A year ago, we reviewed the Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) Liva Q1D Mini PC. The company recently sent us the Liva Q1L Mini PC for review, which looks very similar to the Q1D, albeit with a few changes here and there. Just like the ECS LIVA Q1D, the Q1L is also palm-sized and is also suitable for applications such as digital signage, thin-client, or Terminal applications in versatile use-cases.
And since the LIVA Q1L can be VESA mounted behind a compatible monitor, you can also use it for indoor applications in facilities such as schools or libraries, healthcare, hospitality, business, and retail. The Mini PC itself is available with a choice of Intel Pentium/Celeron processors, and a choice of 32GB or 64GB eMMC storage. eMMC storage means that the storage chip is embedded or soldered directly onto the mini PC’s motherboard.
Under the hood, our review unit came with Intel’s Pentium N4200 quad-core SoC, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of EMMC storage. The N4200 processor from Intel meanwhile runs at 1.1-2.5 GHz (Single Core Burst, Multi-Core Burst max 2.4 GHz) and is based on the Apollo Lake platform.
Similar to the Braswell predecessor, the chip is manufactured in a 14 nm process (P1273) with FinFETs. Besides four CPU cores, the chip also includes a DirectX 12 capable GPU as well as a DDR3L/LPDDR3/LPDDR4 memory controller (dual-channel, up to 1866/2400 MHz).
You also get a MicroSD slot to expand the internal storage capacity. You can insert MicroSD cards with storage capacities of up to 128GB. The LIVA Q1 series also supports connectivity standards such as Bluetooth 4.1 and 802.11ac. The Mini PC also features Intel HD Graphics 500/505 that offers support for 4K videos playback. The LIVA Q1 series has also been designed with a cooling fan inside it, to keep the system cool and stabilised.
In terms of connectivity, you get lots of choices such as two USB 3.1 Gen1, one USB 2.0, 1 HDMI, and two Gigabit LAN ports. The Dual LAN option gives you a backup solution, should your primary network require maintenance, go down due to a cyber-attack, or encounter software or hardware problems.
Alternatively, if you have an overloaded network, adding a second LAN can help ease the load. The device also supports dual-band Wi-Fi such as 2.4GHz and 5GHz signals. The ECS LIVA Q1L Mini PC is available with and without the OS – our review unit was already configured with Windows 10 as the OS.
Setting up the device was a walk in the park. Connect the power adapter, plug in the HDMI cable and you are good to go. The ECS LIVA Q1L Mini PC is so small that you will barely notice it when placed on your work desk. The device is powerful enough to run all day to day computing apps including internet browsing and using apps such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
The ECS LIVA Q1L Mini PC is available at a price of $350 (AED 1300) with Windows 10 OS. For that price point you are getting a palm-sized mini PC that can power your daily computing needs, does not require lots of desk space, and is very light and portable.
If you are on the market for a PC that is budget-friendly and can handle most day-to-day computing jobs, the ECS LIVA Q1L Mini PC is definitely something you should consider.
Price: AED 1300 approx.
ECS Liva Q1L Mini PC AED 1300 approx.
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Final Rating
Summary
Setting up the device was a walk in the park. Connect the power adapter, plugin the HDMI cable and you are good to go. The ECS LIVA Q1L Mini PC is so small that you will barely notice it when placed on your work desk. The device is powerful enough to run all day to day computing apps including internet browsing and using apps such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
