Adding a 128GB SSD to your Evolve III Maestro $60 laptop!

***UPDATE - not all of the maestros come with the m.2 slot. The V2 does. Apparently micro center now has a version without the fellow modem. Bummer!!!
The $60 laptop I showed in one of my earlier videos is the gift that keeps on giving. Here I show you how to expand the internal storage so you can store more files and larger files.
Get the 128GB SSD here: amzn.to/3b0XsAb
As an affiliate I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
#hamradio

[@chrissewell1608]

I just bought one of these units. I also purchased and installed a 250 GB, micro SD card. The laptop immediately set it up as the D: drive. But it works too!

[@Curt1blan]

Thank you so much for thee video on adding new ssd to the evolvelll! I just followed the instructions in the video and added a 1TB drive to the evolvelll and it worked perfectly. Thank you, thank you. Well done. KC7RAF

[@ArthurHerronW6HER]

Thanks Ria for the video...I ordered one in early July and had it delivered. Great little W10 laptop for the $59 price tag. Ordered the additional SSD from your video and worked right out of the box with the help of this video. Thanks Ria👍

[@signalscout6020]

Been all over the US. Did not realize Microcenter existed until a couple of days ago, when the ham stampede started. Pretty sure you started it lol. 73!

[@n2rj]

lol yes.

[@megiddo7777]

I picked up the computer (open box) for $47 at MC! Thanks for the heads up!!

[@gregjablunovsky841]

Thanks for walking me through this. It works great! I'm making FT8 contacts for the first time with the little machine.

[@n3ljs399]

Does it work WSJT?

[@WU3Shamradio]

Micro Center has the lte ones back in stock 372284 is the correct sku for the ones with the lte

[@carlrock9940]

Great Job. I wonder if you could change the boot order and just do an outright clone. Excellent details and actually made me watch your HAM radio explanation which was brilliant.

[@davarno126]

Great video Ria! Followed the steps in the video, worked out great!

[@dougseyler6478]

A buddy and I just got a $59.99 Evolve III Maestro at the Micro Center on Houston. I opened it up and it looks exactly like the one in the video, same exact cellular modem. The upgradable ones are still out there. I've ordered the DogFish 128 GB drive. Thanks Ria!

[@jgaffney6]

Thank you. I’ll do this as soon as it arrives great informative video

[@stevecolby6505]

Ria: I purchase one of these laptops from MicroCenter in Paterson NJ. The version I got does not have the cellular card and based on another KZbin channel that has looked into this new version, the port for the cellular card has been removed from the mother board, so I guess I can't add a second drive the way you did.

[@ColeDedhand]

Great info. I bought one last week and by pure luck it's a v1 with the M.2. (V4 does not have the M.2.) I don't know if I will ever need more than the stock drive for storage. I don't plan to use this as a utility laptop but only as an SDR host and CHIRP host. But with the option of adding a second drive I may go dual boot and run Linux.

[@marusholilac]

MORE INFO ON THE EVOLVE (8-10-22): I have one of each model - LTE and Wifi Only. Both are designated V2. The non-LTE model has no SIM slot and the motherboard does not have a connector for an M.2 card. My store (Virginia) has several hundred piled into a cube. There are 6 machines per carton. On top of the cube of cartons were about 50 removed from cartons. The individual boxes with LTE are easily spotted since there is a third bar code with the IMEI, where the wifi models have only 2 bar codes. The cartons have two check boxes on one side only. They are "LTE" and "WIFI". I could only see this side of those cartons on one of the 4 sides of the cube, but all were checked "WIFI". I did check all the unboxed boxes and all were wifi-only. The Micro Center website no longer states that the PC has LTE. These cannot be "upgraded" to Windows 11, the reason given by MS being that the Celeron they use is not supported, otherwise they pass theW11 requirements test. Because MS would never sell these without W11, and I did once see them on their store (for over $200), I suspect that a new W11 model with a different processor is in the pipeline; and Micro Center is working to unload these W10-only models. SCREWS SCREWS SCREWS: The case uses 9 screws - 5 of which are a bit longer than the other 4. The 4 "short" screws go in the edge with the speakers, not the hinge edge. Thanks for this video. I have ordered a 256Gb 2242 form factor M.2. I suspect that a 2260 or 2280 form factor M.2 would fit, increasing the number of suppliers available for the higher-capacity card, but cannot say until I open the LTE machine to install the M.2. I actually use this PC, though I have a dozen Windows PCs to choose from, in travels to my cabin, and having the additional storage will free up my TF card for Macrium Reflect backups. With my BT mouse and KB, and an HDMI cable to my TV, along with my T-Mobile hotspot, I have everything I need in a tiny package. Sorry to be so long-winded. --------------EVEN MORE thoughts added 20220812: I have now installed my 256gb M.2 2242 drive without drama. I do now believe that there is sufficient room for the 60mm or 80mm M.2 card also. Only snag is that the socket is not square to the other components, so the screw hole is not properly lined up, but it's close enough. The LTE card was not fully seated because of this quality control defect. Speaking of QC, both examples had plenty of greasy fingerprints on the copper heat sink, good enough for the police to make a positive ID. There were some hairs inside also, so the workshop where these are assembled is not exactly a tight ship. The screws on the LTE machine were not the same pattern as described above -- so best to just replace the screws in the same holes.

