The current trend is for small but powerful computers. It was first introduced in PCs before the Mac Mini became the standard for small but powerful desktop computers. With smaller components, more and more compact designs can be created. The HP EliteBoard G1a is a computer designed out of the box because it also has a full-size keyboard. Here is my review of the HP EliteBoard G1a.
Honor HP EliteBoard G1a
CPU AMD Ryzen AI Pro 340 (50 TOPS)
GPU Radeon 840M (512MB RAM)
RAM 16 GB DDR5
(Replaceable)
Internal Storage 512GB SSD M.2 PCIe Gen 4
(Replaceable)
I/O 1 x USB-C1 40 Gbps USB4
1 x USB-C2: 10 Gbps USB-C 3.2 Gen 2
Battery 32Wh
Charging 65W USB-C
SIM/Telephony None
Wi-FI 7 Connectivity
Bluetooth 6.0
Audio Jack None
Waterproof Spill-proof
Durable MIL-STD 810
Fingerprint Scanning System on the power button
Size and Weight 358 x 118 x 17 mm
768g
Selling Price RM5731
Design
At a glance, the EliteBoard G1a looks like a keyboard normal. In terms of thickness, it is thinner than some mechanical keyboards that have been reviewed before. It has 93 keys complete with a NumPad on the right. The keys used are rectangular with no space between the keys. It is the key button configuration used on HP laptops.
Each key has a built-in light that can be turned off completely or turned on with two levels of brightness. There is a blue-lit power button that also doubles as a fingerprint scanner built into the upper right corner of the keyboard. In addition to the Windows button, there is also a dedicated button to launch CoPilot.
The keyboard is comfortable to use, but for those who are not used to the close keyboard used by HP, the adaptation process will take a few days. The large size of the EliteBoard G1a makes the typing process comfortable because the hands do not feel squeezed. HP advertises this keyboard as splash-proof, so there is no need to worry if water is spilled for a moment.
If there is a comment I would like to give, it is that there is no space for a palm rest or stick at the bottom of the HP EliteBoard G1a to change the typing angle. If there is, it would be better because it will make the process of upgrading using the HP EliteBoard G1a more comfortable.
At the bottom there are many air vents for the cooling system of the internal components. The body includes an AMD Ryzen AI 5 PRO processor, AMD Radeon 840M built-in graphics, 16GB of DDR5-5600 MT/s RAM, 512GB PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 SSD storage and a 32Wh battery. Both memory (2 SODIMM slots) and SSD storage can be upgraded by users themselves.
A pair of speakers are placed on the left and right sides of the keyboard with them shooting to the sides. On the back, there is a ventilation space to blow hot air about 5 inches long. Only one USB Type-C 40Gbps and one USB Type-C 10Gbps are included as IO. Finally, there is a hole for a Kensington lock on the left side of the EliteBoard G1a.
It would be better if there were more I/O and a 3.5mm audio jack included at once, but HP feels that what is provided is sufficient. Officially, the EliteBoard G1a supports connection to one 8K monitor or four 4K monitors simultaneously using a dongle.
The HP EliteBoard G1a mouse is of the optical type that can be used by both left- and right-handed people. There are two click buttons, a scroll wheel and a dedicated button to launch Copilot. The bottom has a large plastic base that makes it easy to glide on various desk surfaces.
The mouse supports tethering using Bluetooth 6.0 and 2.4GHz radio frequency via the included USB-C dongle. Powering this mouse are two AAA-sized batteries that are provided with every purchase.
Performance
Here are some benchmark scores that I managed to use to measure the performance of this keyboard computer. Based on the scores recorded, it is clearly a computer for office work.,
With 16GB of RAM, it is enough to produce paper, slides, PDF, light video editing using CapCut and do photo editing using Photoshop or Affinity. During the review period, I used it as a work computer for several days without any major issues as long as the power management system was set to the Performance setting.
The EliteBoard G1a's fan will whine quite loudly (like the Legion Go 2) on the highest setting. This roar can be heard by office colleagues. This loud fan helps cool the CPU without the keyboard surface feeling hot.
In Balance mode, there were some issues especially when I tried to edit large images in Photoshop with many layers. It felt a little less smooth and there were some stutters due to reduced power. In fact, if in the background, the Edge browser was opened with more than 10 tabs, this issue was also felt. Indeed, 16GB of RAM is a rather large size, but for my higher-than-usual tasks, it was not enough.
Fortunately, HP allows additional memory with two DDR5 SODIMM slots provided and one M.2 2280 SSD slot that can also be changed in the future. Users do not have to suffer with low specifications when purchased, especially in the era of RAM crisis that is currently going through.
Gaming
What if you want to use the EliteBoard G1a as a gaming computer? Honestly, I say it is not recommended at all. I tried to run Commandos: Origin which does not require high specifications and the frame rate was only satisfactory. Then I looked for something with Doom: The Dark Ages and the highest frame rate achieved at the lowest settings was 17FPS. This game was simply unplayable.
In terms of performance, the AMD Ryzen AI Pro 340 is nowhere near as good as the AMD Ryzen Z2 used in the majority of mobile PC consoles on the market today. The Legion Go 2 that I reviewed last year can run AAA-class games at between 40-50FPS without issue on medium settings.
Audio
A pair of 1W speakers are included with them placed on the left and right sides firing downwards. Because of this positioning, the audio produced is only satisfactory. Good enough for a Meet, Teams or Zoom teleconference session but not good enough for watching movies or videos. There is a built-in microphone so no additional accessories need to be connected for teleconference sessions. What is missing is a 3.5 mm audio jack which is disappointing.
Battery
The 32Wh battery is advertised to last up to 7 hours on a single charge. Good life if you want to use the EliteBoard G1a without a power supply. But if you connect a USB-C monitor, the EliteBaord G1a has an infinite life. But if the EliteBoard G1a is used to power a portable monitor, the usage life can drop to around 3.5 hours only.
Conclusion
The HP EliteBoard G1a is a compact computer in the form of a keyboard for those who want a device that is small in size, does not take up desk space, is powerful enough for office tasks and has the features needed to be a productive skilled worker. If this is what you want then the HP EliteBoard G1a will satisfy you.
But with a selling price of RM 5731 a piece, it is difficult to recommend its purchase unless you are really looking for a keyboard computer. A Mac Mini with a more powerful processor is sold at a more affordable price even after Apple raised its price a few weeks ago.
PROS and PROS
Good performance for work tasks, videos and light games.
A comfortable keyboard to type on.
A satisfactory mouse.
A compact design is easy to carry anywhere.
Memory and SSD can be upgraded.
CONS and CONS
Weak speakers and no 3.5mm audio jack
Only two USB-C.
The price is quite expensive.
