PC began with a tower or desktop, with a display, a keyboard, and a mouse. It still is today, just that now we have the option of an all-in-one, which packs the internals of a tower/desktop into the monitor. It definitely saves desk space, but like any PC, it’s about as portable as a fridge—unless you’ve got a moving crew on standby. It’s an exaggeration, but you get the idea.
Enter HP EliteBoard G1a Next Gen AI PC. This PC is not merely HP joining the AI PC hype train. It is a desk-space saver, and easy to move because HP has packed an entire PC into the keyboard. That’s right, my friends. It is a keyboard PC, which makes it almost an all-in-one. Almost, because you still need a display, which, if I can be honest, is easier to deal with than lugging one along.
Now, keyboard PCs aren’t new. Lunar made one that even folds for easy transportation, and someone once managed to tuck an entire PC into a mechanical keyboard, complete with an integrated display. But the HP EliteBoard G1a Next Gen AI PC is the first from a mainstream PC maker, and it also happens to be the company’s smallest and lightest AI PC.
It supports AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processors with up to 50 TOPS NPU, and features Radeon 800M series graphics, packed in an ultra-thin 12 mm profile keyboard that looks like a regular keyboard. It’s quite an engineering feat, IMHO. Like an AIO proper, it packs dual mics and speakers, too. This thing is practically a laptop without the screen and trackpad. And it is ridiculously light, too, weighing just 750 g.
It offers a seamless out-of-the-box setup and comes with a pre-paired wireless mouse, so you can start working right away, well, right away if you have a monitor waiting. Speaking of which, it can connect to any size USB-C display. Unfortunately, that’s where it has a little shortfall. It does require a compatible display with a USB-C connection.
To further boost flexibility in hopping between workspaces without rebooting, there’s an optional 32 W internal battery. Still not a laptop, but you get the idea that it is an evolution, and a slow convergence between a laptop and a desktop PC. It also offers an integrated fingerprint sensor and power button for secure login as an option.
There are, of course, Kensington cable locks in order, and there’s an optional tethered USB-C cable to anchor the device to the desk while maintaining the link to the display. Finally, it rocks full enterprise manageability and HP Wolf Security for Business.
Oh, did we also mention that it touts itself as “the world’s most serviceable keyboard PC”? Yep. It’s good to know it is. Also, it is designed to last, thanks to a spill-resistant, easy-clean design.
The HP EliteBoard G1a Next Gen AI PC is expected to be available on HP.com in March. Pricing will be provided closer to availability.
Need a display for this clutter-free AI PC? Of course, HP has you covered. Along with the G1a, HP also announced the HP Series 7 Pro 4K Monitor, which boasts cutting-edge IPS Black performance and brilliant next-gen Neo:LED display technology in 4K. The monitor further features powerful 140 W Thunderbolt 4 connectivity that delivers 40 Gbps high-speed data and video.
The HP Series 7 Pro 4K Monitor will also be available in March at yet-to-be-announced pricing.
Images: HP.
