$60 Laptop! Evolve III Maestro - New Version Updates, Audio Drivers & LTE Card

[@PhazerTech]

Update: Ubuntu 23.10 and 24.04 have the drivers built in, so I suggest installing one of these newer distro versions. Also in case it wasn't clear, the SKU ending in 22 is the original SKU. It was sold out at my local MicroCenter when I made this video as shown in the screenshot. But now as of 11/2023, MicroCenter only has the original SKU. It's unclear whether this SKU is still the original model or not.

[@dillonw7685]

I have one with Ubuntu Mate 22.04 installed and had been able to get the audio working using the link. Hoping the wireless and audio drivers make it into the kernel soon. Thanks!

[@dc9662]

I have an Evolve iii without the M.2 connector on the motherboard. Do you know the part part number number and manufacturer of the M.2. port connector, so I can purchase one for myself and solder it onto my board? Thank you for your help.

[@PhazerTech]

@@dillonw7685 Excellent news! And yes I'm hoping so as well.

[@PhazerTech]

@@dc9662 I can't find info on it. If you search a site such as Mouser or Digikey for "m.2 port", you'll get quite a few results. Look at the datasheets and you can find the exact measurements of pins, and try to match it to the layout on the motherboard. However the bigger problem is that you'll need to solder more than just the slot. In order for the slot to work there are additional components such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, etc, which were removed as well. There's also the possibility they changed the bios to remove support for the port, but I'm not sure. It seems this would be fairly difficult to make work. I don't own this version, but I was able to determine these things from looking at pictures.

[@dc9662]

@@PhazerTech Thanks for the head's up! I may still try it since it's such a cheap laptop.

[@Ghostbit]

Super helpful. Lucked out getting a V1. Was thinking about getting another unit and now I'm armed with great information to make sure I get an original version or avoid the newest hardware revision as I want to add an SSD. Cheers!

[@PhazerTech]

Glad it was helpful. If you live near a MicroCenter, I just noticed they have a new similar model from Asus for $99. You might want to check it out if you're looking for another one since it does have a number of improvements. I'll be trying to get one myself to review soon. Cheers! www.microcenter.com/product/652909/asus-br1100cka-ys02-116-laptop-computer-gray

[@KS-FtWorth]

The Maestro-EBook11v2 with Ubuntu Mate 22.04 also has broken onboard audio. I have not seen anyone mention the use of bluetooth audio which I find fully working under Ubuntu Mate. Both a bluetooth headset and speaker have successfully paired with the notebook and the volume/mute keys (F4-F6) are fully functional. Given your comments in your original review on the tinny quality of the built-in speakers, using a bluetooth option not only provides better sound, but it works under Linux! Thanks for continuing to follow developments around this notebook and making videos to keep the community up to date. Great Job!

[@PhazerTech]

That's an excellent point, thanks for bringing it up! Have you tried using it while connected to WiFi though? My Xbox controller worked great through bluetooth on Linux Mint without WiFi, but it didn't work while I was connected to WiFi. It was either one or the other. I'm not sure if it's because the laptop only has one antenna. I believe both bluetooth and WiFi worked simultaneously under Windows, so it's probably a driver related problem. Also I appreciate your input and support, thank you!

[@KS-FtWorth]

@@PhazerTech Yes, both the onboard WiFi and bluetooth audio are working simultaneously under Ubuntu Mate 22.04, as my main requirement for audio is while watching KZbin videos :-) I have the V2 model and purchased it expecting no audio under Linux due to the chipset, but was pleasantly surprised when bluetooth audio worked, including function key controls. Hopefully one day the sound chip is supported under Linux, but it's not a great loss as long as bluetooth audio works.

[@PhazerTech]

@@KS-FtWorth That's great info, seems like certain linux kernels run this laptop better than others. I'm sure as time goes on it will be better supported, but we'll just have to wait and see!

