HP EliteBoard G1a Review: The Return of the Keyboard PC

HP is reintroducing the concept of the keyboard computer with its new EliteBoard G1a. Marketed as a 'Next Gen AI PC,' this device consolidates a full desktop system into a standard keyboard form factor. It is designed primarily for IT environments, offering a compact solution that only requires a monitor and mouse to function.

The device features powerful internal components, including Ryzen 5 or 7 processors and embedded Radeon 800 graphics. While the form factor is nostalgic, recalling the Commodore 64 or the failed Intel Compute Stick, the EliteBoard aims to be a practical tool for modern offices. Prototype testing indicated that while the device performs well for standard tasks, the physical setup requires specific accessories due to limited port availability.

The EliteBoard G1a represents a return to a specific era of computing where the entire machine was housed within the keyboard. This concept has historically appealed to enthusiasts and IT professionals, though it largely disappeared in favor of standardized desktops and laptops. The resurgence is driven by the device's classification as a Copilot+ AI PC, packing modern processing power into a small footprint.

Historically, similar devices struggled to survive the market dominance of smartphones and tablets. The industry trend favored integrating computers behind screens rather than into input devices. However, HP is betting that the convenience of a 'all-in-keyboard' setup will appeal to commercial users looking to minimize clutter and hardware deployment complexity.

Key specifications for the EliteBoard G1a include:

• Processors: AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 CPUs
• Graphics: Embedded Radeon 800 GPUs
• Memory: Configurable up to 64GB of RAM
• Storage: Up to 2TB of NVMe SSD storage

Hands-on testing of an early EliteBoard prototype revealed a mix of amazement and practical hurdles. The initial setup proved to be a significant pain point for the reviewer. The device features only two USB-C ports located on the rear, creating a bottleneck for users who need to power the device and connect to a display simultaneously.

To achieve a functional desktop setup, specific accessories were required. The reviewer utilized an Anker USB-C charging hub to provide power and a separate USB-C hub with an HDMI port to transmit video to a monitor. This reliance on external hubs resulted in a 'jumble of wires,' which detracted from the clean aesthetic usually associated with keyboard PCs.

Despite the connectivity frustrations, the operational experience was largely positive. Once Windows was running, the device handled multiple browser tabs, photo editing, and light gaming (specifically Vampire Survivors) without issue. The typing experience was also noted as 'pretty great,' validating its primary function as a keyboard.

Regarding raw performance, the EliteBoard G1a performed similarly to an entry-level laptop during the prototype phase. While specific benchmarks were not conducted due to testing agreements, the device proved capable of handling standard office workloads. It is described as perfectly suited to be a 'boring office computer,' offering a viable alternative to bulky desktop towers.

For IT administrators, the appeal lies in the deployment ease of a lightweight keyboard versus heavy desktop units. The device is currently targeted at commercial users, but HP views this release as an experiment. The company is observing user response to determine if there is a market for a keyboard PC intended for mainstream consumers.

While the concept of a desktop PC generally appeals to 'tinkerers and IT folks,' the EliteBoard attempts to bridge the gap between convenience and power. There are currently no barriers preventing interested parties from acquiring the device, suggesting HP is ready to test the waters with real-world usage.

The HP EliteBoard G1a successfully proves that a keyboard computer can be a usable, modern device. By integrating Copilot+ AI PC specs into a familiar form factor, HP offers a unique solution for workspace optimization. While the setup process requires patience and specific USB-C accessories, the resulting performance is solid for its intended commercial use case.

As an experiment in form factor, the EliteBoard challenges the standard desktop paradigm. If the market responds positively, we may see a new wave of integrated keyboard computers. For now, it stands as a compelling option for IT professionals and those looking to declutter their desks without sacrificing computing power.