As it turns out, the BlackBerry PlayBook might be a big gift this holiday season. Absent the big software update we were promised, it seemed as though RIM would have trouble moving units. But then came the $200 PlayBook sale, which emptied inventories at many big retailers, including Best Buy and Staples. Many of these will go as gifts, of course.
Maybe you know someone who, in a few short weeks, will become a PlayBook owner. Maybe you know someone who got a PlayBook for you.
In either case, you might want to suggest some accessories to go along with it. Here are a few things you should get if you’re getting, or giving, a PlayBook. For starters, if you haven’t taken advantage of the PlayBook sale, don’t fret. While it’s true that Best Buy and Staples have restored the price of the 16GB PlayBook to $500, there is still hope for a big discount.
In fact, Best Buy has some excellent deals on refurbished models. You can get the 32GB PlayBook for $169.99 and the 64GB PlayBook for $199.99. Both models are currently sold out online, so make sure to check back often. Those are even better deals than the new 16GB PlayBook for $200.
If you’re not in the mood for waiting, Amazon has new PlayBooks starting at $268. Now, onto the accessories. Case and Keyboard
We’ve already talked about a few popular BlackBerry PlayBook cases, so that’s pretty well covered.
There is another good option that did not make the list, though.
A few cases actually come with Bluetooth keyboards. It looks something like a laptop, or a netbook, and it adds a level of functionality to any PlayBook. It could be one of the best accessories available. The eWonder case works very well for this purpose. It’s a portfolio case that’s pretty well secured. That takes care of the protection part. When you open it up, you see a keyboard as well. Connect that via Bluetooth and you can treat your PlayBook like a touchscreen laptop. It will make commutes that much easier.
It won’t set you back that far, either. You can get the eWonder Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard Case for $39.99.
If you already have a case and just want the keyboard, or you don’t want a case at all, you can just get the Bluetooth keyboard. There are a few decent options, but the Targus model works fine. It’s a standard-looking keyboard, with a full set of keys (minus the number pad). That should make for some natural typing, which will make you even more productive on your PlayBook.
You can get the Targus Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard for just under $50. Charger 
The PlayBook comes with a standard charger, which is fine and good.
But there are times when you might need a quicker charge. Thankfully, RIM manufactures a number of these. There’s a travel rapid charger that uses the three-pronged outlet, which allows more voltage to pass through than the standard USB one. You can get the BlackBerry Rapid Travel Charger for $36.95.
There is also a rapid charging stand. It’s not much different than the other travel charger. It charges at the same rate — 2 amps — and it’s great for charging on the road. The difference is that it can prop up your PlayBook, so you can work or watch video while it’s charging. That prop-up capability will cost you a few bucks, though. You can get the BlackBerry Rapid Charging Stand for $41.99.
Screen guards The last thing you want is for your PlayBook screen to get nicked or scratched. It has such vibrant resolution that a damaged screen would do considerable damage. A screen guard can be your friend here. Thankfully, these are cheap and simple. You can get a three-pack of screen guards for just $8.59.
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