The ECS LIVA is a tiny PC kit that features an Intel Bay Trail processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB to 64GB of eMMC storage, WiFi, Bluetooth, and a fanless case.
Measuring just 4.6″ x 2.8″ x 2.2″ the ECS LIVA is tiny. But it’s capable of running Windows, Ubuntu, or other full-fledged desktop operating systems.
Up until recently ECS has only sold the system as a barebones PC kit: you had to put it together and install the operating system yourself. But soon you’ll be able to buy an ECS LIVA with Windows 8.1 pre-installed.
Update: You can pick up an ECS Liva X mini PC with Windows 8.1 from Newegg.
The new model will come with Windows 8.1 with Bing software. That’s basically the full version of Windows 8.1, but Microsoft offers a discount to PC makers in exchange for a promise that they won’t change the default search engine in Internet Explorer before shipping systems. You can change it yourself though.
ECS hasn’t unveiled the pricing for the new model yet, but barebones models selling for as little as $165, don’t be surprised if the new Windows 8.1 model is priced around $200 or lower.
Other specs for the new model are expected to remain the same: the tiny computer features an Intel Celeron N2807 processor, 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, a USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0 port, HDMI and VGA ports, and a Gigabit Ethernet port.
There’s also a micro USB port which is used to connect a power cable.
The system will run Windows 8.1 64-bit software and features a fanless heat sink to keep the computer cool without generating any noise.
I haven’t tested an ECS LIVA myself, but I did recently review the Zotac ZBOX PI320 pico. That’s another tiny desktop PC with an Intel Bay Trail processor. I was quite impressed with the performance given the computer’s miniscule size and affordable price tag. But the ZBOX pico has a lower-power Intel Atom chip, runs 32-bit software, and lacks VGA output or a USB 3.0 port.
That could make the ECS LIVA with Windows 8.1 a much more attractive option… especially if it carries a similar $200ish price tag.
The performance difference between fanless/fan at the same price point is quite big. I have a fanless D525 Windows 7 desktop that I have been using for years… at the time there were not very many options for an inexpensive small form-factor system. Now there are many options… I would not choose fanless today.
i have both a liva and a pico, just received the pico yesterday. i use them for mythtv, i will be sending the pico back, it runs super hot. it’s running so hot that you really dont want to hold it where you can hold the liva at any time. additionally, the pico’s ethernet is a usb adapter which doesnt have any support under linux that i can find. with a power meter on the pico, running xmbc it clocks in at 8watts during playback. there is zero wattage savings using the pico. the SDP is just a gimmick. if your looking for HTPC, stick with the liva, if your looking for something with a bit more cpu performance you go with the pico.
Asus X205 11.6 inch notebook is 199 USD. HP Stream 11 is 199 too. Perfectly good Windows tabs running baytrail are damn a dozen starting 120 for 7 inches onwards. All of them can be connected to larger screens and KB/mice to be used as desktops. Wireless dongles like Microsoft one are a great way to use notebooks/ tabs on a large screen too. What are they trying to sell a little box for 200 in this day and age for ?
they probably have to pay for the windoze oem they should have put a token touchscreen (3.2in) in and sold it for $100
It’s capable of running Ubuntu.
Sound Good to me.
The hp stream 7 is $100 with Intel atom and 32gb storage… You could plug it into monitor and use it as a desktop (somehow)
That might be a 64bit CPU, but the typical quad core 32 bit Bay Trail’s in other devices benchmark 50% better. I don’t expect power from this type of machine, but their is a bare minimum, and I don’t want anything slower than my VP8.
I own both. Performance pretty much the same.