HP announced the EliteBoard G1a, a Windows 11 PC integrated into a functioning membrane keyboard, positioning it as a more accessible alternative to existing keyboard-based computers. The EliteBoard G1a harkens back to the Commodore 64, which popularized the concept in the 1980s, while also offering a contrast to the Raspberry Pi, which has recently dominated the keyboard-PC space.

Raspberry Pi's presence in this market segment was established with the 2019 release of the Raspberry Pi 400, a single-board computer housed within a keyboard. This device included USB, HDMI, and Ethernet ports, along with a GPIO header and the Raspberry Pi OS Linux distribution, offering a low-end desktop experience for approximately $100. The company later released the Pi 500, featuring a Pi 5 powered by a quad-core, 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 processor, NVMe SSD storage, and a low-profile mechanical keyboard, priced at $200.

However, Raspberry Pi devices primarily appeal to hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts, and Linux users. HP's EliteBoard G1a, by contrast, aims to provide a more user-friendly experience with its Windows 11 operating system. Further details regarding the EliteBoard G1a's specifications, pricing, and availability were not immediately available. The product's announcement signals a potential shift in the keyboard-PC market, offering a Windows-based alternative to the predominantly Linux-focused Raspberry Pi offerings.