[@osmanfb1]

Yes! This solution works for me too. model MZB

[@SoulStarLA]

Great new channel, really enjoying your videos so far. Keep 'em coming!

[@PhazerTech]

Happy to hear that, thank you. Right now my target is to release at least 3 videos per month, so stay tuned. Looking forward to more comments and questions!

[@daveesquer]

Thanks for the clarifications, appreciated!

[@PhazerTech]

Glad it was helpful! 👍

[@CrittendenIV]

Dude, thank you so much for your help. Waiting on my Evolve as I type this. :)

[@PhazerTech]

Hey man I'm happy to help and glad to hear you're picking one up. Also thanks for the sub, stay tuned!!

[@CrittendenIV]

My unit arrived. It is the V4.

[@PhazerTech]

@@CrittendenIV Nice. No slot for an SSD with v4 but the 64GB built in storage is still a good amount. Also the SD card slot is there in case you need more storage!

[@ashberic]

Has anyone gotten the audio drivers working on the V2 in Windows after a reinstall? Decided to do a reinstall to LTSC and not having any luck. Downloaded the ones linked but I don't have anything showing in device manager for me to load them to. Even tried Software Driver Installer Origin and it didn't find anything aside from the Intel SST audio driver. They worked fine before I wiped/reinstalled, so kind of at a loss.

[@pabli1788]

The same thing happens to me, the audio does not work for me

[@iamfishmind]

hey thanks for the guide, very informative and clear. I picked up a v1 on clearance thankfully. recommend using timestamps/chapters, to make it easier to reference topics in future.

[@PhazerTech]

That's great to hear, you probably got one of the last v1s out there! Yea I definitely agree, I checked the box for automatic timestamps but it says (if eligible). Seems like I'm still too new to get them, but hopefully I'm eligible soon. Please like and subscribe to help make it happen! 😁

[@zarabisho5582]

this V1 sucks

[@TheJuggernoob1]

This was very concise and helpful, thank you.

[@mark351]

I got one of the earlier versions for portable ham radio use. So far it is serving me well. I did add a second SSD.

[@PhazerTech]

Nice, I might do a video on SDR in the future!

[@KS-FtWorth]

EBook11V2 now fully functional with default drivers in Ubuntu Mate 23.04! WiFi works with no extra drivers, built-in speakers and headphone jack work. I did have to run AlsaMixer in terminal to unmute a few settings and adjust levels, but now I have hardware sound after one year of using laptop. Life is good!

[@PhazerTech]

Excellent news, thank you for informing us. Pinned!

[@kloroformd]

Just fully updated the last distro I installed due to rumors of weird audio issues working (Fedora) and I got audio, but very quiet audio.

[@7jeeves]

I have v2. The original win 10 education ver. Had audio but the speakers are horribly tinny sounding. Did a fresh install of windows 11. Audio is gone but I mainly use wireless Bluetooth headphones which work great. Big surprise for me was retro emulation! It handles everything up to GameCube well, including PSP, Naomi, Atomiswave, Dreamcast. I even got low demanding ps2 games capcom vs snk 2 to work. Still haven’t open it up to install the m.2 sata. Was wondering if you can boot directly and run off the new m.2 for the OS, or only as a secondary drive. If so would be neat to bare metal dual boot Arch Linux and Windows.

[@PhazerTech]

Awesome! Indeed it does emulation great, I was shocked to see it could run a few Gamecube games smoothly.. but not every game. And yes you absolutely can boot from the m.2! Although I'd recommend a different distro than Arch for this laptop because you need to re-compile the WiFi drivers every time there's a kernel update. I prefer Arch as well and I have it on my desktop, but I decided to go with Ubuntu based distro for this laptop.

[@7jeeves]

That’s great! Probably go with Linux mint on the ssd and windows 11 on the 64 flash. I just saw your previous video and subscribed. Keep up the good work!

