A Desktop In A Keyboard: Not For You!

Upon testing an early version of HP’s Eliteboard G1a — a keyboard that ingeniously integrates all the components of a desktop PC within its confines — I found myself captivated. After further experience with the finalized model, I am convinced this device signals a future where computers will transform into forms we cannot yet imagine. However, it’s clear why HP has chosen not to market the EliteBoard as a consumer product: at its current price of $1,499, it mainly caters to the curiosity of bored IT managers. It’s not designed for everyday consumers. But wouldn’t it be amazing if it was?

The design of the EliteBoard takes me back to the early days of personal computers, reminiscent of when the Commodore 64 was merely a large keyboard that connected to a television. The most recent attempt at the keyboard PC concept was ASUS’s Eee Keyboard in 2009, coinciding with the dawn of the smartphone era. Today, with a plethora of affordable ultraportable laptops and lightweight tablets available, it becomes increasingly difficult for average consumers to justify the need for a traditional keyboard desktop.

Consider the perspective of an IT professional responsible for managing numerous computers in a lab or potentially hundreds across an entire organization. I invite you to step into my shoes from two decades ago when I spent nearly eight years in IT at my college. I frequently transported heavy Dell desktops across campus using golf carts and hand trucks. Many of those machines were only lightly utilized in labs and offices. While there are now more compact desktops, none can match the weight of the 1.5-pound EliteBoard.

What truly stands out about HP’s EliteBoard is its seemingly ordinary appearance. At first glance, it resembles countless grey and black keyboards typically found attached to corporate computers. Its weight also doesn’t reveal its unique features, as many mechanical keyboards tend to be quite substantial. However, a closer inspection reveals its distinctive characteristics. The keys are covered with a soft touch finish, inviting your fingers to glide across them. Additionally, the key travel is substantial, providing a responsive typing experience free from the hard plastic clacking common in cheaper keyboards.

At the back, there are two USB-C ports. This is where things get interesting: one port is a 45W connection that serves the dual purpose of powering the EliteBoard and providing a video signal to USB-C monitors. You can also charge the system through its dedicated USB-C charger via the second port while utilizing the first connection with an HDMI adapter. HP includes an HDMI hub that connects directly to monitors, providing ports for an additional HDMI screen, USB-C charging, and a separate USB-C link to the EliteBoard.

Inside this keyboard marvel lies AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 chips, along with user-replaceable RAM and SSDs. My review unit came equipped with a Ryzen AI 5 Pro 340 featuring Radeon 840M graphics, 32GB of memory, and a modest 512GB SSD, which I consider the absolute minimum for a corporate machine. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities are also standard.

HP has also included a wired mouse that pairs with the EliteBoard right out of the box. While it’s adequate for basic tasks and portability, I found it to be somewhat lightweight and fragile. For those seeking a more durable option, investing in something like Logitech’s MX Master series would offer a more ergonomic and responsive experience.

Initially, I found the setup process for the EliteBoard to be somewhat confusing, as I anticipated seeing an HDMI or DisplayPort connection alongside its USB-C ports. Instead, HP recommends using either the included HDMI hub or connecting directly to a USB-C display. The hub works adequately, but its short cable length posed a challenge when trying to connect it to my Alienware monitor. It seems HP aimed for a setup that could easily be concealed behind a screen. Connecting to a USB-C monitor proves to be the most streamlined method, requiring only one cable to deliver both video and power to the EliteBoard.

My initial plan to connect the EliteBoard to a separate USB-C charger and my own USB-C hub (equipped with an HDMI port) resulted in a messy tangle of wires on my desk. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get HP’s hub to transmit a video signal to my monitor. I eventually purchased a $10 HDMI to USB-C adapter and connected it to an HDMI cable. Ultimately, the EliteBoard only required two cables for setup, but I couldn’t help but envision how tidy it would appear with a USB-C monitor.

Beyond its applications in computer labs and offices, HP claims the EliteBoard is designed for professionals who transition between various workspaces, such as hot desking. In such scenarios, having USB-C monitors readily available at each location would be ideal. Relying on HP’s HDMI hub every time would prove cumbersome. Additionally, the system can operate for approximately three and a half hours while moving between different locations with the optional built-in battery.

Once I navigated the initial wiring challenges, the HP EliteBoard G1a felt just like any other PC. I powered it on, logged into Windows, configured my fingerprint on its integrated reader (which also serves as the power button), and was at the desktop within five minutes. After that, using it was akin to any other standard Windows system.

Installing applications from the Microsoft Store, browsing online, watching YouTube videos, writing articles, and checking emails felt just like my experiences with other PCs I’ve encountered recently. Its PCMark score of 6,736 places it alongside ultraportable laptops from two years ago, such as HP’s Spectre x360 16 and other systems utilizing Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H chip. However, my review unit’s integrated Radeon GPU contained only a limited amount of VRAM, triggering warnings during 3DMark benchmarks. While it can handle most office tasks, don’t expect to squeeze in any gaming sessions. This limitation may actually enhance its appeal to businesses.

HP deserves commendation for focusing on the keyboard aspect of this keyboard PC. Typing on the EliteBoard felt incredibly satisfying, and I never perceived the experience to be compromised by housing hardware within it. Being a fully functional PC, its fans do rev up at times, which could be disruptive in libraries or quiet labs. However, the keys remain cool to the touch, even during intensive work.

I was also surprised to discover a small speaker on the EliteBoard, but its utility is limited to system sounds. For any music, you will need to connect Bluetooth speakers or headphones, or use a USB-C connection to external computer speakers.

The primary function of the EliteBoard G1a is to serve as an efficient desktop disguised as a keyboard, and it has indeed fulfilled that role. Nonetheless, I must stress: unless you work in IT, there is little reason to consider purchasing the EliteBoard G1a, especially at the review unit’s price of $1,795. (It starts at $1,500 without a battery, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD.) Similar to Intel’s Compute Stick, the design alone piques my interest, and the fact that it functions well as a decent PC adds to its intrigue. However, any sensible consumer would be better off opting for a compact desktop PC for a clean and efficient setup.

Although HP does not intend to make the EliteBoard widely accessible to consumers, company representatives have indicated that they will be monitoring its reception. Should there be sufficient demand for a simplified consumer version of a keyboard PC, HP will have valuable experience in developing one.