CHEAPEST LAPTOP EVER - $60 brand new Windows laptop for ham radio

[@Aziqfajar]

"CHEAPER THAN A TANK OF GAS!" u got me lmao

[@josephtackle9727]

I'd like to step-up my digital game on ham radio. This looks like the perfect platform. I ran packet and rtty in the late 80's with a Commodore 64. I think I can do this.

[@timmanwell2538]

Thanks for the vid, Ria. Got mine today. What a deal! Looks like it's 2.4Ghz only on wifi which is m'eh, but ...not like I'll be using it to stream uhd movies or anything....I intend to use it almost exclusively in a ham radio environment. The fact that it's Windows 10 Pro and works off 12v makes it a steal! Thanks again and 73. Tim

[@n2rj]

Great point. New vid today which shows how to upgrade the SSD

[@JoeCupano]

Thanks Ria, great video. I ended up buying two the other day at Microcenter

[@doskraut]

I just saw your video and checked the laptop, sold out (link) but on amazon there $95. You should have bought a bunch and resell. Anyway great channel and yes I hit the subscribe button.

[@ShooterReadyStandBy]

I'm fortunate to have a Microcenter 30 minutes from me. I purchased the limit (5). With the current price of Rpi I think this is a good alternative to run ham clock, octoprint, etc.

[@wb2bwu]

I brought two today and spent a few hours installing most of the software I use routinely.

[@michellegrinder9484]

how could i run an icom 706 mk2, it will require a usb port but it also requires an audio input and output for the digital modes. would one of those cheap usb soundcards work for the audio input and output

[@DaveCorsello]

Gordon W2TTT had good recommendations for having success with this laptop. Apparently it has an SD card slot that can be used to offload programs and data from the C: drive. A 64GB SSD can fill up quickly, so it’s also a good idea to clean up Windows update files regularly.

[@n2rj]

I would be wary of using an SD card for long term permanent storage. Instead I have a better method which I put in a video today - I replaced the cellular modem with a 128GB SSD.

[@DaveCorsello]

@@n2rj excellent! Thanks for confirming that this works, and as always, thanks for your great channel.

[@0150r]

Sadly, they are only selling them in store. Would love to grab two of them for POTA.

[@RetroRobotRadio]

I got one for my home CAD design. It runs great.

[@MichaelLeo]

i picked up one of these and really like it, although the keyboard suuuucks... getting wifi working on linux is a bare, but no worries about dropping this laptop while out in the field.

[@-whackd]

That's a good idea to get some solar power. As far as I know, Trinidad has been very very lucky about hurricanes missing it for many years.

[@davidg4081]

Just ordered one should be handy for travel.

[@تسومااعمرر]

My laptop tells me there is no coverage in your area when I want to turn on cellular. what should I do???

[@aramb]

I picked one up today. It's actually sturdier than I thought. The clerk who checked me out did say that they'd had a lot of returns on this pc... maybe they'll sell the returns for even cheaper ;-)

[@n2rj]

I saw open box for $45

[@aramb]

@@n2rj a couple of years ago they had some open box Lenovo chromebooks. Those were a great buy. And being a chromebook they have minimum specs, like a full size HDMI. Sadly, the ham community never hooked onto chromeos as a platform.

[@hgw90026]

I just picked up two yesterday. 50 stock at the same price even if the website says they are out of stock.

[@MrGaryg20047]

I bought one myself, but the price went up to $99.00 and have you ever connected a 2nd monitor to this evolve III device?

[@nateprentice]

Anybody know where I can get a Powerpole to DC adaptor for this?

[@vincentcimino1963]

What size is the DC jack? Will a 12v cigarette plug work? Thanks for any information, and the video

[@n2rj]

1.7mm and yes cigarette or Anderson powerpole works

[@vincentcimino1963]

@@n2rj thanks, I will pick the computer up, looking to do some POTA with it

[@DonzLockz]

I didn't think you could buy a laptop so cheap, nice score. Time to celebrate and go hug a tree.😄👍

[@RetroRobotRadio]

I've seen some videos where people are adding heat sinks to the inside of this unit and setting the speed higher in the bios.

[@n2rj]

Yes you can do that and also fan cool it

[@Roma_italy39]

this is notbook without windows ?

[@randyp5628]

It has a 4 core processor but is sold with only 2 unlocked. This can be easily changed in settings. Do a video about how to do that. Your followers will thank you.

[@awksedgreep]

I have a quieter2 in my shack with this processor because it has no fans. It was $200+. Getting a screen and an option for portable operations for 1/3 the price is amazing.

[@n2rj]

Yes but the quieter2 supports win 11 and has 8GB. Decisions!

