Category Archives: Tablets

Oct
21
2018

Microsoft Surface 4 Pro

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I’m always intrigued by various technologies, especially when it comes to Microsoft Windows.  Their introduction of hardware has been an interesting roller coaster ride for Microsoft and the Windows communities.  When they first introduced a tablet type device in 2012 along with Windows 8 it provided new opportunities to mobile computing.  I jumped on the Windows RT first device and then later the Surface 3; all interesting devices.  Since my basic needs are as a consumption device for surfing the Internet, developing simple office suite products (spread sheets, presentations, and documents), giving presentations, I have never commanded a lot of computing horse power.  More important for me in the portable/mobile environment was the functional use and form factor.

Then Microsoft introduced the Surface Pro series, first with the Pro 3 and then the improved Pro 4. There was a lot of talk about the Surface Pro 4 series, however costs did not warrant my personal investment, so I waited.  Eventually I saw the availability of Refurbished Surface Pro 4 from Microsoft and decided to give it a try.  And I was glad I did. (There were press reports after I bought my Pro 4 about device failures, and concerns about refurbished versions, none of which I experienced).  Subsequent to the Surface Pro 4, Microsoft has released other versions of the Surface tablet, but from a functional usage/need, I see no reason to “upgrade” devices.

Screen real estate is important for many purposes as is screen resolution.  A large screen with “low” resolution is no better/worse than a smaller screen with “higher” resolution…same real estate, perhaps just as easy to read (and not fatiguing).  I generally like the basic models which provide a functional capability at a sometimes reasonable price.  (Remember cost is not just the device, but also the carrying case, the mouse, any cables, adapters, etc.).

As with other tablet devices, a nice feature of today’s tablet technology is the ability to leverage a microSD card for extra storage.  To preserve the system disk space, I generally set up the microSD drive to contain USER folders such as Documents, Downloads, Pictures, etc.  I also setup all Windows machines with both an Admin account and a User account and work at the user level all the time.  By moving the key user files to the microSD, the system disk is available for updating the system as Microsoft does multiple times per month.

What I found is I was using the Pro 4 more like a laptop than a pure tablet.  Microsoft has a nice variety of keyboards, and the Alcantara keyboard is a nice addition both color-wise and typing-wise.  The Surface Pro 4 thus becomes a laptop.

However I did need to add some accessories.  While the keyboard has a very nice touch pad, somehow I’m used to using a mouse – I find the mouse to be more precise and faster to relocate the cursor.  Also, the Surface Pro 4 has a single USB port limiting multiple connectivity solutions.  I found a combination device that plugs into the USB port that expands to a USB 2 port, a USB 3 port, a microSD, and regular SD reader. (Alcey Microsoft Surface USB HUB 3.0 & 2-Slot Card Reader 4 in 1 Adapter) Furthermore, it does not interfere with the Surface power connector.  My mouse plugs into this expansion port, and enables me to leverage external hard drive / thumb flash drives at the same time. [For this device, I’m using a wired mouse…may shift to wireless very soon].

Lighter in weight that a 12” laptop, it is still a 12” device and packing it into a messenger type bag needed to contain the Pro 4, the power brick, any potential Ethernet connectivity needs, the pen, and possibly other devices makes it a typical laptop in every way.  Performance wise it is good, an office suite and browsers and other tools make it a very functional machine.  But its light weight makes it somewhat difficult to use on your lap vice a table or solid surface.  The lack of robust applications in the Microsoft Store (as compared with Android and Apple) makes its consumption device functionality limited.  Fortunately Firefox and Chrome browsers provide ways to compensate somewhat for the lack of applications.  (I personally do not like Internet Explorer or Edge…something about the layout and functionality that I just cannot get my hands around.  Firefox and Chrome do not present those limitations).

The Surface tablet line, like other tablet devices, can use a pen to “write” on the screen in a variety of applications.  In the early days of tablet technologies, I used a pen device to take notes on a big Motion Computing tablet which ran Windows XP.  The Windows Journal program provided some interesting effects, but instead of typing I was scribbling notes.  Nice features, but I never got the true hang of using a pen for artistic features – I even have trouble drawing a straight line with a ruler.  Keyboard and pen are extra cost items for the Surface Pro 4.

Overall I like the Microsoft Surface 4 Pro.  My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.

