HP has taken advantage of the CES showcase in Las Vegas to present the EliteBoard G1aA device that condenses everything we usually associate with a desktop computer into the body of a keyboard. This isn't some strange experiment or a trade show prototype: it's a real piece of equipment that the company plans to market in March, also in European markets such as Spainwith an eye on offices, teleworking and shared spaces.
At first glance, the EliteBoard G1a might look like just another office keyboard, but inside it hides a complete PC with processor, memory, storage, cooling system, connectivity, and even integrated audio. The idea is to create a much cleaner desktop. Simply connect it to a monitor via USB-CTurn on the Bluetooth mouse that comes pre-paired and start working without needing a tower or open laptop.
A next-generation PC inside a keyboard
The idea of ​​putting a computer in a keyboard isn't exactly new: in the 80s, devices like the Commodore 64 or ZX Spectrum They were already betting on This formatAnd in recent years the concept has been revived with devices like the Raspberry Pi 400 or the Pi 500, geared more towards enthusiasts and Linux environments. The difference here is that HP is taking that approach to a x86 PC with Windows 11 Pro designed for businesses and professional users who want something recognizable and easy to manage.
In the case of the EliteBoard G1a, all the hardware is integrated into a keyboard chassis only 12 mm high, so that the keyboard itself is the computerThere's no need for a separate box or relying on a laptop as a secondary "CPU": the monitor connects directly to the keyboard, and the whole thing behaves like a conventional desktop computer, only more discreet and portable.
Beyond the nostalgic nod, HP places this model in the category of Copilot+ PCThe "NPU" designation is the label Microsoft reserves for devices capable of running advanced artificial intelligence functions locally thanks to a dedicated NPU. That's why the company highlights the EliteBoard G1a as its first AI PC fully integrated into a keyboard, a nuance that also earned it an Innovation Award at CES.
AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors and local AI power
The heart of the EliteBoard G1a is the new generation of processors AMD Ryzen AI 300 SeriesHybrid chips that combine high-performance cores with high-efficiency cores based on the Zen 5 and Zen 5c architectures. Confirmed configurations range from the Ryzen AI 5 350 to the Ryzen AI 7 370 Pro, accompanied by integrated Radeon 800M graphics based on the RDNA 3.5 architecture.
These processors incorporate a next-generation neural processing unit (NPU), capable of delivering around 50 TOPS of power for AI workloadsThis figure allows the team to meet the requirements of Copilot+ PC and run AI tasks locally, reducing reliance on the cloud and improving latency in functions such as assistants, content generation, or advanced automations in Windows 11.
To manage the balance between performance, power consumption, and temperature, HP uses technologies such as HP Smart Sense and the system AMD Auto State Management (ASM)These functions automatically adjust the processor's behavior and airflow according to actual use, which is especially relevant in a compact format like a keyboard, where the thermal margin is more limited than in a traditional tower.
The result is a device that, without aspiring to replace a high-end workstation, clearly surpasses what we usually associate with basic mini PCs, and it does so with a distinctly professional and businessboth in terms of platform and the management and security tools that accompany it.
Memory, storage and optional battery
In terms of memory, HP doesn't fall short: the EliteBoard G1a supports configurations of up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM distributed across two SODIMM slots. These are modules similar to those used in many laptops, making it easier to find replacements and upgrades, which is important for companies that want to extend the equipment's lifespan.
Storage is handled by units M.2 NVMe, with options up to 2 TB capacitySince it is a standard format, it is expected that the user or technical service will be able to replace these units in case of failure or if more gigabytes are needed over time, something that is not always guaranteed in very compact devices.
One of the most striking elements is the optional internal batteryHP speaks of a capacity around the 32-35Wh, enough, according to the company, to provide some three and a half hours of approximate autonomy in certain usage scenarios. It's not designed to function like a regular laptop, but rather as a buffer that allows you to move between rooms, change tables, or reconfigure your workstation without having to turn off the computer.
In addition, the EliteBoard G1a can be equipped with a integrated fingerprint reader on the power button, adding an extra layer of security when logging into Windows or validating access. This feature complements the standard security features of HP's professional range, including solutions such as HP Wolf Security for Business, which strengthens protection at the firmware and hardware level against targeted attacks.
Connection options and support for multiple monitors
HP will offer the EliteBoard G1a in two main connectivity variantsOne version has a fixed USB-C cable, and the other has a detachable cable. The former will compensate for its lack of flexibility with a additional USB4 portThis is useful for those who want to take full advantage of high-speed connectivity for monitors, external storage, or other peripherals.