[@vidcreator5276]

Ria, I just purchased one of these laptops with the idea of using it for POTA. Installed all the typical software WSJTX, JS8CALL, Flrig, Fldigi etc. When installing Gridtracker it seems to goes through the install the same as the other programs and says it's completed. But there's nothing there! What gives? What am I doing wrong? Does this unit not have enough RAM for Gridtracker? Thanks. Gerald - KG0VA

[@n2rj]

That’s a darn good question. I am stumped. Will try it when I get home?

[@thomashardy9994]

I bought a MBP 14 last year for video editing. Kind of disappointing that I’ll probably need a Windows machine for some ham related programs.

[@n2rj]

I’m actually finding a fair number of max replacements for my windows software

[@viccruikshank2441]

Hi Ria, did you have any problem with using the audio codec with WSJTX? I check the device manager on my Evolve 3 and it’s there, but WSJTX keeps saying not found. Keep up the good work.

[@n2rj]

I use flexradio DAX so I dunno

[@kgthegman]

how would you run this directly off of battery? I have a few ideas for connectors, i tried looking it up but every search just leads to battery chargers and laptop batteries.. one of those algorithm things..

[@n2rj]

1.7mm barrel connector. That’s basically it. It runs on 12V. The charging circuit and BMS is onboard.

[@kb1qzh]

Bought 3 in the past week. still haven't gotten a sim card for mine yet

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

My laptop is a big slow power hungry slugger. I am thinking of running Linux on one of these. One would be good for doing radio programming in the field and the shack. Which is the original reason I bought a pi 3.

[@n2rj]

I have some surprises in store about this laptop… but yes linux is very good for it

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

Unfortunately, it's in-store only and I'm over 100 miles away.

[@ThorCW]

Isnt rosetta available for the mac m1 and m2 chips

[@n2rj]

Yes but Rosetta is for mac apps. You can run windows apps using parallels for $99 per year plus the windows licence cost. Unlike an intel max you can’t run windows natively using boot camp.

[@Locksnut]

Thanks Ria! Being 12v that should be able to charged straight off vehicle power without a buck converter? 73

[@n2rj]

It would seem so.

[@DaveW6OOD]

I got two of them from the local MC. Do you know what the size spec is for the barrel power jack? (If I can't figure it out, I may just split the power cord with a set of Powerpoles in the middle.) Where is that darn caliper??

[@n2rj]

1.7 mm

[@DaveW6OOD]

@@n2rj Thank you. I’ll start there by making a power-pole to a 4.0x1.7mm cable.

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

Thank you for this video and information. Curious on how it would work for editing.

[@n2rj]

Not as good as my M1 Max MacBook and frankly I would be surprised if it didn’t choke on itself. It’s not for that.

[@NiHaoMike64]

How does it compare to a used Thinkpad?

[@n2rj]

Used thinkpad may be more powerful but it consumes more power.

[@jersydvl]

As a techie, those specs make me cry. hard to beat the price though. I would HIGHLY recommend a Lenovo Thinkpad T440p. $250-300 and its a powerhouse for that price.

[@ivandubinsky1857]

As a ham operator, I like like the small size and light weight of the Evolve III, not to mention that it can be charged directly from a 12 volt source without the need for RFI producing power convertors. It runs all my software, no problem. The Thinkpads are nice but are heavy and bulky compared to this one...very important when hiking into remote locations and weight is a big factor.

[@johndeeregreen4592]

So amazing how many cheap computer options are out there right now. I am typing this too you on an HP laptop, with an i7 quad core, 32gb of memory, an 8gb graphics card, and 500gb SSD hard drive... that I have a whopping $275 into.

[@radioman1170]

Looks a great machine. Sadly unavailable in the UK where everything is premium price at the moment - even Raspberry Pi kit is costing double! I'm running everything here on NUCs as they are good value second-user. 73 M5GWH

[@ahendrix9787]

Thank you for the heads-up on this Ria! I decided to purchase one yesterday to try FT-8 on my BTECH uv-5x3 with a DigiRig. Found the operating manual online. It will be awhile before it comes in the mail, so I'm just getting prepared. 73 de KO4UMY!

[@KO4L_Lloyd]

A Hendrix, was that the manual for the Maestro? Please share the location as nothing was in the box with the PC. I am interested in how to give it more memory...tnx 73 Lloyd KO4L

[@josephtackle9727]

@@KO4L_Lloyd best way is an SD card

[@KO4L_Lloyd]

@@josephtackle9727 thanks I decided to go that route instead cobbling a ssd. Amazon delivers tomorrow a 128gb card

[@josephtackle9727]

@@KO4L_Lloyd Good luck, de Joe KB2IPL.

[@DaveW6OOD]

It looks like you can add an m.2 ssd inside, in place of the LTE card. I think Ria is working on a video about it. That's the best option and may even be bootable from the m.2. Then size and speed isn't a barrier.

