Back
Technology

HP Unveils Keyboard-Integrated Desktop PC and New Laptop Lineup at CES 2026

Generated on: Last updated: 4 sources
View source

The HP EliteBoard G1a is a full Windows computer built into a standard desktop keyboard chassis.

HP Reinvents the Desktop at CES 2026: A PC Built Into a Keyboard

At CES 2026, HP unveiled a trio of major enterprise announcements, headlined by a device that challenges the very definition of a desktop computer. Alongside new business laptops and AI-powered printer features, the company introduced the EliteBoard G1a—a complete Windows PC hidden inside a keyboard.

HP EliteBoard G1a Keyboard PC

Design and Function

The HP EliteBoard G1a is a desktop computer system contained within a keyboard. It measures 14.1 x 4.7 x 0.7 inches (358 x 119 x 18 mm) and weighs between 1.49 and 1.69 pounds (676 to 767 grams), depending on configuration. The keyboard features an 1800 layout with 93 keys, including a number pad, and offers 2 mm of key travel. Stereo speakers are integrated into the chassis.

The device is designed to be portable for hot-desking environments. HP stated that it fits into laptop bags designed for 16-inch or larger laptops and demonstrated a custom carrying envelope.

Technical Specifications

The EliteBoard G1a is powered by AMD Ryzen AI 5 or 7 processors (models 330, 340, or 350 Pro), with embedded Radeon 800 graphics. The Neural Processing Unit (NPU) is capable of up to 50 TOPS, meeting the specifications for Microsoft's Copilot+ PC standards. This enables features such as Microsoft Recall, Click to Do, and Windows Studio Effects.

Configuration options include:

  • Memory: Up to 64 GB of DDR5 5600 MT/s RAM across two SODIMM slots.
  • Storage: Up to 2 TB of NVMe SSD storage.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth.
  • Ports: Two USB-C ports, or one USB-C port with an integrated captive cable, depending on the configuration. An included USB-to-HDMI adapter is provided for monitors lacking USB-C input.

The keyboard is available with either a captive (attached) or detachable USB-C cable. The version with an attached cable includes an additional USB4 port. An optional user-replaceable 32 Wh battery provides an estimated 3.5 hours of unplugged operation or two days in sleep mode.

Setup and Operation

"The system is engineered for single-cable connectivity to monitors equipped with USB-C video input."

The unit can be powered by a 65 W USB-C adapter if it does not receive power from the monitor. A wireless mouse can be connected to form a complete workstation.

A prototype was tested. Initial setup required an external USB-C hub for power and video output due to the port configuration. After configuration, the device ran Windows and demonstrated capability for office tasks, multiple browser windows, photo editing, and some gaming, with performance comparable to an entry-level laptop.

Security and Market Focus

The device includes HP Wolf Security for Business, designed to protect the BIOS from firmware attacks. HP is marketing the EliteBoard G1a specifically as an enterprise device for commercial and IT use, not as a consumer product. An optional fingerprint sensor is available.

Price and Availability

The EliteBoard G1a has a starting price of $1,499. It is scheduled for release in March.

Historical Context

The concept of a computer integrated into a keyboard has historical precedents, including the Commodore 64 and the 2009 ASUS Eee Keyboard. More recent examples include the Raspberry Pi 500. Previous attempts at keyboard-based computers faced challenges with the rise of smartphones and tablets.

HP EliteBook X G2 Laptop Lineup

HP also announced the EliteBook X G2 series of 14-inch commercial laptops. This series offers three processor platform options:

  • EliteBook X G2i: Intel "Panther Lake," Core Ultra 5, and Ultra 7 processors.
  • EliteBook X G2q: Snapdragon X2 Elite or X Plus processors.
  • EliteBook X G2a: AMD Ryzen AI 5, 7, or 9 chips.

Design and Weight

Most configurations of the 14-inch laptops weigh approximately 2.4 pounds (1.09 kg). A lightweight Intel-powered G2i model starts at 2.2 pounds (998 g). The EliteBook X Flip G2i, a 2-in-1 convertible, weighs 2.86 pounds (1.29 kg).

Display and Input

Screen options include:

  • A 1920 x 1200, 300-nit panel.
  • A 2880 x 1800 OLED touch screen capable of up to 700 nits with a 120 Hz refresh rate.

The laptops include a 5 MP webcam with an IR sensor for facial recognition and human presence detection.

Internal Specifications

  • Memory: Up to 64 GB of LPDDR5x RAM.
  • Storage: Up to a 2 TB PCIe SSD.
  • Power: 65 W or 100 W adapter.
  • Battery: Three-cell 56 Wh or six-cell 68 Wh battery.

Connectivity

All versions support Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. An optional 5G modem is available. The EliteBook X G2q utilizes a Qualcomm modem, while AMD and Intel versions feature HP R15 or R18 5G connectivity. The lightweight G2i model is Wi-Fi only.

HP for Microsoft 365 Copilot for Enterprise Printers

HP announced the integration of Microsoft 365 Copilot with its enterprise printers that support the Workpath app ecosystem. The feature is named "HP for Microsoft 365 Copilot" and is scheduled for release in the spring.

The on-printer software will provide AI-related functionalities directly from the printer/scanner touchscreen, including:

  • Redacting personally identifiable information from documents before printing.
  • Suggesting file names for scanned documents.
  • Generating AI summaries of documents.
  • On-device document translation.