[@tedlavino2975]

I've had no problems installing Windows 11 on these laptops. The only issue is Evolve doesn't supply the Intel Smart Audio drivers, so no onboard sound. (an external USB sound card can be used if needed)

[@marusholilac]

@@tedlavino2975 Good to know. I was simply running Microsoft's compatibility routine. BTW, when I tried to append more info to my original comment, it was crossed out (by KZbin??) but here it is: "EVEN MORE thoughts added 20220812: I have now installed my 256gb M.2 2242 drive without drama. I do now believe that there is sufficient room for the 60mm or 80mm M.2 card also. Only snag is that the socket is not square to the other components, so the screw hole is not properly lined up, but it's close enough. The LTE card was not fully seated because of this quality control defect. Speaking of QC, both examples had plenty of greasy fingerprints on the copper heat sink, good enough for the police to make a positive ID. There were some hairs inside also, so the workshop where these are assembled is not exactly a tight ship. The screws on the LTE machine were not the same pattern as described above - so best to just replace the screws in the same holes."

[@n2rj]

Oh that’s nice to know. I also have an ASUS with win 11 preinstalled

[@satrrap]

I understand that is a cheap laptop, but it’s always better to disconnect the battery from the main board first, then replace M.2 drive ;)

[@carlostovar1825]

Muchas gracias Ria por el video. Ahora mi PC está a la altura de los grandes. Un abrazo!

[@aidandunn7727]

Make sure you get the right model I just picked one up from micro center and they removed the m.2 slot and moved the wifi onto the motherboard.

[@n2rj]

Yes seems to be hit or miss.

[@winstonsmiths2449]

This upgrade is possible with the LTE version only! I just bought one from Microcenter Tustin, and there is no cell card. Walmart sells the LTE version but for $109 (?) each. This is a great little laptop, worth $60 all day long. Basic use yes, but runs nice.

[@n2rj]

Good to know. All of the ones here in north Jersey are cell modem.

[@SteveYancey]

Same for the 2 I purchased from Micro Center yesterday, no cell modem or slot for one.

[@tedlavino2975]

Look for the Maestro Ebook 11v2 on the bottom of the unit. The v2 has the M.2 slot with the LTE radio. If you see a long giberish model number its the previous build without the M.2 slot....

[@n1rbd]

@@tedlavino2975 Easiest way is to look for a third bar code (IMEI) on the box

[@winstonsmiths2449]

@@n2rj Still love mine! Bought 2 more of them! Use one of them for my DIY solar battery setup, one for radios (HAM and GMRS thanks to you), one for backup. Load only programs that I actually need to run radios and batteries.

[@kcghostt]

My local Microcenter has these for $39.99 right now on sale, along with lots of other handy stuffs like 1tb SSD and m.2's for $19.99. I've grabbed 2 of these little laptops so far. Spot on the board for the cellular chip has been removed on this model.

[@TheJuggernoob1]

I see $59.99, is it $39.99 at your location?

[@n2rj]

Probably an open box

[@kcghostt]

@@n2rj not open box. My local Microcenter has a few things on sale right now. This is $39.99 until October 2nd.

