GadgetLad Takes HP’s Keyboard PC for a Test Drive
In the past, personal computers were housed within keyboards, like the Apple II and the Commodore 64. However, as time passed, the keyboard transitioned to being an accessory rather than the star of the show. Now, HP aims to revive this classic concept with the EliteBoard G1a—an AI PC embedded in a 101-key keyboard that’s portable enough to move from the office to home.
Not Just for Tech Enthusiasts
The EliteBoard G1a isn’t merely a toy for hobbyists like your Raspberry Pi 500. This device is designed for professionals. It belongs to HP’s stylish commercial range, alongside those EliteBooks, and it offers HP Wolf Security for added business cybersecurity. But, truthfully, if you prefer carrying a keyboard over a laptop, this is aimed at you.
Who’s This Tailored For?
Unique Market Enthusiasts Celebrate
The EliteBoard G1a is targeting a specific niche. HP believes IT departments will purchase these for two kinds of office workers. First, the “dual deskers”—those individuals who have a workstation with a monitor at their job and another at home. Next, there are the affluent call centers or locations where desk space is more elusive than a Geordie’s sense of humility.
Carrying Keyboards Instead of Laptops
Forget the conventional closing of a laptop lid, they suggest, and simply haul the keyboard. Weighing in at a mere 1.49 pounds—half the weight of a lightweight laptop—it should be a breeze to transport. To facilitate this, either IT must supply monitors for home use, or workers have to invest in their own.
Models and Pricing
Plenty of Choices
Depending on market trends, the EliteBoard G1a boasts several AMD Ryzen CPUs, up to 64GB of RAM, and SSDs offering up to 2TB of storage. With prices ranging from $1,499 to $3,423, it exceeds what your average Geordie would spend on an evening out in town. There’s a model available with a detachable or built-in cord and even a 32 WHr battery for those who prefer a rest mode in their bags. But honestly, why not just opt for a laptop?
Design: Appearance and Feel
What’s So Special About a Keyboard?
The EliteBoard G1a features the classic full-size keyboard aesthetic. Its dark gray tone is as thrilling as a dreary day in Newcastle, and it’s slim enough to evoke envy from neighbors. It offers sufficient typing comfort with 2 mm of key travel, responsive keys, and a backlight to assist in identifying those late-night mistakes.
Performance and Evaluations
Impressive Output but Lacks Direction
Equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI 7 Pro 350 CPU, 64GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD, the EliteBoard performed adequately in benchmark assessments. The fan sometimes sounds akin to a jet engine, but it’s all in pursuit of performance. It’s not a ThinkPad rival, but it stands strong in a competitive landscape.
The Final Verdict
A Keyboard Concealing a Surprise
The HP EliteBoard G1a is an engineering marvel with a unique design that conserves desk space and prompts a reevaluation of your technology’s utility. It’s like a Geordie at a metro station—compact and effective. However, considering the price, you may find it more sensible to stick with a reliable laptop unless carrying a keyboard suits your needs.
Overview
“Keyboards Are PCs Now, Apparently”
The EliteBoard G1a is an eccentric blend of nostalgia and modernity, offering the ordinary keyboard a renewed existence. Yet, in an era dominated by laptops, it’s a specialized product: ideal for the right employee but not a universal solution.
