The Eve V is a feature-packed version of the Surface Pro; even Microsoft likes it

[midian182]

You might like the look of Surface Pro, but some elements, such as the continued lack of USB Type-C ports and the minimal design changes in the latest model, could put you off. If that’s the case, take a look at the Eve V, a clone of Microsoft’s 2-in-1 that’s now on show at Computex.

Announced on Indiegogo last November, many of the Eve V’s components and features were determined using crowd development. This unique system involved more than 1000 hardware enthusiasts around the world collaborating on the project, voting on what specs they wanted to see. Microsoft should take note that the Eve V boasts two USB Type-C ports, one with Thunderbolt 3 and the other USB 3.1 Gen 1. There’s also two USB-A ports, a 3.5mm audio input with a dedicated amplifier, and a MicroSDXC reader.

So how does Microsoft feel about this 12.3-inch Surface Pro clone? Quite happy, it turns out. The company is showing the Eve V off at its booth and keynote in Taipei. It’s also caught the eye of Intel, which has invested a “six-figure” amount in the project.

Like the Surface Pro, the Eve V has a 3:2, 2736 x 1824 screen. It also features a stylus that comes from the same supplier who provided the pen for the Surface 2, 3, and 4. But unlike Microsoft's machines, the Eve V’s $799 starting price includes both the pen and keyboard (not sure why they decided backspace should be labeled "oops!," though).

As for the Eve V’s other specs, there’s an Intel Core i5 or i7 Y-series CPU, 8Gb or 16GB LPDD3 RAM, 128/256/512 GB storage, a 48 Wh battery, fingerprint sensors, Gorilla glass, anti-reflective screen coating, and connectivity options that include 2x2 MU-MIMO and Bluetooth 4.2. There’s also an LTE version set to launch in the future.

The Eve V is being produced in limited quantities at first, with the first batches shipping to Indiegogo backers in the coming weeks.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/69503-eve-v-better-version-surface-pro-includes-keyboard.html

 

[treeski]

I would really love to see a full review of the fully decked out i7 model with 16GB of RAM.

 

[merikafyeah]

If you're going to bother with USB 3.1 why not go all the way and use Gen 2? It's not like chipsets for USB 3.1 Gen 2 don't exist or are outrageously priced or something, at least in the desktop space:
https://www.amazon.com/Mediasonic-Ports-10Gbps-Express-Card/dp/B015JYYZNY/

 

[Kibaruk]

If you're going to bother with USB 3.1 why not go all the way and use Gen 2? It's not like chipsets for USB 3.1 Gen 2 don't exist or are outrageously priced or something, at least in the desktop space:
https://www.amazon.com/Mediasonic-Ports-10Gbps-Express-Card/dp/B015JYYZNY/

Maybe because of the form factor in this thing and how the lack of space is a huge constraint. I'm not a hardware engineer but this is the most logical answer.

 

[merikafyeah]

Maybe because of the form factor in this thing and how the lack of space is a huge constraint. I'm not a hardware engineer but this is the most logical answer.

Also not a hardware engineer, but physically speaking, Gen 2 components shouldn't be much larger than Gen 1, if at all, since 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2 are electrically identical in spec so basically only the chipset processor needs to be swapped. I just think it's something hardware "enthusiasts" looking towards the future would've considered. The only real limitation I can think of would perhaps be the lack of available PCI-E lanes?

 

[IAMTHESTIG]

Nice... looks like a solid alternative. Still too high of a display resolution though in my opinion.

 

[Uncle Al]

Nothing improves quality like stiff competition and this one is a shot across the bow for Microsoft .... let the games begin!

 

[madboyv1]

Nice... looks like a solid alternative. Still too high of a display resolution though in my opinion.

Usually "too low of a display resolution" is what plagues laptops/slates in general, but considering I've had to deal with an SP3 using legacy software that did not scale AT ALL with the system, I can understand the sentiment.

 

[seefizzle]

Holy ****! Who would have known that listening to what customers actually want leads to a good product? It's mind bottling.

 

[oldikes]

At that price with keyboard and pen included its actually an interesting product to me.

 

[IAMTHESTIG]

Usually "too low of a display resolution" is what plagues laptops/slates in general, but considering I've had to deal with an SP3 using legacy software that did not scale AT ALL with the system, I can understand the sentiment.

Yeah there doesn't seem to be a happy medium often enough. It is usually too low or too high. Honestly 1920x1200 on a 12.3" is hard to read but it is a lot better than 2736 x 1824 on the same 12.3" screen. Scaling is still crap in Windows 10 in my opinion, and legacy apps whether M$ likes it or not are a big part of the business world. It still amazes me that they haven't figured out how to do this but they aren't they only ones struggling. Apple and Google still have issues when it comes to scaling certain things on small screens. It isn't an easy fix I'm sure, but as a consumer it won't stop me from complaining about it.

 

[funglebuddy]

The Eve E...someone named this after a pokemon! lol

 

[texasrattler]

It wont ever be mainstream. youll only ever by it online. ms wont ever let that hit a retail store.

customer support may be the real factor overall. ms aint great but they are a major brand. I dont even know who makes the Eve V nor will anyone else.

at the end of the day if it takes off, ms will probably just buy them. I bet though a lot of things come out while they may be good, they never go anywhere cause consumers want to see them in person not on some web site.

 

[Levi Sterling]

The Eve E...someone named this after a pokemon! lol

It was crowd development, so probably a twitch bot