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| HP has an interesting new take on small-form-factor PCs with the EliteBoard G1a |
Move over, bulky towers and cramped all-in-ones. HP is reimagining the desktop PC by putting the entire computer where it’s always belonged: right under your fingers. Meet the HP EliteBoard G1a—a full-function Windows PC ingeniously integrated into a sleek keyboard chassis. This isn't just a thin client; it's a complete, powerful computer designed to vanish into your desk setup, offering a new pinnacle of clutter-free computing.
Gone are the separate boxes and tangled cables of traditional desktops. HP’s bold approach squeezes modern computing hardware into a surprisingly svelte keyboard form factor. While this design choice inherently limits upgradability compared to a standard mini-PC, HP has strategically equipped the EliteBoard G1a to confidently handle the vast majority of office productivity, web-based applications, and media tasks. Connectivity is brilliantly simple: just use the USB 4.0 or USB 3.2 Gen2 port to connect to a monitor. Both ports deliver power, video signal, and data transfer through a single cable, creating that coveted clean-desk aesthetic.
Power Under the Hood: AMD Ryzen AI Processors
Given its unique footprint, the EliteBoard G1a features a curated selection of efficient, modern processors. It launches with AMD’s latest Ryzen AI 300-series "Krackan Point" APUs, specifically the Ryzen AI 7 350, Ryzen AI 5 340, and Ryzen AI 5 330. These chips are not only capable for daily computing but also bring dedicated AI acceleration to the keyboard for emerging workloads. Their integrated Radeon graphics are robust enough to drive dual 4K displays simultaneously, making this a compelling option for multi-monitor professionals seeking a minimalist setup.
Surprising Upgradability in a Tiny Package
Defying the "sealed unit" expectation, HP has built notable flexibility into the EliteBoard G1a. Memory is user-upgradable via SODIMM slots, supporting up to a substantial 64 GB of DDR5-6400 RAM. Storage is equally adaptable, with a slot for a PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD of up to 2 TB. Interestingly, for the ultimate in cost-effective, fixed storage, the Ryzen AI 7 350 model can be configured with 32 GB of onboard eMMC storage, eliminating the need for an SSD entirely for specific use cases.
Designed for Flexibility: Battery, Connectivity & Portability
One of the most innovative features is the inclusion of a 32 Wh battery. This allows the EliteBoard G1a to function as a semi-portable, standalone device—imagine moving your entire PC between rooms or during a power blink without a shutdown. You’ll still need a monitor, but you won’t be hunting for an outlet immediately. It charges at up to 65W via the included adapter or directly from a compatible monitor's USB-C port.
Wireless connectivity is cutting-edge, with options for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 or the forward-looking Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0. All this tech is packed into a chassis measuring just 58 x 118 x 17 mm and weighing 726 grams (about 1.6 lbs), making it arguably the most portable "desktop" PC ever created.
Availability & Expectations
The HP EliteBoard G1a is scheduled to hit the market in March 2026. Pricing will be announced closer to launch. This device isn't aimed at hardcore gamers or video editors, but for the vast number of users who value a clean, silent, and incredibly space-efficient workspace without sacrificing performance for everyday tasks. It represents a fascinating new direction in desktop design, proving that sometimes, the best place to hide a powerful computer is in plain sight.
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| HP EliteBoard G1a rear |
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| HP EliteBoard G1a ports |
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| HP EliteBoard G1a keyboard |
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| HP EliteBoard G1a cooling |