[@kcghostt]

@@n2rj here's the ad: ibb.co/djmzWWK ibb.co/q9BFWDP ibb.co/prYzp28 ibb.co/hgWYx6B

[@WU3Shamradio]

@@kcghostt which micro center? At 39 I would buy 2

[@MicroOutdoors]

Update from MicoCenter - company went OOB. However they showed me the ASUS BR1100CKA which is a little step above this one, and $109 / $129 (64g / 128g respectfully) it is able to take up to a 1TB m.2. - I did a 512g for $20 on the $109 model. Was able to duel boot win 10 pro and Andy's ham radio lunix with zero issues! -- it also has a plug that may be able to take the same charger as the Maestro III but does come with a usb c charger. But I'll need to find someone who has one to try. -- just figured I'd toss this out as the Maestro III is only available for over $100 now and the Asus is the same price for just a bit more features (1tb m.2, either net plug, 2 USB ports and HDMI)

[@FunInSC]

Just bought two of them from MicroCenter last week.

[@baremetaltechtv]

That sucks that you have to remove the modem to install an ssd. I don't think I'm willing to make that trade, I'll probably just stick a 500gb or 1tb micro sd card in it and call it a day, Been looking a long time for a cheap LTE laptop, they charge a premium for that feature in normal laptops so I could hardly believe seeing this gem of a netbook for around 70 dollars.

[@akeemscrubb6920]

microcenters in atlanta currently have the ones with modems for $80

[@asan1050]

Thanks for posting this video.

[@wassman27]

Great tip!!!! I am gonna install Linux on mine and make it dual boot. Just need to decide which distro.

[@sergiobarajasgomezSportvan]

Hola soy de México tengo esa misma laptop y tenia esa duda de si se puede ampliar la tarjeta SSD voy a ver si la venden en México y seguir las indicaciones de tu video gracias

[@misdio]

Que tal te ha salido la laptop, estoy pensando en comprar una

[@craftsman123456]

Unfortunately the ones I picked up at the Micro Center in Denver are missing the connector socket so you can't install the drive. We'll maybe if you could SMD solder a connector for the drive. Still a good value for the buck.

[@n2rj]

So the cell modem is soldered on?

[@craftsman123456]

@@n2rj No cell modem at all. Just PCB where the socket for the M.2 would be soldered on. KF0HEG 73

[@craftsman123456]

Further checking between your video and my board shows there are numerous capacitors and other components that would also need to be soldered onto the board.

[@chrissewell1608]

@@craftsman123456 Can you just solder the connector on, and be ready to add the new memory card? Or would there be more to it?

[@DonzLockz]

Nice and easy! I looked for that laptop buy buying on ebay, postage and import duty ends up costing me AU$230 so I'll just buy something local. :/ Good to see you can easily upgrade the storage. I was wondering it the ram was upgradeable. The ram on my current ultralight laptop is soldered on and not upgradeable. It's also 4gb but it's 10yrs old and still ok for what I need anyway. I was hoping to get that cheap laptop for the field as mine cost $2500 at the time and I don't want to break it whilst activating. Thanks for the how-to video Ria.👍

[@n2rj]

RAM is soldered in unfortunately.

[@DonzLockz]

@@n2rj Darn it, I don't know why they do this.🤷‍♂️

[@RetroRobotRadio]

So I see online that there are multiple hardware revisions of this laptop. The V1 and V2 can get this SSD upgrade, but V4 is missing both the cellular modem and the connector!

[@n2rj]

Good to know. I did not know this!

[@RetroRobotRadio]

@@n2rj checked mine it's V2. So I can install the SSD! V1 and V2 have different sound chips. It won't make a difference if you're running Windows but the sound chip in V1 is supported by Linux, V2 is not supported yet. V4 has the V2 sound chip too.

[@marusholilac]

Not quite right: As I explained in my reply of 20220810, I have an LTE and a Wifi-only model and both are V2, so you have to follow my instructions in that reply to determine if the box you are looking at contains what you want.

[@willieb6529]

@@RetroRobotRadio i have the V2 dual booting xubuntu and everything works, sound included

[@tibadoe]

Can the RAM be upgraded also?

[@Malayalamislamicfriend]

Can we connect mouse?

[@RetroRobotRadio]

I successfully installed a 250 GB SSD to my Evolve III V2. Thanks.

