PalmOne taps out keyboard for rival devices

PalmOne has introduced mobile add-ons for the holidays, including a wireless keyboard that can work with devices from other manufacturers.

The Milpitas, Calif.-based handheld maker unveiled on Monday the keyboard plus a leather case for smart phones and new GPS navigation software.

The wireless keyboard is compatible with PalmOne's personal digital assistants (PDAs) and smart phones as well as with products from Hewlett-Packard and Dell. The foldable keyboard, which is the size of a normal paperback, has a retail price of about $70.

The company also plans to ship this fall a Bluetooth GPS package that includes a Zire 72 handheld computer loaded with Navigator software from TomTom. The GPS software wirelessly connects to the PalmOne handheld using Bluetooth technology to access maps for the United States and Canada. The device, which gives voice-guided turn-by-turn instructions, will be available for $399, after a limited $50 rebate, PalmOne said.

New BlackBerry shrinks QWERTY keyboard

The third accessory from PalmOne that will hit market soon is a leather side-loading case for its Treo 600 smart phone, which will carry a price tag of about $30. Customers can personalize the leather case by embossing their name on the back cover or on the inside lid.