[@PhazerTech]

@@7jeeves Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@jerickslair]

I finally purchased one but I’ll have to determine the version when I get it powered up. I’ll most likely create a custom installed version of Debian 13 (trixie/testing) for it and try to get the most performance out of it.

[@PhazerTech]

Nice, better late than never! It's a useful little machine. Also Ubuntu 23.10 now includes the WiFi drivers so I imagine Debian testing should also include them.

[@SteveStandeford]

Has anyone been in the reboot loop? Can’t seem to find how to reset the cmos? Boots to quickly to do anything in the bios before it boots.

[@PhazerTech]

I haven't experienced it with this laptop, but something I'd try is open it up and disconnect the battery. Push the power button a few times and wait a moment to make sure it's drained before connecting the battery again. Then try booting.

[@chrissewell1608]

I apparently got the 3rd version. Without the LTE, Sim Card slot (which I really wanted!). I have not yet cracked it open, for a look inside. If I discover it has no expansion slot for the SSD Card. Is it possible to add and expansion slot to the circuit board? It appears from your photos, that an expansion slot could be screwed onto the edge of the board! Has anyone ever done that?

[@PhazerTech]

Bummer! It might be possible but it will be difficult. Even if you can find the appropriate slot, you'll need to be experienced in soldering to attach the pins. Also they might have removed support from the bios, I'm not sure.

[@franciscopina5881]

hey, i just installed linux lite 7.0 and ALL its working now, network& audio just out of the box.

[@PhazerTech]

Thanks, yea the latest version of Ubuntu distros has them built in too.

[@kelvinleigh]

I got a version where the sound card does not work and I am unable to add the ssd. With your help the WIFI works. A workaround for sound is to use a USB headset or speaker.

[@PhazerTech]

Good idea! Another viewer suggested using a bluetooth speaker as a workaround. Both are great suggestions.

[@azemoukon]

Où trouver le pilote audio du Evolve 3 maestro ebook 11V2 ?

[@udishemesh4171]

On my Evolve III MEB11V4 audio hardware not working with PopOS but I was able to pair BT earbuds and got audio which might be good enough. Wonder if TV over HDMI would work…

[@PhazerTech]

I think it's worth trying, the HDMI drivers are different than regular audio. Just remember you need an adapter to mini HDMI.

[@elbertrippee3371]

​ @Phazer Tech, The 300e Gen 2 AMD (11") on the Lenovo website is only $126.00; Also its a tablet, I would love to see you do a comparison video of the two laptops as which is the better buy.

[@PhazerTech]

Nice find! It definitely looks better, with an IPS display and 2x2 AC WiFi. I'd love to try it and compare but I can't really afford to, my channel is still pretty new and it's not making any money yet. Hopefully that changes soon!

[@Littrell1966]

Just got one from Amazon today and it's the original with a sim card and cellular module. Lucky me.

[@PhazerTech]

Nice! The SSD upgrade is worth it.

[@Littrell1966]

@@PhazerTech Already on order!

[@cristopherhernandezsanchez235]

Alguien sabe que modelo es el touchpad? Necesito uno por qué el mío se descompuso

[@diogenesnievesrattia9135]

Buenos días, dónde consigo el teclado nuevo?

[@jampskan5690]

Has anybody successfully completed the Linux thing you posted on hardforum to get the audio to work on the non Realtek versions?

[@PhazerTech]

I don't know if anyone has tried yet.

[@Jack-fd7dy]

Could you please tell me what is the LCD part number? Could you take a photo for me? Thank you.

[@christopherhancock9041]

instead of the model #, MZB1164G64GW10. The FCC id has MEB11V2 at the end. So, version2?

[@PhazerTech]

I believe that's the newest version and it's basically the same as v4 if I'm not mistaken. No m2 slot. As if things weren't already confusing, new versions keep popping up! Hopefully someone else can confirm.

[@osmanfb1]

I just bought one. Thought only the network might be a problem (for linux). I put Pop!_OS (ubuntu 22.04 based) on due to its low memory footprint. Everything is working but the sound. It was only $60 from microcenter. On the back side model: MZB1164G64GW10.