[@timstanton6431]

Well done Ria.

[@robertcromwell9736]

Amazing the EC25-AF cellular modem card sells for above $50.

[@michaelheitmann4933]

Thanks for the information! I was not aware the cellular modem was installed in a M.2 slot. I did a similar thing using an M.2 SATA 256Gb drive in an external USB case, but I'll be installing it internally this evening if I can get it to fit. It's the larger 2280 form factor - Mike, N0SO

[@marusholilac]

Per my examination today, the 80mm will fit, though if it's like mine, the screw hole may not be exactly lined up, since my socket is attached haphazardly.

[@Leongreat]

Anyone did the bios change to improve the CPU performance? If you do, could you elaborate steps? Thanks.

[@shawazonfire]

Hey, thanks for the walkthrough! Quick question - I see the LTE module is keyed as M or maybe B. But the m.2 you have is keyed both B+M. Many guides online specify to use B+M keyed m.2 SATA drives, but I'm wondering why that's the case if the connector seems to accept M key (or maybe B). Would an M keyed nvme 2242 definitely not work in this slot?

[@RetroRobotRadio]

The first upgrade I put on my Evolve 3 was a standard wheel mouse, because I absolutely hate track pads especially trying to do 3D modeling. Then I gave it a cheap SD card. I think I might have to add this SSD instead though.

[@NiHaoMike64]

It looks like a full length M.2 drive can be used with a little case modding.

[@n2rj]

Yes or even just some tape 😂

[@nexttwo2010]

Entonces se le puede poner cuál sea?

[@tchambers807]

are there any bits of software to utilize digital modes or other activities that might make keeping the cellular worthwhile?

[@cristopherhernandezsanchez235]

Alguien sabe que modelo es el touchpad? Necesito un repuesto y no se que modelo es

[@juan55592]

The $60 laptop from Microcenter is the model without the cellular card and does not have an M2 slot

[@n2rj]

That is incorrect. The one I bought was $60 and had the M2 slot. I bought five of them. There are different versions at various stores. In north Jersey (Paterson) they have the v2 with the M2 slot.

[@mg-ig5yu]

@@n2rj Paterson also has the V4 without the slot as that is the one I got over the weekend from there.

[@usuario-youtube6668]

The mine came with 4GB of ram, what memory would you recommend buy?

[@user-dv4lc6st1j]

I bought this for running my RTL-SDR....unfortunately all folders have the Read Only attribute and I am unable to change it (and yes, I am running as administrator). Anyone else have this problem and fixed it?

[@Ammed_KN6STX]

Once you remove the modem will you still have WiFi???

[@thomasashlock6237]

do you have a part number for a 500gb?

[@nine7295]

I have a similar laptop and I did the same thing (except there was no modem card in mine). What I did was to migrate the operating system to the new drive as it's faster. I used a utility for the migration. Mine was $200 Canadian, so it was not as crazy a deal, but still good. The CPU is a bit weak though as it's an older Celeron model, N4000 I think.

[@n2rj]

Yeah you can do that if you wish. I was thinking of how to get the OS on the SSD, but I may play with that when I have more time. :)

[@TheSpicerSpread]

Mine doesn’t have the slot… I’m going to have to improvise… 😎

[@n2rj]

Some of them apparently don’t

[@Fix_n_Fly]

Hi Ria. Thanks for the heads up on this notebook. I was working 20 minutes away from a Micro Center and picked one up. I’m going to use it for remote activations and want to know if I can use a Galaxy Tab 8 as a wired second monitor. Not a computer guy, but I didn’t see this option in the screen settings for the notebook. Thanks.

[@matthewmorris3952]

Jst coming back to this. Will it take the bigger drives?

[@diytelecine566]

Great video! It made a big difference in this budget laptop. Do you happen to know if the audio jack is an input/output jack, and if so what is the pinout?

[@n2rj]

I believe it is output only.

[@diytelecine566]

Ok, thanks!@@n2rj

[@AD6DMDennis]

Pretty cool thanks

[@johnnobody3628]

Great video! Thank you. Just curious, has anyone tried to upgrade the RAM on these laptops?

[@n2rj]

RAM is soldered in. Sorry.

[@bayoubees9447]

My EVOLVE III did not have the cellular board and the recommended hard drive did not fit. Looks the same but no slot to plug in the new board.

