HP EliteBoard G1a: Reforming the Next-Gen PC as a Keyboard

Computers over the decades have become smaller and more agile, shrinking from bulky mainframe computers to contemporary PCs, and to thinner, lighter, and sleeker laptops that are almost ubiquitous in any modern setting. What’s next for the form factor? HP has announced its new ideology in the form of the EliteBoard G1a at CES 2026—a full-powered Windows PC in a keyboard seeking to change the workplace. The product is powered by laptop-level specs with AI processors, and features a USB-C connection that provides video output, data, and power through a single cable.

Shifting the desktop experience

Unlike prior attempts in the keyboard-PC form factor, the EliteBoard G1a uses an AMD Ryzen AI 300-series processor with an integrated Radeon 800M-class iGPU, providing a full-fledged computing experience. This enables it to meet Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC requirements for access to AI tools and software. With a thin 12 mm profile and minimalist design, the EliteBoard G1a stays out of the way, occupying less desk space while providing everything you need from a computer.

The EliteBoard G1a also comes with built-in microphones and speakers, enabling video conferencing in any situation. It also comes with a pre-paired wireless mouse for a seamless experience. The keyboard can also be configured with an optional 32W internal battery, which gives it the advantages of a laptop, and an optional fingerprint sensor for security. Additionally, it is spill-resistant with an easy-clean keyboard, making it suitable for more challenging environments.

According to HP, the product is best suited for shared or hot-desk situations and is built around laptop parts that are easy to replace, such as DDR5 SODIMM RAM and M.2 NVMe SSDs. The EliteBoard G1a is said to weigh less than half the weight of a traditional laptop at 750g, with easy connection to any display size.

From niche to mainstream

While the EliteBoard G1a may seem like a new concept to the general audience, the keyboard-PC is not exactly a fresh idea. Single-board computers such as the Raspberry Pi have enabled low-cost small devices to control smart home devices, industrial control systems, act as retro gaming devices, and even serve as an educational tool. This kind of technology has also enabled niche products and unique form factors, such as keyboard-PCs with the Raspberry Pi 400 and its subsequent models. However, products like these have always catered to the niche enthusiast and tinkerer with low-cost, low-power components aimed at simpler solutions or learning.

HP has taken this idea and found a niche in using more powerful, mainstream specs with more use cases. To me, though, is it really practical compared to a laptop? If the main use-case is enterprise, is it not still more flexible to issue a laptop that can be deployed anywhere since it already has a built-in screen? After all, a mini-PC such as a Mac Mini has become really competitive in price. Personally, it seems that the EliteBoard G1a would only make sense if it’s a solution that’s more cost-effective than the other options. There’s no pricing information on this yet, so we can only speculate on the future of this form factor.

YouTube: HP EliteBoard G1a: A computer inside a keyboard

Photo credit: The images used are owned by HP and have been provided for press usage.
Sources: CES / Raspberry Pi