[@PhazerTech]

Yes unfortunately that version doesn't have driver support for audio yet. But I noticed your other comment, sounds like you found a solution with bluetooth. Btw I think Pop! is great but it uses gnome which is generally heavier on resources. Personally I've found KDE to have a smaller memory footprint.

[@bradthomas2998]

@@PhazerTech I just purchased two of these (model listed above) and put linux mint mate (latest version), did all the updates and installed the wifi driver. I have sound with no issues. I did have to turn up the sound all the way as it was set low factory.

[@PhazerTech]

@@bradthomas2998 Excellent news! I assume they finally added the audio drivers for that version to the kernel.

[@تسومااعمرر]

My laptop is giving me an error x in cellular.l do not know what is the problem!

[@markkazdad381]

I bought three of these in Kansas City 9 days ago and they are all the SKU ending in 22. The one I have opened so far is “v1” (“MaestroEBook11”, sound works in Linux). At that time they had over 25 more and I wish I had bought 2 more (sign said limit 5 per household). One thing I noticed is that on the box the last barcode is an IMEI number. I think this can be used as an easy indicator as to whether an LTE modem (and thus the M.2 connector) is installed. I haven’t seen boxes for the other versions, so YMMV.

[@PhazerTech]

Thanks for the info! Sounds like the original version is indeed still out there, but it probably depends on the particular store at this point. I know Tustin is sold out of the old SKU, but they might have a few open boxes left. They have plenty of the non-LTE SKU though.

[@420247paul]

sweet was going to the kc store to get 1 while they are 40 dollars

[@kcghostt]

I just grabbed 2 of the 3rd version with no slot for the m.2 for $39.99 each, but theyre super solid for the ultra-low price. I was bummed not being able to slap in one of these $19.99 1tb m.2 drives Microcenter has on sale currently.

[@PhazerTech]

Yup at that price it's hard to complain, still plenty of usefulness especially with Linux. Can't believe they're really that low now. Also my local Microcenter recently got both versions in stock. Just something to keep in mind, it's possible your store might get more of the LTE version in the near future too.

[@kcghostt]

@@PhazerTech sale is on until October 2nd so I'm hoping they get some. Especially with the M.2 being $19.99 right now. Here's photos the ad: ibb.co/djmzWWK ibb.co/q9BFWDP ibb.co/prYzp28 ibb.co/hgWYx6B

[@kcghostt]

@@PhazerTech also noticed the Wi-Fi is garbage on it. Tried a few different drivers but Wi-Fi will just randomly drop for 30 mins and come back. Got around that with an Ethernet to USB adapter. Running one as my main media player on tv currently. One will be in my go-bag. Super handy being 12v and uber cheap.

[@PhazerTech]

@@kcghostt Are you using linux? I noticed it had WiFi problems while bluetooth was in use, but it didn't do that in Windows. Other than that I haven't had issues with WiFi, at least not any more than my other 2.4 Ghz devices. Would be nice if it supported 5 Ghz. And yes it being 12v is great, I'm probably going to do a video soon about lithium ion battery packs and connecting the laptop to that and also a motorcycle battery.

[@kcghostt]

@@PhazerTech actually came across your video while checking if these can run Linux. Will be putting it on a 3rd, most likely. My 10 year old son is interested in learning Python so we'll see how this thing does.

[@leskeegan9033]

I have an 11G model. Where in the scheme of things does this fall in as to versions

[@mc10guru]

Ahoy, I also have that model. The "G" stands for Gemini Lake 8th gen CPU on mine. Mine has a Celeron N4120 4C with UHD Graphics 600. It is noticably faster than the N3450 Apollo Lake HD500 on my 11v1 and it is approved to run Win11 if desired. Mine does NOT have the extra SATA slot but uses USB C for power. The battery lasts just as long on both models, 8-10 hours. I use both of my Maestro systems but use the 11G more often since it is faster. Cheers, daveyb

[@diogenesnievesrattia9135]

Buenas noches,si alguien puede ayudarme por favor, recientemente adquirí la evolve 3 v4, actualice a otra versión de Windows 10 y me quedo sin sonido si alguien tiene el drivers de audio.Les escribo desde Venezuela.