[@n2rj]

Yeah there have been different revisions.

[@michaelmullins9874]

Computer dummy here. So if I remove the Cell card, does that mean the wireless feature is now gone?

[@n2rj]

It means the 4G LTE capability is gone. Wi-Fi is on the main board and still there.

[@athrunzala5337]

There's no place for the regular 2.5" SATA SSD drive on this laptop?

[@n2rj]

None. This laptop is tiny

[@muhammadsajjad4434]

Does wifi still works afte removing that modem???

[@n2rj]

Yes

[@steveo3494]

Ria, great vids. Much appreciated. I just purchased the LTE version as well from Micro Center, and before I upgrade the storage to a 256GB M.2 SATA SSD... I was curious if the LTE cellular card that has to be removed is a multi-function SoC? Meaning, does this LTE card have the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS modules on it as well? I'm worried about losing all of the other unit communication capabilities for the notebook if I replace the cell card with an SSD. Appreciate your feedback.

[@n2rj]

It’s just cellular.

[@steveo3494]

@@n2rj Thank you.

[@FlushingStatic]

micro center gives out a free 256gb ssd , does this labtop have a sata connector?

[@gyear2000]

what's the maximum ram upgrade? Does it have extra slot?

[@n2rj]

One slot only. I believe up to 4TB. I have not found any drives over 2TB

[@ZAR66]

Hi Ria. What is the benefit of installing this HD vs. just using a same size SD card? Thanks

[@n2rj]

Most SD cards can’t handle the write cycles that an SSD can. Also this frees up the SD card reader for other purposes.

[@ZAR66]

@@n2rj Thanks.

[@marusholilac]

Also, Windows doesn't recognize an SD card as a possible destination for all the files you might wish to redirect to a second drive using Storage Settings, as described in the video.

[@XRinger]

I just got my $60 laptop for use with a NanoVNA and a QDX (when away from the Ham Shack). Is there a way to keep cellular modem and still add a onboard 128GB SSD?

[@n2rj]

The best you can do in that scenario is use an SD card.

[@tedlavino2975]

Suggest a USB3 thumb drive in the USB 3.1 USB slot. Way more performance than the SD card!

[@cmritchie04]

now that you disabled the WiFi can you do a video on how to connect to the internet via a flashed router that has DD-WRT?

[@n2rj]

It’s just the cellular disabled. Wifi still works.

[@mknight52]

Hi, my Evolve laptop turns out to not be the LTE version, So the cellular card is removed already. However I noticed that where it was removed , appears to be where a slot had been....2 screws on either side. So I am wondering if one were to be able to obtain the slot, if I can install the ssd ? If that part is available. Hope I'm making sense here. I would sure like to install the 256 internal SSD I ordered for it. Thanks! Mike

[@n2rj]

I don’t know unfortunately :(

[@JohnStruemph]

Before you removed that modem did you try out the LTE? I was curious as to how bad or good it worked. Mine should arrive today.

[@n1rbd]

Works great on AT&T

[@loden888]

I used my ATT SIM card and it was auto configured and worked perfectly.

[@Ferret488]

I think you have the wrong model. I just bought an Evolve III. It has no M.2 slot. It has a hard WiFi board with no slot. I think you are talking about an Evolve I or II.

[@n2rj]

There are a few revisions. The later ones don’t have the M2 slot.

[@jeffrygeorges1152]

Thank you for this video!! are they any other parts in this mini pc that can be upgraded? (cpu? wifi? [ Im'ma computer noob] )

[@n2rj]

This is the only thing. You can overclock the cpu in the BIOS too.

[@nexttwo2010]

Le puedo meter cualquier memoria o tiene que ser de un tamaño específico? Y puedo instalar el SO en en ssd?

[@n2rj]

Lo siento, no puede meter memoria adicional (RAM). Para el SSD, el maximo es 2TB. El SO, no lo se. Voy a probar :)

[@nexttwo2010]

@@n2rj tiene que ser 2242 por los tornillos? Solo encuentro 2260 y 2280

[@n2rj]

Sí, solo 2242, otros son demasiado largos.

[@Connor-ee8em]

do you use wifi with this?

