HP Puts a Full Desktop Inside This Keyboard
▼ Summary
– HP is announcing the Eliteboard G1a, a mini desktop computer housed entirely inside a compact keyboard, containing an AMD Ryzen AI 300-series chip and standard computer components.
– The device is designed for simple setup, requiring only a connection to a monitor and a pre-paired Bluetooth mouse to function.
– It offers configurable options including a fingerprint sensor, a user-replaceable battery, and up to 2TB of storage and 64GB of DDR5 RAM.
– The author expresses personal enthusiasm for the concept, nicknaming it “The Keyputer,” but wishes for a mechanical keyboard version.
– The Eliteboard G1a is expected to launch in March 2026, but final pricing from HP is not yet available.
Imagine a computer that fits entirely within the confines of a standard keyboard. HP is making that a reality with its new Eliteboard G1a, a compact mini desktop announced for CES 2026 that packs all the essential components into a sleek peripheral. This innovative device looks like a typical office keyboard but contains an AMD Ryzen AI 300-series processor, memory, storage, stereo speakers, and even a cooling fan. To set it up, you simply connect the keyboard to a monitor, supporting up to dual 4K displays via daisy-chaining, and power on the included, pre-paired Bluetooth mouse.
The concept of an all-in-one keyboard computer isn’t entirely novel, with products like the Raspberry Pi 500 exploring similar territory. However, the Eliteboard G1a distinguishes itself by running a full desktop computing experience rather than a specialized single-board OS. While it may not outperform dedicated desktops or small form factor PCs, its available AMD Krackan Point processors, from the Ryzen AI 5 350 to the Ryzen AI 7 370 Pro, promise ample power for everyday office tasks and productivity software.
Beyond the core computing hardware, HP offers several configuration options. Users can add a fingerprint sensor for security and opt for a user-replaceable 35Wh battery, which provides an estimated 3.5 hours of untethered use. The system supports up to a substantial 2TB of storage and 64GB of DDR5 RAM across two SODIMM slots. Remarkably, all this technology is housed in a keyboard featuring 2mm key travel and a total weight of just 1.69 pounds (726 grams).
The Eliteboard comes in two primary variants: one with a captive USB-C cable and another with a detachable cable. The detachable model might appeal more to keyboard enthusiasts accustomed to modular setups, though the version with the attached cable includes a spare USB4 port for additional connectivity. Both designs integrate the necessary ports and that internal fan, a surprising but essential component for managing thermals in such a confined space.
Although this device is clearly targeted at streamlined office and IT deployments, its clever engineering is undeniably appealing. The prospect of a complete, portable workstation contained within a keyboard sparks the imagination, even if the membrane keyboard might not satisfy mechanical switch purists. One can dream of future iterations that incorporate mechanical switches and hot-swap capabilities, perhaps borrowing from the modular designs seen in gaming keyboards. The HP Eliteboard G1a is expected to launch in March, with final pricing to be announced closer to its release date.
(Source: The Verge)
