playbook keyboards? Wait, that makes too much sense.

kwksti

I contacted RIM on the playbook keyboard and this is what they said....."We would like to inform you that, the playbook keyboard might launch in January or February 2012."..... :(

besadmn

January? February? - AH come on! It's a keyboard! It should have been one of the first accessories released!

cl8baller

Where is this already?!?!?!?!
There are a ton of PlayBook sales on the market right now, if only this was out already :(

KRol

I'm waiting for it too... :\

hawaiiberry

Just adding my post ... get the keyboard out ... kind of silly not to have this out already ...

iThunderbirt

I had a chance to see this keyboard in person. Unfortunately, I was not able to test it out as it was not linked to a PlayBook.

I have notice it has a micro USB port for charging on one of the sides. As the video shows us, same size as a PlayBook. It is thin and light witch I liked very much. I was very impressed. Will go well with my new PlayBook :D

I have heard that the release of this keyboard might be arround the same time as the PlayBook OS 2.0 this coming February. Hope this is true!!

TommyBoy89

any word on when this is being released?

marksinclair

why such a short video?! why not show us the keyboard and trackpad in action?!

TallPaul86

Bump for an old news story, any word on when this bad boy will be released?

asiayeah

Happy 2012!

So this thing is arriving either this or next month together with Playbook 2.0 upgrade?! Life would be even more beautiful! But why does it take so long?

scarl8kate

where can we buy this? thanks

cl8baller

Where is this already........

Guyzer

doubt it will ever be released since rim has already lost so much money in playbook hardware. doubt rim will release any hardware for the playbook for a long time

Kaenon

Yeah, still waiting..

Willard814

I would like to actually see it in action, but it looks promising.

adamschuetze

I've been using the Motorola bluetooth keyboard a little bit, and while it's bigger than the playbook, I like it a lot. I ended up going with it instead of some of the compact/portable/travel bluetooth keyboards (like the Freedom Pro), specifically because it was bigger, and closer to the ultrabook-sized keyboard on my now dead laptop (that the PlayBook replaced). I do wonder how usable this BlackBerry keyboard will be, considering now small it is.

adamschuetze

I've been using the Motorola bluetooth keyboard a little bit, and while it's bigger than the playbook, I like it a lot. I ended up going with it instead of some of the compact/portable/travel bluetooth keyboards (like the Freedom Pro), specifically because it was bigger, and closer to the ultrabook-sized keyboard on my now dead laptop (that the PlayBook replaced). I do wonder how usable this BlackBerry keyboard will be, considering now small it is.

pokemom

Where is this thing? Come on ... I want!!!!

berczo

yes .... where it is ??? We are stilll waiting ... ;) Come on ... RIM ...

3_M4N

So many people have been waiting on this! With the update to OS 2.0 and Bridge, a case like this would be the piece de resistance! Does anyone know if there is some way to get notified once this is released? I of course will keep my eyes peeled here on CrackBerry ;)

CrackBerryHarry

The reason he didn't demo it is because it doesn't work. RIM has a bug in the Blackberry Playbook with regard to the bluetooth keyboard. The damn thing won't stay connected. That's the reason it's taking forever to get to market.

altawest

The Source in Canada has the new RIM Playbook Keyboard/Case combo for $99 online orders only so shipping is extra
I was thinking about buying one then I figured Amazon will be selling them for $75
in a couple of weeks and shipping will be included.
Is anyone else buying from the Source??

grissomtech

Just picked one up on CB $99= 107&change for 2 day shipping

revlloy

The Source will only ship to Canada. Any US venders shipping?