[@haroldmoran4339]

can you load the OS on the dogfish and boot up from there

[@n2rj]

Only if you image it and copy it over

[@manuelvazquezmanny0g488]

Where is the ram located I wanted to change the ram on mine

[@flyingpass4923]

RAM is soldered in and not replaceable.

[@tadasosmolskis1084]

I tried this, and it didn't work. Removed the cellular modem and inserted a 256 gb SK Hynix OEM SSD., and the computer wouldn't power on. Removed the SSD, and the computer powered on. inserted the cellular modem, and the computer booted normally.Tried a second Hynix SSD, and again, no power. Removed it and buttoned up the machine, which is working fine. This is a V2 model. Both SSDs were new.

[@n2rj]

Was it SATA or NVMe?

[@tadasosmolskis1084]

@@n2rj Doesn't say on the labels. It only has one notch, not two like the one you linked to.

[@n2rj]

@@tadasosmolskis1084 I suspect it’s different. The one I got was SATA. The other ASUS laptop I reviewed takes everything.

[@n3ljs399]

The HD in the video lis not the same as in Amazon link……

[@n2rj]

I just checked. It’s the same………………

[@mikebee873]

You mention the Dogfish M.2 2022. I couldn’t find this one. Your Amazon link is for the Dogfish M.2 2242 Dogfish Ngff SATA III. Is that correct? 73 de W5MAB.

[@n2rj]

Yes that was an error. The link is correct

[@jbisogno2000]

can you clone and replace the original drive?

[@n2rj]

I believe so

[@willshatter38u75]

Can you upgrade the processor to this PC?

[@n2rj]

No it’s soldered in the board

[@vincentcimino1963]

Im thinking of buying another from Walmart but it doesn’t say if it’s a version 2, is there a way to tell?

[@flyingpass4923]

If the box has an IMEI number on the package (usually on a white label), it has the cellular card. If there is no IMEI number listed, it is not the cellular version.

[@vincentcimino1963]

@@flyingpass4923 ok thank you

[@retched]

Do you lose the Wifi ability when you do this?

[@flyingpass4923]

No. Wifi is unaffected. Only cellular connectivity is dropped with this upgrade.

[@tibadoe]

Got my EIII in last week. Ordered a DF 256GB SSD card - will switch out when it arrives. Question: When I "Change where new content is saved" to the new D: drive, will new Windows OS updated still install on the C: drive?

[@n2rj]

Yes windows will still be on C: unless you reinstall

[@tibadoe]

@@n2rj Good deal - just wanted to make sure all future windows OS updates stayed on c: drive.

[@theanswerbro]

Thanks for your video. Where is the location of the original hard drive? I can't seem to find it in my evolve maestro.

[@n2rj]

It’s soldered on the motherboard.

[@theanswerbro]

@@n2rj oh okay. If I needed to reseat the hard drive on this computer how do I do that? I think the hard drive is burnt out on mine.

[@n2rj]

You can’t. It’s an emmc soldered in the main board

[@theanswerbro]

@@n2rj Dang. Is there a way to get my old documents and files off of the hard drive it is burnt out?

[@n2rj]

@@theanswerbro you can likely find a data recovery company that will do it

[@TheVolpe1969]

Ria: what is the exact model number or amazon asin # of this ssd card?

[@n2rj]

Link is in the description.

[@vincentcimino1963]

Would swapping out the cards prevent you using any 4G LTE service?….. thanks

[@n1rbd]

Yes

[@vincentcimino1963]

@@n1rbd ok thanks…..decisions, decisions

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

CAN YOU upgrade the memory from 4gb ?

[@n2rj]

Cannot. It’s soldered in

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

who makes a cheap laptop with at least 8gb of ram ? 4gb is feeble @@n2rj

[@willieb6529]

confusing info in this video! what is the size of the m.2 card? 2022 or 2242? the voiceover says "2022" but the sticker shown is 2242!!!!!

[@n2rj]

It’s 2242. 2022 was a mistake

[@willieb6529]

@@n2rj tks for quick reply... have a safe and good holiday... de kg4zqz (great craptop, btw, have it dual booting with Andy's Ham distro release 25, wifi, sound, etc. working FB)

[@markharperk5tao]

Do you happen to know what size plug the power adapter is?

