Is a PC inside a keyboard the future of minimalist office setups?

Could the HP EliteBoard G1a replace your bulky desktop tower?

At CES 2026, HP introduced the EliteBoard G1a Next Gen AI PC, a fully functional Windows enterprise workstation integrated entirely within a keyboard chassis. Unlike hobbyist predecessors like the Raspberry Pi 400, this device utilizes high-performance x86 architecture powered by AMD Ryzen AI processors. It targets enterprise environments, prioritizing portability, security, and a zero-footprint desk setup without sacrificing the processing power required for modern business applications.

Technical Architecture & Performance

The EliteBoard G1a represents a significant engineering feat, compressing a complete desktop architecture into a low-profile input device roughly 12mm thick.

Processor & NPU

The system is driven by the AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series. Crucially, it features a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) exceeding 50 TOPS (Trillion Operations Per Second). This qualifies it as a “Copilot+ PC,” ensuring it can handle local AI workloads—such as real-time language translation or advanced data analysis—without relying on cloud latency.

Memory & Storage

It supports up to 64 GB of RAM and 2 TB of storage. This specification rivals mid-to-high-end enterprise laptops, ensuring the device handles multitasking, large spreadsheets, and browser-based enterprise tools effortlessly.

Thermal Management

Given the tight constraints, HP employs proprietary “Smart Sense” technology. This dynamic thermal regulation balances heat dissipation with performance, preventing the keyboard from becoming uncomfortably warm during typing—a critical ergonomic consideration for this form factor.

Enterprise Utility & Deployment

The design philosophy here addresses specific pain points in modern corporate logistics:

Hot-Desking Efficiency

In hybrid workspaces, employees often share desks. The EliteBoard G1a allows a user to carry their entire computer under their arm (weighing roughly 1.5–1.7 lbs) and plug it into any station with a monitor.

Simplified IT Management 

By removing the “tower” or “mini-PC,” IT departments reduce cabling clutter and physical asset tracking. There is no box to mount under a desk or behind a screen.

Security Integration

The device includes a Kensington lock slot and optional fingerprint authentication. This physical security is vital for a computer that is easily portable, mitigating the risk of theft in open offices.

Connectivity & Visuals

The connectivity suite is tailored for business consistency rather than consumer variety:

DisplayPort Output

Prioritizing DisplayPort over HDMI reflects standard enterprise monitor infrastructure.

Dual 4K Support

The unit drives two 4K displays simultaneously, accommodating the multi-monitor setups prevalent in finance, coding, and creative administration.

Single-Cable Solution

When paired with the new HP Series 7 Pro 4K Monitor (featuring a Thunderbolt 4 port), the keyboard receives power and sends data/video through a single cable, creating the ultimate clean-desk aesthetic.

Market Positioning vs. Historical Context

While the “computer-in-a-keyboard” concept echoes the Commodore 64 era, the execution differs fundamentally. Historical iterations were often budget-focused or educational tools. The EliteBoard G1a is a premium enterprise tool. It is not designed for gaming or tinkering; it is designed to replace the Dell OptiPlex or HP EliteDesk Mini in corporate fleets.

Verdict: The EliteBoard G1a validates the “Zero Client” aesthetic with “Fat Client” performance. It eliminates the distinction between the input device and the computing unit, offering a streamlined, powerful solution for businesses looking to declutter the workspace while retaining x86 Windows compatibility.