HP EliteBoard G1a first impressions: size of a keyboard, power of a PC
We’ve seen several versions of a PC that can be carried anywhere. Be it in the form of an AIO screen, or even phone brands like Samsung offering DeX functionality that lets you connect the smartphone to a screen and make it into a computer. But somehow, none of these methods really took off.
At CES 2025, HP unveiled a product that we believe has great potential for becoming a compelling option for a truly mobile PC. In fact, the first time we saw the HP EliteBoard G1a, the instant thought was why it hadn’t been thought of before. Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s take a look at what the EliteBoard G1a is and then understand why it marks a paradigm shift in the industry.
Redefining portability on the go
Yes, the HP EliteBoard G1a – as the name also indicates – is a keyboard. At first glance, you may even ignore it as any regular one indeed. Weighing less than 700g, it’s quite lightweight. The keys have a bevel, and combined with instantaneous key travel, the typing is a charm on the device. It also features dual mics and speakers.
But what really differentiates it from a regular keyboard is the ports at the top edge. There’s 1 internally secure, tethered USB 4 port, and 4 additional USB ports. Each of the ports supports 65W power delivery. The tethered USB 4 port lets you connect the EliteBoard G1a to any screen and turn it into a computer…
Power that can give even laptops a run for their money
Under the hood, HP’s EliteBoard G1a draws power from AMD Ryzen AI PRO 300 Series. Combined with up to 64GB DDR5 RAM and up to 2TB storage, it ensures that there’s no compromise in terms of performance. Even the graphics department is well taken care of by up to Radeon 860M graphics.
There’s support for AI capabilities as well, with support for 50 TOPS. The best part is that despite its tiny form factor, the EliteBoard G1a can connect to up to four displays with 4K resolution at 60Hz.
Compromises? What’s that?
Right from the optional fingerprint sensor to support for Kensington cable locks, the EliteBoard G1a ensures that there’s no compromise for the B2B audience. Add to it the MIL-STD 810 certification, and the device is durable and spill-resistant. HP Wolf Security for Business is also embedded into the hardware for providing defence at the BIOS level or even from the cloud.
You can keep the EliteBoard G1a connected with a 65W USB-C power adapter or even opt for a variant that features up to 32WHr battery that promises up to 3.5 hours of usage and 2+ days backup in idle mode.
What really won our hearts is that it’s easily repairable. You can open it to service or replace not just the top-mount keyboard but even RAM, SSD, speakers, fan, and battery.
Closing thoughts
The EliteBoard G1a will go on sale later this year. And if priced well, it definitely could mark a new era for computing. With the world increasingly going remote, it could be a great option for modern workers.
Disclaimer: The writer attended HP @ CES Preview Event in New York in December. The opinions expressed in this article are entirely personal and remain independent of any brand influence.