[@n2rj]

1.7mm

[@markharperk5tao]

Thank you 73 K5TAO

[@tedlavino2975]

What I did was cut the power cord about 12 in from the transformer and install Anderson power pole connectors on each side, allowing me to connect to both my 12v battery distribution point or the transformer…

[@stevenbarton5609]

is that card cellular and wifi or just cellular?

[@n2rj]

Cellular only. But newer ones seem to not have it

[@stevenbarton5609]

@@n2rj Thank you!

[@craigrhudy1627]

There's literally a micro sd card slot...just use a 128gb micro sd and keep your modem.

[@almightyEsquilax]

Is the RAM soldered?

[@n2rj]

Yes

[@almightyEsquilax]

Boo. :)

[@nine7295]

You expect more from a $60 laptop with a cellular modem built in?

[@n2rj]

@@almightyEsquilax well they had to make it as cheap as possible. Those celerons max out at 8GB anyway.

[@marusholilac]

EVEN MORE INFO ON THE EVOLVE(S): Now that I have spent time comparing the LTE version with the non-LTE version I have sad news. In addition to having no M.2 socket, the non-LTE version example I bought 8/10/22 has a lesser screen than the LTE model. The LTE I have is dated in the BIOS 2021 but the only ones at my Micro Center these days are the 2020 non-LTE. This screen is dull with a bluish cast and the viewing angle is very narrow, so definitely a different product. It's so poor compared to the great LTE model that it is going back. To give you an idea of what it looks like, imagine you forgot to take the plastic protector off the screen. I know because on my first one, I did forget for a few days. There is no way to correct the color in this machine or in Windows 10. The only possible adjustment is brightness. So my advice is to examine the color and viewing angle carefully before the return period of 15 days is up.

[@gman1185]

micro center has 2 versions with 2 different sku's the one that starts with 3 is the original with the lte card

[@winstonsmiths2449]

Yes, the viewing angle is terrible and you are right about the screen being dull looking. But then again, it is being used for CHIRP and other radio apps and also for use with solar generator battery systems. $60 is such a deal regardless. I tilt the screen back almost as far as it can go when suing it. That helps to make the screen viewing a little easier. I bought 3 of them, cons and all LOL.

[@n2rj]

Some models have the terrible screen and some do not.

[@rickranger]

Amazon says it is out of stock.

[@n2rj]

any M.2 2242 SATA SSD will work

[@n2rj]

Try this one amzn.to/3pUbeIP

[@MiizSqueaky]

Is this a good pic for school?

[@n2rj]

It’s bare bones for school.

[@wb2bwu]

The layout of my laptop didn't match your video. So I stopped when I saw that the layout did not match. Apparently, this laptop didn't have a cellular modem. It wasn't there. I put everything back together again and restarted. Using a 3.0 hub I added an ethernet adapter and a dual band wifi card. I would have enjoyed the additional storage; however, I'm not going to be greedy.

[@RetroRobotRadio]

What EXACTLY does it say for model number on the bottom of the laptop?

[@user-fb2nw9tr5t]

I have a problem with the sim card on this laptop

[@n2rj]

What’s the problem?

[@user-fb2nw9tr5t]

The laptop can not read sim card!!

[@n2rj]

You need to reboot it after insertion.

[@user-fb2nw9tr5t]

Thank you. I will try this method.

[@user-fb2nw9tr5t]

Unfortunately, this method did not work. still not working😔😔😔

[@jampskan5690]

Can you remove the QR code on the m.2 socket and let me know the part number. I have a suspicion...

[@n2rj]

Sorry I can’t

[@phildurall7466]

Nicely done Ria! 73 - KF6IF

[@jgaffney6]

The sada you said sd2 2022 but the link goes to sd2 2024 Thanks

[@n2rj]

Oops, yes sorry it’s 2242

[@K9CHP]

Sorry to bring that up again, but I measured the socket and the card currently installed and they are 20mm, single notch. I doubt that a 2242 will fit in there. I got my Evolve III from Amazon. Perhaps this is another sub variant, almost like COVID?

[@n2rj]

It probably is. Mine has a 2242 slot.

[@zamp6969]

My question is why would anybody buy that shitty computer to begin with 😂 can’t even run iTunes

[@jgaffney6]

Very good It was easy peesy. Thank You. K4YNA