[@JAMRADIONYC]

Thank you for the great video. I went out and purchased one earlier this morning. It runs ok, but it is glitchy. Are you having glitches with yours? Some things happing is that when it restarts, it hangs and I have to hold the power button down to shut it down and manually restart it. It doesn’t happen every time, but it happens a lot. I noticed since I had to do Windows updates. The other thing that is weird is that the Realtek wifi adapter starts in a disabled state, and even when trying to enable it, it doesn’t enable. I have to reboot the computer and then that usually fixes it. It just happens a lot too. Just wanted to see if anyone else is having small glitches. I would be curious to know if I have a possible defective unit. I appreciate any input received.

[@n2rj]

I haven’t noticed that. All of mine run fine. Maybe yours has issues? The thermals aren’t so great either. So bear that in mind.

[@JAMRADIONYC]

@@n2rj I returned it and got another one. It works great, and I also upgraded the storage with a 256GB M.2 SATA SSD. We got these just in time because from what I am hearing and reading, the new V4 models that Microcenter just got in, do not have the LTE card or the M.2 slot.

[@steveo3494]

@@JAMRADIONYC I just purchased the LTE version as well 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 if I replace the cell card with an SSD. Appreciate your feedback.

[@JAMRADIONYC]

@@steveo3494 No problem, glad to help. The LTE card does not include the WiFi and Bluetooth. If you are not going to use cellular data and a sim card from a carrier, it is safe to remove it and you will not affect anything else.

[@steveo3494]

@@JAMRADIONYC Great to hear. Many thanks.

[@JohnVK5JAK]

What were you using to run Windows apps on your old MacBook? I'm loathed to buy a dedicated Windows machine.

[@n2rj]

Boot camp

[@barryrayner]

You lucky Yanks! The cheapest Windows 10 laptop I have found here in the UK is £99.94! That is for a refurbished one. A new one is only Windows 11 and is £199.99. Have you got a spare room for rent? Great video, thanks. 73's, Baz (G1VZT).

[@almightyEsquilax]

Do you happen to know if the ram is upgradable?

[@n2rj]

It’s not

[@fdnj02]

Think it can run ham radio deluxe??

[@n2rj]

Ever since the scandal I uninstalled it and never looked back

[@joemac1290]

It looks like a good deal for Ham Radio. Still... Im gonna wait until they lower the price to $39.99

[@Xetrys]

Is that possible? I feel like this is a limited time deal.

[@nakedluck11]

I bought one for 39.99 with a mailer coupon. It was a version 3 and was missing the port to put second HD into laptop.

[@JohnSmith-hm9hn]

Just what I needed, but now it's over $100 thanks to Bidenomics. Running on 12V is perfect.

[@Texas1FlyBoy]

Be aware that a 64GB ROM for the OS will fill up with updates quicker than you think. One would do well to at least add a USB flash drive (or micro SD card as Ria mentioned) and configure Windows to use the drive for updates. Otherwise, the ROM fills up and the system will be difficult, if not impossible, to update. I bought one of the small "NUC" types of computers (super small form factor) with similar specs. Fortunately, it has a USB C connector *inside* the box where I can mount the USB flash drive for updates. And upon opening it up, it also has an mSATA slot which is considerably faster than a flash drive (USB or SD). I picked a small monitor that fits well inside the lid of my Go Box and the setup is great! Yes. More parts (monitor, keyboard, mouse), and an all-in-one laptop does have advantage, but I like being able to replace components rather than a complete system. Personal preference. :)

[@n2rj]

I mentioned the SD card slot. That’s a better option than a flash drive.

[@AliReza-zx8km]

Nice..........

[@floydlooney6837]

Putting Windows on a Chromebook is a bad idea in my opinion

[@n2rj]

Well this isn’t a Chromebook

[@nerdinium]

sold out

[@n2rj]

Not here. It varies by store.

[@nerdinium]

@@n2rj Oh, thank you. I guess it is sold out for shipping, but saw I can reserve and pick it up at the local store. I reserved two.

[@shadowsilverlight1651]

will these run linux? i have a new gateway that has win10 on it and i installed a 2nd harddrive and installed linux and only problem i have is i cant use the built in wifi...i have to connect my cellphone via usb and tether to get internet while using linux....windows10 works fine. if linux runs, can it use All the built in wifi? im trying to find a cheap laptop to run linux.

[@TheArtofEngineering]

Are you a Coke addict?? :) Or is this product placement?? 😁😁😁

[@n2rj]

Haha I like Coke

[@Thatsmisteroldguytou]

+1

[@ivandubinsky1857]

Mine didn't have the SIM card slot, not that I would have used it. It would have been nice to add more memory, though, as you described in another video. Ivan VE7IVN

[@michealcade7313]

Ria I sure enjoy all your videos. Thank you for all your time and effort. I’m new to amateur radio I’m studying for the extra anyway just wanted to say hi. KI5SPA. 73