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. This new product harkens back to the Commodore 64, which popularized the concept in the 1980s, while also addressing the more recent dominance of Raspberry Pi in the keyboard-PC market.

The EliteBoard G1a aims to provide a user-friendly experience compared to the Raspberry Pi 400 and Pi 500, which, while cost-effective, are often favored by hobbyists and those familiar with Linux-based systems. Raspberry Pi's offerings, including the Raspberry Pi 400, which houses a Raspberry Pi 4 single-board computer within a keyboard case, have typically appealed to tinkerers and DIY enthusiasts due to their open-source nature and flexibility. The Pi 500, an upgraded version, features a more powerful quad-core, 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 processor and utilizes NVMe SSD storage, but comes at a higher price point.

HP's entry into this space with the EliteBoard G1a suggests a move towards broadening the appeal of keyboard-based PCs to a wider audience seeking a simpler, more integrated Windows experience. Details regarding the specific Ryzen processor used, memory configurations, storage options, and pricing for the EliteBoard G1a were not immediately available. The company has not yet released information on the target market or distribution channels for the new device. Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, which should clarify the specifications and availability of the EliteBoard G1a.