CES 2026: This HP Keyboard Hides an Entire Windows PC.
If you’re like me, you spend 90% of your time on a laptop connected to a docking station and a monitor (or two). And if you’ve gotten this far, you might be wondering why you even need a screen on your computer. HP has you covered. Unveiled at CES this year, the HP Eliteboard G1a looks like a regular keyboard on the outside, but inside, it’s a fully-fledged Windows PC.
It’s not exactly a new concept, but with Windows XP’s experimental days long gone, it’s mostly been used for less powerful Linux-based single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi . This is great for hackers and hobbyists, but not for those who simply need a screenless mini PC with a keyboard to get work done.
Instead, the Eliteboard G1a features the latest AMD Ryzen AI processors, up to 64GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of storage, so while you shouldn’t expect it to run the latest games, it’s perfectly capable of browsing the web and using simple office software.
It’s also a rather discreet, yet interesting design. I was able to test it, and to outsiders, it does look like a typical office keyboard, with black, low-profile chiclet keys, a row of function keys, and a numeric keypad. The weight ranges from 1.5 to 1.7 pounds depending on the configuration, so it’s quite light, and if you were to tell me it’s just a keyboard without any computer inside, I’d probably believe you.
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What’s the catch? This device is aimed at business customers, not consumers. This certainly offers some benefits, such as a Kensington lock slot, additional security software, and an optional fingerprint reader. But it also means you won’t find it for sale anywhere except at HP’s retail stores, and while pricing hasn’t been announced yet, it’s likely to be slightly more expensive when purchased separately rather than as part of an office setup. Furthermore, it can only connect to monitors via DisplayPort, which is fine if you’re an office manager who knows which displays are compatible, but might not be suitable for everyone’s home setup.
It’s a shame, because I love unusual form factors, and this keyboard-only PC would be a great addition to my home office. It’s plenty powerful, uses a familiar operating system with broad app compatibility, and can even display on two 4K monitors simultaneously. There are also two versions: one that always needs to be plugged in, and one with a battery and a detachable USB power cable for quickly switching between different workstations. This provides excellent flexibility, as the battery-powered version is slightly more portable, but also heavier.
Hopefully this is just HP’s early experiment, because I’d happily buy the consumer version of this laptop in the future. However, if you’re ready for the business model, HP says it will be available on HP.com sometime in March.