[@carlwilliams1133]

This is indeed a good laptop for the price. I want to know if you have created a video on how to upgrade the memory and use the upgraded portion to install a new OS or do I have to use the original memory location to install the OS. I need to install a VM on this machine and i need 80GB in order to do so.

[@PhazerTech]

Installing an SSD should be straight forward. Just open up the laptop, remove the LTE card, and then install the m2 SATA SSD. You can install the OS on the new drive. I made an earlier video showing how to install Linux Mint on this laptop, hopefully it's helpful for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6Cmkpyai6qAa9k

[@Trick_E_Lemonz]

Mine doesn’t have a “common” WiFi driver RTL8723DU this driver isn’t working with Linux and it also controls Bluetooth trying to find a fix but it’s pretty rough when you can’t connect to the internet

[@PhazerTech]

Which version of the laptop do you have? Which distro are you using? Also did you see my other video with a detailed guide on doing this? That video has several comments from people saying it worked for them, so I suggest you watch it if you haven't already. Also I used a USB to ethernet adapter to download the driver.

[@Trick_E_Lemonz]

@@PhazerTech so I have the Model: MZB1164G64GW10 I’ve tried multiple distros. I just realized about the video you posted. I’ll attempt to try it then I will come back to this and update y’all!

[@PhazerTech]

@@Trick_E_Lemonz Yep the video should help a lot. The driver needs to be manually compiled but it's all explained in the video. Let me know how it goes!

[@Trick_E_Lemonz]

@@PhazerTech so. I was lucky to be able to have a WiFi adapter that worked already with Linux I can tell you so things I came across. Kali = mouse pad doesn’t work, parrot OS = some write error, lots of the small OS didn’t work. Lubuntu does work if you wanted to install that instead of mint. I also was able to follow your steps and make my other laptop (same issue) work it’s amazing and I appreciate the videos!

[@PhazerTech]

@@Trick_E_Lemonz Awesome, glad to hear it worked out for you. And thanks for the info about those distros. Something I more recently thought about is that Debian might be a good choice because kernel updates are less frequent. The WiFi drivers need to be re-compiled after every kernel update.

[@davidhubbell9643]

After watching the video I am confused as to if the v2 has the ability to instal M2 chip?

[@PhazerTech]

Yes it can. 2:58 "The 2nd version is almost identical to the first version except in one area, the audio chipset"

[@davidhubbell9643]

@@PhazerTech My version V2 does not have the M2 header! Bummer out $25.00 for the M2 buyer beware on the V2. There is no LTE in my V2.

[@haroldmoran4339]

Can I put in the M.2 drive in and load the OS on there and boot from it

[@PhazerTech]

Yes that works

[@stevenguillory9716]

Anyone else having issues with the laptop recognizing a sim card?

[@Ross13ful]

How about an evolve 3 maestro Ebook 11g have you seen that model ?

[@PhazerTech]

Is that what it says on the bottom? It's likely the same as one of the models I mentioned.

[@mc10guru]

Ahoy, I posted a longer reply above. This is a newer CPU, an N4120. It is faster and can run Win11. Cheers, daveyb

[@pinksnowbirdie2938]

I have a V2 but it has a sim card slot it had looked like in the ones without the LTE card they did remove the slot from the chassis. But yeah the audio and wifi isn't working in ChromeOS Flex on this, so I assume Arch wouldn't fix audio either. That sucks. but ChromeOS was using like Kernel 5.10

[@PhazerTech]

WiFi drivers work fine in Ubuntu based distros if you follow the steps in my most recent video. As far as audio goes, check out this link: ubuntuhandbook.org/index.php/2022/07/fix-no-sound-issue-ubuntu-22-04-essx8336/ I don't own a V2 so I haven't tried these drivers, but someone gave me this link saying it worked for them. However it looks like the last step has a formatting error, but maybe you can figure it out.