Pros:

  • It runs the current version of Windows 10, Home or Pro, and follows the Windows Update.
  • It can run my favorite Firefox! Also Chrome.
  • Expandable micro SD storage to make up for the small “disk” space typical in these devices.
  • There is a single micro USB port which can connect to devices such as a flash drives.
  • No detectable speed/performance problems for my use.
  • WiFi seems to be adequate and readily connects to the networks I use.
  • Price, OK, but some laptops may be of better value – even in the 12” display class.
  • It has a separate mini display port for external display connection. (I recently leveraged this port to project a presentation on a screen…and the pre-view feature of PowerPoint let me see the next slide before the audience did).

Cons:

  • There is only a single full sized USB 3 port. Would be nice to have two ports, but an expansion port is sufficient and less than $10; other expansion hubs/ports are also available at reasonable cost but will need to be part of your accessory kit.
  • It would be nice to have more internal storage, but external microSD storage is a good alternative.

Note: Opinions expressed herein are those of the author. Any names/trademarks used are NOT an endorsement of those items…but are provided for reference only and are owned by their owner(s).

 

Oct
21
2018

Microsoft Surface GO

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Microsoft continues to evolve the Surface line with newer devices.  In the summer of 2018, they introduced the Surface GO – a smaller form factor, 10”, from its larger brothers the Surface 3 and Surface 4.  Intriguing is the lower selling price on the GO line which has two generally-available models and one Costco hybrid.   I just had to try one, and this blog entry is being written mostly on the Surface GO.

In some respects, the Surface GO is approximately 2/3rds of its bigger brethren in physical size; and slightly smaller in terms of storage and performance.  Screen area is smaller, the optional keyboard is smaller, the CPU is slightly slower (but of a later generation), and storage is basic and somewhat limited.  The base model has only 64GB of “disk” storage while the high end has 128GB, and the base model has 4GB of memory and the high end has 8GB.  There is a hybrid available from Costco which has 4GB of memory and 128GB of “disk” storage; Microsoft should probably make this version available to the general public too. (Update: They did a few months later – at the Microsoft Store) (the Costco version comes as a complete kit including the basic black type keyboard).  I elected to go with the 4GB/64GB base model given my tendency to leverage browsers and office suites on my Windows platforms and usually only have a limited number of windows/tabs open at any one time – so performance is not usually an issue for me.  Many reviewers tend to recommend the 8GB/128GB versions.  [The Costco version is a nice trade-off, but you cannot select the color of the keyboard…as long as you like black].

Basically the GO is a nice tablet and compact package.  While the Surface Pro 4 and similar Surface family devices requires a fairly large carry case to accommodate the larger size, power brick, ancillary devices, the GO can be similarly packed into a small (and light weight) messenger bag.  The screen functionality is good and although smaller I’m not detecting any challenges – especially with the application in full screen mode.  The keyboard is smaller and takes a little getting used to, but touch typing on this smaller version doesn’t seem to be a problem nor a challenge (I make the same mistakes on either size).

Microsoft uses Windows 10 S as the initial load of the operating system on the GO.  The S variant of Windows does not permit loading applications except via the Microsoft Store.  This means that Firefox and Chrome are not available.  After going through several update cycles from Windows Update, you can go to the Store and change 10 S to Windows 10 Home at no cost…or for extra cost to Windows 10 Pro.  The switch took all of a very few minutes…now I can use Firefox and Chrome.  I can also use copies of Microsoft Office that I happen to have not necessarily the latest version but more than sufficient for my needs.  Other office suites are also possible.  (From my perspective, Microsoft also loads a bunch of game applications which I have to uninstall in order to preserve space, has to be done every time I add a new USER account).

Like other models, it has a microSD slot and like my standard setup, I move the key USER folders to the microSD to conserve “disk” space to allow for system updates that occur frequently.

Like the other Surface devices, it uses a Surface power brick and connector.  However unlike other Surface tablets, the GO uses a single USB-C port (and doesn’t have a mini display port).  You can get a USB-C to USB 3 adapter from multiple sources, and also a USB-C hub that has USB 3, HDMI, USB C, and other extensions.  The USB-C port can also be used to power the GO.

Also in my Surface collection, I’m trying the Surface Mobile Mouse that leverages a Bluetooth connection.  Works OK but its low profile takes some getting used too.  (The keyboards have a very nice track pad, very smooth, very responsive…however I still prefer the mouse as a pointing device.  Haven’t leveraged the pen yet…I cannot draw a straight line even with a ruler.  My sketching is less than good.)

In trying to move files from the GO to my network I did notice that the WiFi requires a stronger signal to get reasonable performance, but I need to test this further.  I haven’t seen any problems with my current location, but signal strength is really good.

