ECS Liva Mini PC with Windows 8.1 and Bing

If you ever told ECS that its Liva miniature personal computer looks like a NUC from Intel, it would probably vehemently deny it, and it could probably summon a whole set of reasons about the hardware not being quite the same and whatnot.

However, no matter how true the argument would be, Elitegroup Computer System would have to concede that the Liva is actually similar to the Next Unit of Computing in terms of size and shape. Sure, it's black instead of white or blue, or whatever other color the makers of NUC cases like to play with every other month. In the end, though, the Liva looks a lot like it. Not that it's such a crime. No one can complain much when their PC is small enough to comfortably sit in the palm of their hand.

The specs of the ECS Liva Mini PC

First off, with the chassis so small, the little motherboard inside can't be larger than a credit card, establishing a sort of kinship with the Raspberry Pi, even though the hardware is totally different. Distant kinship, but kinship nonetheless. The hardware is centered around an Intel Bay Trail-M CPU and consists of Realtek RTL8111G LAN (networking technology), Realtek ALC282 audio with 2CH Combo Jack, a WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.0 module (wireless communications) and a USB 3.0 port. For video, the integrated graphics processor inside the CPU gets one HDMI output and one VGA port. In terms of IO (besides what we've already mentioned), we're looking at one USB 3.0 / 1 USB 2.0 port, an Audio Combo Jack, and one Power Connector (Micro USB Port).

As for cooling, the case doubles as such, but the immediate heat of the CPU is taken away and dissipated by a fanless heatsink apparently made of copper. As for software, Elitegroup Computer Systems installed the Microsoft Windows 8.1 operating system on the Liva Mini PC, complete with the Bing search engine. It'll be interesting to see how many people use it instead of switching to Google the moment they install Firefox or Chrome.

Availability and pricing

ECS didn't mention either in its official press release, but shipments shouldn't take too long in starting now that both the press release and the official product page of the Liva Mini PC are online. The price will likely be of around two hundred dollars or Euro, maybe even less. Unless specs change to something stronger and the tag becomes of just under $500 / €500, but that's unlikely. 

Press Release:Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) is pleased to announce that the most attractive Mini PC, LIVA, now preloads Windows 8.1 with Bing operation system to deliver more benefits and convenience to its users.
Windows 8.1 with Bing is a version of the Windows NT operating system and an upgrade for Windows 8 and will come with Internet Explorer installed and Bing Smart Search, enabled by default, to find things across Web, Apps, and your PC. Windows 8.1 with Bing is also perfect for touch experience with familiar desktop that people can easily be associated with. Besides faster startup times, users can download Apps from the Windows Store and keep your customized settings and Apps on all your PC and devices. With such benefits of Windows 8.1 with Bing preloaded, the palm-size full featured LIVA Mini PC brings ultimate convenience and shows the determination of living a better life.
The word, LIVA, comes from the combination of "Living" and "Life (Viva)" and the spirit of living a better life. LIVA is expressing the passion and the pursuit of aesthetics in every way of life through the products.

ECS Liva Mini PC
Image credits to ECS

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