[@projectblossom2007]

thats great best laptop for student but have a question can it run chrome os flex i saw google release stable version of it

[@PhazerTech]

It seems so but I haven't tried myself. Check out this thread on reddit, there are several users who give advice on how they did it. www.reddit.com/r/linuxhardware/comments/tk6hdp/evolve_iii_maestro_ebook_116/

[@sliptap]

I have a V2 version and the attached audio drivers did NOT work for Windows 11. I'll reinstall Windows 10 and see if the drivers work in Windows 10 or not. Will report back soon.

[@hoangtubehoangtube]

It work ?

[@PhazerTech]

Sorry, so did they work?

[@sliptap]

@@PhazerTech not the drivers you mentioned in your videos. However, I posted separately with a Reddit link that did have the appropriate drivers linked. Those drivers from the Reddit post did work for V2 for Windows 10 and Windows 11.

[@molotovich]

@@sliptap can you give us the reddit link please, thanks

[@Robbina72]

You wherw to find new battery ?

[@PhazerTech]

Replacement batteries: www.cdrtd.com/products/laptop-battery-for-evolve-iii-for-maestro-e-book-xl-7-6v-5500mah-41-8wh-10pin-7lines-new.html Or on Amazon: amzn.to/3JZ6cVn

[@RetroRobotRadio]

It looks like all the new ones are sold out at Microcenter, but they are selling the open box returns for $48.

[@PhazerTech]

It seems all the new LTE models are sold out. They might have a few open box V2s. But all the new ones are latest model without LTE.

[@RetroRobotRadio]

@@PhazerTech I wouldn't mind them missing the cellular modem, but they also removed the connector for it, so the laptop is less upgradeable. Sad.

[@PhazerTech]

@@RetroRobotRadio I definitely feel that!! What they should do is offer both SKUs and maybe charge $80 for the LTE version.. I could live with that. After all, that's how much I paid for mine.

[@RetroRobotRadio]

@@PhazerTech I will be installing a SSD in mine tomorrow. 250gb for $37. Would it benefit speed to have it boot off the SSD? If so can you do a tutorial on how to copy Windows 10 from the normal internal to the SSD and assign it to boot from there?

[@PhazerTech]

@@RetroRobotRadio Nice, I paid the same for my SSD. Yea it's noticeably faster booting off the SSD. It's not a night and day difference though, the CPU holds it back even after unlocking the power limit. But yes in my opinion it's worth it. That's a pretty good idea, it seems like quite a few people with this laptop would want to do just that. So expect a new video sometime during the week!

[@mtngr1]

Okay, just got one from Amazon because no MC in My state. I have a modem, sim card slot, and my sound is Intel and Realtek. My model is 2AWLG-MEB116. On my box it has an imei. So will I have issues installing linux? And if I do, can I return to the Windows, or if I put a ssd, I can leave the windows drive alone?

[@PhazerTech]

That's the original version, so sound will work 'out of the box'. No issues with Linux. Just remember that WiFi drivers need to be manually compiled and this needs to be done after every kernel update, but I explained all that in detail in my other video "How to install Linux Mint & WiFi drivers". You can go back and forth with Windows, no issues installing either OS. You can have both also.

[@bulldog8934]

RIP audio still years later

[@santiago2238]

are you playing dark souls? it is posible in that laptop with celeron?

[@PhazerTech]

I'm streaming the game from my desktop PC.

[@shayanshahriar7882]

Just saw that Houston microcenter just got a bunch of version 2 with LTE. Probably they are making these again. Currently the store has both version 2 and 3 at plenty.

