TL;DR
HP introduced the EliteBoard G1a at CES 2026, a Windows PC integrated inside a full-size keyboard aimed at enterprise hot-desking and shared-desk environments. The device packs AMD Ryzen AI silicon, optional battery and storage up to 2TB, and is designed to plug into USB-C enabled monitors or use an adapter for HDMI.
What happened
At CES 2026 HP revealed the EliteBoard G1a, a desktop-style keyboard that contains a full Windows computer. The 93-key board includes a numeric pad, about 2 mm of key travel and internal vents; some SKUs offer two USB-C ports while others use a single port with an attached cable. The concept is portability between workstations: plug the keyboard into a monitor with USB-C video input, pair a wireless mouse and you have a complete workstation powered and connected over one cable. If a monitor lacks USB-C input, HP provides a USB-to-HDMI adapter and a 65 W USB-C charger can be used for power. Under the hood the G1a uses AMD Ryzen AI 330/340/350 Pro options, Radeon 800 integrated graphics and an NPU rated up to 50 TOPS. Configurations go up to 64 GB DDR5 and 2 TB SSD; Wi‑Fi 6E or 7 are offered. HP positions the product for enterprise deployments with BIOS protections via HP Wolf Security.
Why it matters
- Reframes portability: instead of carrying laptops, employees could move a single keyboard between shared desks.
- May simplify shared-station deployments like call centers where desk space is limited compared with buying all-in-one PCs.
- Built-in NPU and Copilot+ classification bring certain offline AI capabilities to a compact form factor.
- Enterprise-grade security features target IT requirements for firmware and BIOS protection.
Key facts
- Device name: HP EliteBoard G1a, announced at CES 2026; availability expected in March.
- Form factor: full-size keyboard with 93 keys (includes number pad); roughly 2 mm key travel; not a mechanical switch design.
- Connectivity: some SKUs include two USB-C ports; others have a single USB-C with an embedded cable; includes USB-to-HDMI adapter for non-USB-C monitors.
- Power: can draw power over USB-C from compatible monitors or accept a 65 W USB-C power adapter; optional 32 Wh battery offers up to 3.5 hours of active use or up to two days in sleep according to HP.
- Performance: AMD Ryzen AI 5 or 7 Pro options (330, 340, 350 Pro), integrated AMD Radeon 800 graphics and an NPU rated up to 50 TOPS.
- Memory and storage: configurable up to 64 GB DDR5-5600 and up to 2 TB SSD.
- Wireless: choices include Wi‑Fi 6E or Wi‑Fi 7 connectivity.
- Security: ships with HP Wolf Security for Business to protect BIOS and guard against firmware attacks.
- Portability: weighs between 1.49 and 1.69 pounds and measures 14.1 x 4.7 x 0.7 inches; HP demoed a slim carry envelope and said it fits laptop bags that accept 16-inch laptops.
What to watch next
- March availability with choice of models that include or omit an embedded USB-C cable (confirmed in the source).
- Whether the EliteBoard will be priced low enough to undercut business laptops and justify replacing laptop fleets: not confirmed in the source.
- How widely enterprises will shift from laptop culture to a ‘keyboard culture’, especially for employees who work from home: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- NPU: Neural Processing Unit — a specialized processor designed to accelerate machine learning and AI tasks on-device.
- USB-C: A reversible connector standard that can carry power, data and video over a single cable depending on the implementation.
- Copilot+ PC: A Microsoft classification for PCs that meet hardware requirements to run certain local AI features and enhanced Copilot capabilities.
- Hot desking: A workplace practice in which employees do not have fixed desks and instead use available workstations as needed.
Reader FAQ
When will the EliteBoard G1a be available?
HP says the keyboard PC will be available in March.
How much will it cost?
not confirmed in the source
Does the EliteBoard provide offline AI features?
Yes — HP classifies it as a Copilot+ PC, which enables certain offline Microsoft AI features like Recall and Windows Studio Effects.
Is the keyboard battery built in?
An optional 32 Wh battery is offered; it is configurable rather than standard in all models.
Is the EliteBoard a mechanical keyboard?
No — the board has about 2 mm of key travel but is not a mechanical switch design.
SYSTEMS Baby's got clack: HP pushes PC-in-a-keyboard for businesses with hot desks Notebook updates and enterprise tools also inbound from IT giant Avram Piltch Tue 6 Jan 2026 // 03:31 UTC At most businesses…
Sources
- Baby's got clack: HP pushes PC-in-a-keyboard for businesses with hot desks
- HP Reimagines The Desk for the Future of Work
- CES 2026: HP EliteBoard G1a is a keyboard with built-in …
- HP crammed an entire desktop computer into this keyboard
Related posts
- Alienware Developing New Ultra-Slim and Lower-Cost Gaming Laptops
- HP fits a full desktop PC inside a keyboard with AMD Ryzen AI chip
- AMD unveils Ryzen 7 9850X3D with higher boost clocks for gaming