Introduction, Specs, and First Impressions

ECS updates their miniature PC and we see how it stacks up.

In our review of the original LIVA mini-PC we found it to be an interesting product, but it was difficult to identify a specific use-case for it; a common problem with the mini-PC market. Could the tiny Windows-capable machine be a real desktop replacement? That first LIVA just wasn't there yet. The Intel Bay Trail-M SoC was outmatched when playing 1080p Flash video content and system performance was a little sluggish overall in Windows 8.1, which wasn't aided by the limitation of 2GB RAM. (Performance was better overall with Ubuntu.) The price made it tempting but it was too underpowered as one's only PC – though a capable machine for many tasks.

Fast forward to today, when the updated version has arrived on my desk. The updated LIVA has a cool new name – the “X” – and the mini computer's case has more style than before (very important!). Perhaps more importantly, the X boasts upgraded internals as well. Could this new LIVA be the one to replace a desktop for productivity and multimedia? Is this the moment we see the mini-PC come into its own? There’s only one way to find out. But first, I have to take it out of the box.


Specifications:

Chipset: Intel® Bay Trail-M/Bay Trail-I SOC
Memory: DDR3L 2GB/4GB
Expansion Slot: 1 x mSATA for SSD
Storage: eMMC 64GB/32GB
Audio: HD Audio Subsystem by Realtek ALC283
LAN: Realtek RTL8111G Gigabit Fast Ethernet Controller
USB: 1 x USB3.0 Port, 2 x USB2.0 Ports
Video Output: 1 x HDMI Port, 1 x VGA Port
Wireless: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n & Bluetooth 4.0
PCB Size: 115 x 75 mm
Dimension: 135 x 83 x 40 mm
VESA Support: 75mm / 100mm
Adapter Input: AC 100-240V, Output: DC 12V / 3A
OS Support: Linux based OS, Windows 7 (via mSATA SSD) Windows 8/8.1


Thanks to ECS for providing the LIVA X for review!

Packaging and Contents

The LIVA X arrives in a smaller box than its predecessor, and one with a satin finish cuz it's extra fancy.

Inside we have … LIVA!!!

This time the LIVA arrives fully assembled, giving the updated version of the product a more polished, appliance-like feel compared to the 'assembly required' aspect of the original.

The rest of the box includes the micro-USB power adapter (this time slightly more powerful with 0.9 Amps max output), instructions, driver CD, wall adapters for various countries, and a 75mm/100mm VESA adapter.

Original LIVA on the left, LIVA X on the right

The new model has a lower profile than the original, though the X does have a larger footprint  (this larger surface area is probably a good thing considering the passive cooling system).

Looking at the back we see the lack of USB ports on the LIVA X (right), as these have all been routed to the front. Audio is now on the back, however.

Next we'll take a look at the components inside and then see how this new LIVA performed!

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