[@PhazerTech]

Thanks for the update, I hope they still are making v2! Some stores have sold out of v2 while others have plenty of stock, so I wonder what's going on.

[@shayanshahriar7882]

@@PhazerTech Hope so! I bought this one a couple of months ago, and honestly it was very slow without the SSD upgrade. So, v3 is kinda useless for me.

[@michiganlifepreppers540]

I bought 2 Runs my SDR fine. No complaints so far.

[@PhazerTech]

SDR is a fantastic use for this laptop! Like another viewer mentioned, this laptop only needs 12v, so it's perfect for a portable SDR.. And situations where the power goes out 👍

[@shawnliang9401]

good video

[@PhazerTech]

Thanks glad it helped!

[@kawaiifairymimi]

Can u use steam?

[@PhazerTech]

Yes steam works fine. The GPU is weak though so unless you're playing 2D games, I'd stick to streaming games. I made another video showing how to stream games from another computer.

[@fdnj02]

Has anyone tried to upgrade the ram?

[@PhazerTech]

Not possible, the ram is soldered to the board.

[@dialingtron9473]

There are a few people/businesses that are willing to mod soldered ram chips but those people usually specialize in older macbooks or other older high end machines. Honestly I don't think more ram would help out. These low end celerons will max out the cpu and throttle before the ram is used up in my experience. Setting up a 4 or 8gb partition on the aftermarket ssd as swap space would be an easy option if you need some more, albeit very slow ram.

[@PhazerTech]

​@@dialingtron9473 That's indeed true, I suppose I should have said "not practical". It's not a trivial task even for people who have lots of experience soldering surface mount parts. Personally I have loads of experience soldering through-hole components but I have limited experience with SMD. I've done a few 28 pin SOIC packages but BGA is something I don't plan to try unless I really need to haha! But yes I agree more ram wouldn't make much sense on this CPU for the vast majority of applications. And good advice that sounds like plenty of swap space, although these days I prefer swap files rather than partitions because of their flexibility 👍

[@dialingtron9473]

@@PhazerTech something this pc would definitely benefit from would be better thermal performance. Maybe there's a bigger/thicker heatsink that would fit the board or maybe a thin copper or aluminum sheet lining the bottom of the of the case with a thermal pad connecting them.

[@PhazerTech]

@@dialingtron9473 I'm already working on it! 💯 There's space next to the heatsink and below the LTE card for thin heatsinks to be added. I actually recently placed one of those cheap NVME SSD heatsinks you can get on Ebay in there and added a large thermal pad along the cover so that it touches both heatsinks. I have 2 of these laptops so I'm going to do a side to side benchmark to see if the added heatsink actually helped. 😆 Stay tuned!

[@Ted13122]

The sondr drivers is not worck 😮

[@UltraStyle_PC88]

Usefull video below if you need to know how to install audio drivers for this laptop. Note: you need additional intel audio smart sound drivers. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJqpg394r76mpcksi=zr22_Se3e0N3su1T

[@PhazerTech]

Awesome, thanks!

[@jackdawsonanderson8285]

Do they ship or it's only in-store purchase?

[@PhazerTech]

It's only in-store purchase unfortunately.

[@JamesGatwood]

My V4 Has the intel Smart Sound Drivers Installed out of the Box

[@PhazerTech]

Yes, but I think the issue is when people re-install Windows themselves - people report no audio.

[@tedlavino2975]

@@PhazerTech correct

[@mystif1976]

I bet you anyone would rather buy an 80 laptop with realtech and expansion for m.2 then a v3 for 25 bucks less :( companies have no idea what they are doing to save a few pennies, it's not like they kept the price at 70 dollars to make more money they nicely passed on the savings to the consumer!! but I think they don't realize the consumer would rather pay more and have those options, or have an 80 and 55 dollar option see which sells better for a time period

[@PhazerTech]

Yea these sort of component swaps are usually a lose/lose situation for both the consumer and company!

