HP has unveiled a compact computing device that collapses an entire desktop PC into the footprint of a keyboard, a design aimed at professionals who want maximum portability without carrying a laptop. The device, called the EliteBoard, was revealed as a 2026 CES Innovation Awards honoree, as reported by BGR.
At first glance, the EliteBoard looks like a slim, modern keyboard. In practice, it is a fully functioning computer designed for shared and flexible work environments where monitors are already available. Users simply connect the keyboard to a compatible USB C display and can immediately access their operating system, applications, and files, all running locally from the keyboard itself.
The concept reflects a growing shift in how offices are structured. Hot desking, shared workstations, and hybrid work setups have reduced the need for permanent desks while increasing demand for devices that can move easily between locations. HP positions the EliteBoard as a middle ground between a traditional desktop and a laptop, cutting away the screen and hinge while retaining full computing power.
Despite its unconventional form factor, the EliteBoard is not a stripped down device. It ships with Windows 11 and is powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processor paired with Radeon 800M integrated graphics. According to HP, this configuration is intended to handle everyday professional workloads, including productivity software, multitasking, and light creative work.
Physically, the device is thinner and lighter than most laptops. It measures just 12 millimeters thick and weighs about 750 grams, making it easy to slip into a backpack or briefcase. HP says this makes it particularly suitable for professionals who move frequently between offices, meeting rooms, or client sites but want a consistent computing environment each time.
Durability and repairability were also central to the design. The keyboard surface is built to resist spills and is easy to clean, an important consideration when coffee and keyboards collide. About 75 percent of the plastic used in the chassis is recycled. Unlike many ultra portable devices, the EliteBoard is user serviceable, allowing components such as RAM, storage, and the battery to be replaced without specialized tools.
HP has not yet announced pricing, but the company is targeting a release window around March 2026. If the EliteBoard performs as promised, it could signal a broader rethink of what constitutes a personal computer in an era where screens are everywhere and portability increasingly means carrying less, not more.
