The idea of a computer built entirely into a keyboard has long fascinated enthusiasts, and at CES 2026, HP is reviving that concept with the EliteBoard G1a, which it bills as a “Next Gen AI PC.” From the outside, it looks like a standard desktop keyboard, but inside it houses a complete Copilot+ PC, designed primarily with enterprise and IT environments in mind.
The EliteBoard G1a can be configured with AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 processors paired with integrated Radeon 800-series graphics, along with up to 64GB of RAM and as much as 2TB of NVMe SSD storage. Once connected to an external display and a mouse, it functions as a full desktop system, eliminating the need for a traditional PC tower entirely. On paper, it’s a compact, deploy-and-go solution that could significantly simplify office setups.
Hands-on testing with an early prototype revealed both promise and quirks. Initial setup proved awkward due to the limited rear connectivity, which includes just two USB-C ports. Power delivery and video output had to be carefully managed, ultimately requiring external USB-C hubs to charge the device and connect it to a monitor. This resulted in a cluttered desk setup that felt at odds with the clean, minimalist appeal of a keyboard-based PC.
Once up and running, however, the EliteBoard G1a became far more impressive. Windows ran smoothly, everyday productivity tasks felt responsive, and light workloads such as photo editing and casual gaming were perfectly manageable. Performance appeared comparable to an entry-level laptop, which aligns well with its intended role as a reliable, no-frills office machine. HP positions the EliteBoard primarily as a commercial experiment, but depending on reception, the company may eventually explore a consumer-oriented version of this unconventional yet practical form factor.
