Introduction

As time has progressed and technology has changed, I've reviewed quite a few LIVA compute units from ECS. With each introduction of new technology on the CPU front, I get a new LIVA box on my desk, and this time is no different. I've now got this latest truly Mini-PC LIVA unit called the LIVA Core.

The word "Core" is a very apt moniker; we all need basic compute functions somewhere, even if you have not recognized where that may exactly be yet. It could be in the living room, your child's play space, or even perhaps the kitchen! For that purpose, ECS's LIVA Core is ready for those tasks. I know my wife was more than happy to have a screen and speakers close to the counter so she could look up recipes or listen to some music while cooking, if only because our kids were screaming at her for help with their homework! We have a strict "No Cell Phone Use in the House!" rule, and all our kids need the Internet to get through the day, never mind my wife and I. ECS's LIVA boxes have become a truly important part of our daily lives.

There's been a distinct progression in what ECS has offered with their LIVA devices, and they've offered better changes than the minute changes of cell-phone progression. ECS's LIVA Core now offers an M.2 storage device by default, bringing in the speeds of SATA 6 Gb/s drives and removing the relatively slow flash-based storage found in previous units. We've got a mic array, so Cortana functions are available without adding in a mic on a stand, and also new this time is the look of the LIVA Core; this little compute box truly looks elegant! Let's take a look!

Packaging

The first impression the ECS LIVA Core makes is with its packaging. This is no normal box. This box suits high-end gear. There is a faint hint of a logo on the front of the box, and the only other markings are found on the specification label.


If you noticed the pull tab that sticks out to one side, you can pull it to open the box and reveal its innards. I slid it open and gasped "WOW" loud enough for my wife to rush over to see what I was looking at.

"Well, ain't that sexy," she said in reply, looking at the box half open.

Pulling the slide completely out still doesn't reveal everything, although you can see the LIVA Core unit itself, as well as the power adapter.


Under the card cover you'll find the plug attachments for the power brick, and underneath the foam visible once the package is opened you'll find the remainder of the included accessories.

Contents

There doesn't need to be a lot of stuff here; just the power adapter, manuals, VESA mount, and driver disk. A complete list is below.

• User's manual
• 1 x LIVA Core miniPC
• 1 x Power adapter w/ regional plugs
• 1 x Driver disc
• 1 x VESA mount
• 1 x Bag of mounting hardware

I do want to mention that the included instructions are fairly simple, but get straight to the point. Follow them to get your LIVA Core unit mounted to the VESA bracket.


The VESA bracket is simple and fairly standard, and in a bag, you'll find all the screws you'll need to attach it to the back of your TV or monitor.


The power brick includes adapters for most commonly used power plugs around the world, which is great if you take this mini PC with you when you travel. On one end, you'll find a protective cover that keeps the brick's pins hidden should you toss it into your luggage. This helps ensure that the power brick isn't snagging on your clothes and causing any problems related to that.


Slide off the protective cover and slide your needed power plug adapter onto the power brick's receptacle and you're ready to go!


The power brick includes a very long wrapped cord that is held in place by a Velcro strap, so you can mount the unit wherever you need it to go even if it is a ways from the power plug, and if you don't need the full length of the cord, you can easily wrap it up and out of the way. ECS has gone far to ensure that they've covered nearly every usage scenario when it comes to the LIVA Core.