Rediscovering the Charm of Keyboard PCs with HP's EliteBoard

A Remarkable Fusion: Keyboard and Computer

For as long as I can remember, I've dreamed of owning a computer cleverly integrated into a keyboard. The concept has always fascinated me, perhaps because I was captivated by the Commodore 64 as a child. At CES 2026, HP revives this compelling idea with the introduction of the EliteBoard G1a, described as an innovative 'Next Generation AI PC.'

This fascinating device is an IT professional's fantasy, blending the appearance of a regular desktop keyboard with the robust capabilities of a Copilot+ AI computer. It offers customization options with choices of Ryzen 5 or 7 processors, Radeon 800 graphics, up to 64GB of memory, and storage reaching 2TB via an NVMe SSD. Pair it with a display and a mouse, and you've created a fully functional desktop system.

A Glance at Past Innovations

The nostalgia for keyboard computers is tinged with sadness as the tech landscape gravitated towards standardized desktops and laptops over the years. The early 2000s saw a fleeting fascination with UMPCs (ultra mobile PCs) and devices like ASUS's Eee keyboard, yet they couldn't match the allure of smartphones and tablets, which effectively positioned the entire computer behind a screen instead of within a keyboard.

Hands-On with the EliteBoard Prototype

I recently had the opportunity to try an early version of the EliteBoard. Despite some hiccups, the experience proved it to be a captivating option in computing. Initial setup challenges arose due to its design of having just two USB-C ports at the back, necessitating creative solutions for power and video output. Using my Anker USB-C charging hub, I managed to power the unit, while a USB-C hub with HDMI out linked it to my monitor.

Regrettably, the resulting setup was a tangled array of cables, not the tidy setup anticipated for a keyboard PC. Nonetheless, once Windows launched, my frustration gave way to wonder at having a complete computer within a keyboard. This shouldn't have been surprising since products like Intel's Compute Stick housed PCs in compact forms, yet the EliteBoard truly felt practical.

Performance and Practicality

I refrained from running performance benchmarks on the prototype due to agreements, but it seemed comparable to a basic laptop's performance. This suits its intended role well: serving as a reliable office workstation. In my IT career, deploying sleek keyboards would have been preferable to the bulky desktops we often used.

Experimentation and Future Prospects

Designed for commercial use, HP views the EliteBoard as an experimental journey to gauge consumer reception to the keyboard PC concept. It's possible that future versions might target a wider audience, although the desktop PC concept traditionally resonates more with tech enthusiasts and IT personnel. For those eager to explore the EliteBoard, nothing holds them back from acquiring one soon.