Both configurations are capable of Power up to four 4K displays at 60 HzProvided the port infrastructure and monitor support are adequate. For many jobs in Spain and Europe, where two or three monitors per user have already become standard, this capability can be crucial, especially for tasks involving data analysis, development, or content editing.
Regarding wireless connectivity, the device relies on Next generation Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for connecting to corporate networks and peripherals. A [unit/system/tool] is included as standard. pre-paired Bluetooth mouseSo, once the keyboard-PC is plugged into the screen, the user doesn't have to worry about anything else to start working.
Another piece of the puzzle is the new HP Series 7 Pro 4K monitorPresented as a natural complement to the EliteBoard G1a, this 4K panel with IPS Black technology and Neo:LED backlighting offers high contrast and factory color calibration, as well as integrated Thunderbolt 4 with up to 140W power deliveryThis allows for a setup where a single cable from the monitor to the keyboard carries video, data, and power for the PC itself.
Design, weight and durability for everyday use
The EliteBoard G1a stands out for its truly compact profile: 12 mm thick and a weight that is between 726 and 750 gramsDepending on the chosen configuration, this puts it at approximately half the weight of many current professional laptops, without the complexity of having an integrated screen that, in some environments, spends more time closed than open.
The keys offer a 2mm travelThis is a relatively generous figure for such a thin keyboard, which should provide a typing experience closer to that of a desktop keyboard than to some ultrathin laptops. HP claims to have fine-tuned the experience with a traditional desktop setup in mind, rather than lap typing.
The company has also paid attention to the resistance and maintenanceThe keyboard is designed to withstand spills, a relevant feature in offices where it's not uncommon to work with a cup of coffee or a water bottle nearby. Furthermore, the top part is modular and can be replaced in just a few minutes, a real advantage when heavy use starts to take its toll on the keys.
From the bottom, the panel can be removed to access the ventilation system and other internal componentsThis accessibility facilitates more thorough cleaning, reduces the impact of dust accumulation, and allows for technical service interventions without the need for complex tools or traumatic disassembly.
Focus: hybrid work, shared desks, and minimalism
HP's message with the EliteBoard G1a is clearly aligned with the Hybrid work and flexible work environmentsThe company cites data from its own Work Relationship Index, which indicates that a large percentage of professionals feel their current hardware doesn't fully suit their work style. The idea behind this keyboard-PC is that employees can carry their computer in their backpack and connect it to any available monitor in the office, at home, or in a coworking space.
Guayente Sanmartin, senior vice president of Commercial Systems and Display Solutions at HP, has indicated that The place and the way we work are changing almost in real time, and the tools must keep pace with this change. In practice, many people already use their laptops always connected to one or more monitors, often with the lid closed, so the computer ends up acting as a kind of "black box" hidden under the desk.
For that type of user, replacing the laptop with a keyboard integrated into the PC can make sense: it reduces cables, frees up space, and simplifies installation. The paired wireless mouse, dual microphones, and integrated speakers They reinforce the idea of ​​an almost complete desktop solution, in which you only need to add the screen and, if necessary, an external webcam.
The EliteBoard G1a also appeals to users who value visual order and discretion in the workplace. Compared to bulky towers or laptops with multiple dangling accessories, a keyboard that includes everything It can help to have clearer desks, something that many companies in Spain and Europe are looking for within their well-being and ergonomics strategies.
Launch, availability, and what remains to be known
HP has confirmed that the The EliteBoard G1a will go on sale in MarchThe company will be selling the product through its official website and usual professional distribution channels. Pricing for the different configurations has not yet been released, but this information is expected to be made public closer to the launch date.
Alongside this keyboard-PC, HP is also updating its catalog of professional laptops with the series EliteBook X G2 and expands the consumer family with the new OmniBook Ultra 14 and OmniStudioMany of them are based on Snapdragon X2 Elite processors with up to 85 TOPS of NPU. These ranges share the same philosophy of boosting productivity with AI, while maintaining the classic laptop form factor, with the EliteBoard G1a positioning itself as the most groundbreaking proposal in terms of format.
For now, the main unknown remains the final cost for businesses and individuals, especially at a time when DDR5 memory and configurations with a lot of RAM They tend to make the equipment more expensive. It's also not entirely clear how it will compete with traditional mini PCs or lightweight laptops with similar features, something that will depend on both price and channel agreements in Europe.
The EliteBoard G1a arrives as a clear example of where the PC market is heading: More compact equipment, with a greater emphasis on artificial intelligence and designed for less static workFor those who almost always use an external screen and are looking to minimize the number of devices on their desk, this keyboard with the soul of a computer could become an interesting alternative to keep on your radar when it starts arriving in stores in Europe.
