You may recall Barnes & Noble, the largest chain of bookstores in the United States releasing Nook Tablet 10.1, the latest version of the Nook tablet – the bookseller’s own e-reader based on Android platform – earlier this month. The new model was lauded for its sheer value for money – US$130 gets you a 1,920 x 1,200 screen and 32GB of expandable storage.

The book retailer has since upped the ante by releasing very useful accessories to complement its flagship device for the first time ever. The slate can now be turned into a pseudo-laptop thanks to the new Charging Dock and the Smart Folio Cover with Keyboard.

The Charging Dock also serves to hold up the Nook for landscape viewing and since the new model connects to the Google Play store, the accessory will come in handy for long Netflix marathons and video chat sessions. You can also make video calls or listen to audiobooks while the tablet is docked and charging. The dock doesn’t come with a wall adapter and cable though; so be prepared with your own.

Meanwhile, the Smart Folio Cover and Keyboard is free of the need for cables and chargers, it simply connects physically via magnets to the Nook Table 10.1 without fastidious Bluetooth connection or cumbersome cables. The cover also turns off the display when closed and features an adjustable hinge.

Although the device’s function is still limited productivity-wise even with the addition of a keyboard, it opens up a myriad of possibilities for the tablet, albeit lagging behind in the market. Various third-party docks and chargers have already been in the market for a while now and could prove to be competition for the new accessories. Now, if only the Charging Dock came with a wall adapter and cable.