[@teeg431]

I just got one from microcenter the 3rd version. I was gonna put linux on a msata, bummer

[@PhazerTech]

Bummer indeed. I noticed my local microcenter just got more stock of BOTH versions recently. So if the msata is important maybe you should check back and return yours.

[@hoangtubehoangtube]

@@PhazerTech at my local MC has this model : MEB1164G64GWWIF, so I can add and mSata LTE slot ? If I install the window 10 to the mSata ,do I need to install all the driver ?

[@PhazerTech]

@@hoangtubehoangtube That's the version without LTE support, meaning it's missing the slot entirely. You can't add an mSata drive to that model.

[@RetroRobotRadio]

If you check out the listings on eBay for currently available or sold versions of this laptop you can see several people who've taken pictures of the bottoms, and there is one other model number than the ones you listed. It seems to say: "Model MZB1164G64GW10" It's hard to make out, but it's not V2, V2 or V4!

[@PhazerTech]

The model you listed was from the outside of the box, correct? What's written on the outside of the box is not the same as what's written on the laptop itself.

[@RetroRobotRadio]

@@PhazerTech I was using the sticker on the bottom of the laptop. From the looks if it, it's describing the specs. 64gB, grey color, windows 10, etc. Check out eBay listings for open Evolve III Maestros. Sadly I cannot link to you in a comment.

[@PhazerTech]

@@RetroRobotRadio I found it, you're absolutely right. That's really strange why there's so many versions. My guess is they're using several different manufacturing locations, but who knows! Also it looks like the settings by default are to restrict potential spam. I'll change it and see how it goes.

[@RetroRobotRadio]

@@PhazerTech I checked EVERY Evolve III listed on eBay, plus all the recently sold ones for model numbers on the bottom. I only found many more of the one I listed.. and two V2s like you listed in the videos.

[@PhazerTech]

@@RetroRobotRadio Thanks for pointing this out, I'm going to pin it so people know there's actually more versions.

[@tibadoe]

Just ordered one of these. Guessing it will be the latest version. I wanted to add a 256SSD - won't be happening.

[@PhazerTech]

You're probably right. However some MicroCenter locations still have a few open boxes of the LTE version.

[@seansnyder-e2v]

I am using this as a car pc soon and im removing the lte card and putting a 512 gb drive in.

[@PhazerTech]

Nice, that's a great use for it! It can plug straight into the car's 12V outlet. I imagine the LTE card might be very useful in this scenario though, at least for some people.

[@royreynolds5185]

does anyone know the type of m2 connector of the lte modem I'd like to replace it with a more Linux compatible wifi card that's faster

[@PhazerTech]

It's M.2 SATA B+M keyed

[@LuisTorres-vc6bq]

i got the v4 version i`m good with it but i ordered the lte version so not fair

[@PhazerTech]

That sucks! But hopefully it works out for you.

[@LuisTorres-vc6bq]

Its good but what is bad is the limited storage i was planning to buy a nvme i thought that was possible now you confirm the port is missing

[@PhazerTech]

@@LuisTorres-vc6bq Yea it's a bummer, but if you really need more storage then micro SD cards are an option. 256GB is less than $30. I know it's not the same but it's something.

[@LuisTorres-vc6bq]

@@PhazerTech i mean for example for having more apps is an option? And dual boot i think its not exactly the same i already put an sd

[@PhazerTech]

@@LuisTorres-vc6bq Yes you should be able to install apps on it. But dual booting is a different story, you'll probably have problems setting that up on an SD card. It might be possible though, I haven't looked into it yet. But running an OS on the SD would probably be slow.

[@تسومااعمرر]

Please help me!

[@RetroRobotRadio]

Now I am worried to go look because I just ordered the SSD, and I might have a laptop that doesn't even fit it! Edit- I have a v2!

[@PhazerTech]

I'm sure that's a relief haha! Seems like they already sold out of the originals and now they're selling out of the V2s too, the only model available is the latest one.