The GO is a 10” device…and has a wide border sufficient for holding.  Yet compared to my 8” Tab4, it seems awkward for a device for consumption…basically even 10” is too big.  While it has all the tools I’ll need even for a consumption device (but lacks many of the applications that the Android/IOS platforms seem to have…although browsers can make up for some of that deficiency), the 10” GO is still basically a laptop that is VERY easy to carry and transport.  The Tab4 will still be my nighttime reading device allowing me to easily order from Amazon, respond to e-mails, even compose a short e-mail, and read my news feeds.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I used a Motion Computing tablet and pen which leveraged Windows Journal as a note taking mechanism.  We’ve come a long way with the GO and I was able to install Windows Journal on the GO and can leverage the 10” display with the pen to take notes.  Other pen based applications are available to leverage the 10” and pen capabilities of the Surface GO.

My Surface GO kit includes:

  • Surface GO – 4GB memory, 64GB SSD, 128GB microSD
  • Surface GO Alcantara Keyboard
  • Surface Mobile Mouse
  • G-Ting port expander with two USB 3 ports, one USB-C port, one HDMI port
  • USB-C to USB 3 gender changer
  • USB-C to micro USB gender changer
  • USB-C to Ethernet (I got caught short in trying to update firmware in a router and it required a wired connection)
  • USB-C to VGA (I may use the GO to give presentations…not all projectors provide for HDMI so VGA is needed)
  • Transcend SD/microSD reader to USB 3
  • CoolBELL Messenger Bag /Carrying Case Cloth Shoulder Bag Fits 10.6 inches Tablet/iPad

Overall I like the Microsoft Surface GO.  While still being tested, my rating today is 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Pros:

  • It runs the current version of Windows 10, S, Home or Pro, and follows the Windows Update.
  • It can run my favorite Firefox! Also Chrome when not in S mode.
  • Expandable micro SD storage to make up for the small “disk” space typical in these devices.
  • There is a single USB-C port which can connect to devices such as a flash drives using appropriate adapters/port replicators.
  • No detectable speed/performance problems for my use.
  • WiFi seems to be adequate and readily connects to the networks I use; may require higher signal strength.
  • Price, OK, but some laptops may be of better value – even in the 12” display class.
  • Very easy to transport…even with all the items in my messenger bag kit.
  • (Costco model seems to be a very good combination of device and keyboard…but alas only in the basic black keyboard).

Cons:

  • There is single USB-C port – perhaps two would be better. A USB-C to USB 3 converter is not supplied but readily available.
  • It would be nice to have more internal storage, but external microSD storage is a good alternative. The Costco model seems to be a good tradeoff.
  • Wireless appears to require a stronger signal in order to leverage throughput speed…a weak signal may greatly impede data transfer.

Note: Opinions expressed herein are those of the author. Any names/trademarks used are NOT an endorsement of those items…but are provided for reference only and are owned by their owner(s).

Oct
21
2018

Lenovo Tab 4 – 8

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For a number of years, I’ve been using an iPad Mini as a basic consumption device to catch up on the news and monitor my e-mail accounts.  Having used a “regular” early iPad, I wanted to be capable of updating the operating system but also having a lighter, smaller device that can easily be hand held.  However, using the Apple IOS operating system was very frustrating since there was no visible access to the IOS file system something I find very powerful with Windows, Linux, Raspian, and Android.  I never found it possible to move files from my home network to the iPad, nor save a (text) file to the network.  Yes it was possible via e-mail to and fro, but no clear cut (to me at least) way to exchange files.

My original iPad experience was at a conference several years ago.  I was using an iPad to take notes at the conference but at the end of the day…an inadvertent key stroke wiped out the entire day’s notes…and no way to recover them. (Lesson learned, in the days following,  I e-mailed about every hour, and I did manage to spend another day recreating the original “lost” notes).

So I evolved the big iPad to an iPad Mini to serve as a nice small consumption device.  But tired I grew of the lack of file exchange possibilities.  While searching Amazon, one of my favorite technology sites, I found a 10” Android-based device at a reasonably low cost – perhaps an opportunity to explore Android operating system.  Unfortunately the 10″ was really larger than I wanted for the functions intended, was an older, non-upgradeable version of Android, and would occasionally/frequently crash.  Fortunately, my financial investment in this 10” device was not significant.

Recognizing that Windows portable devices did not have the robust applications available to Android or IOS, a common complaint by many technology followers, I continued my search for a nice small device for consumption services (note: not a production machine).  And I found one on Amazon in the Lenovo Tab4-8…a device, approximately the size of the iPad Mini, but also with a more up-to-date OS version (which has been updated several times as new security patches were released).  The Tab4 is a 4th generation Lenovo tablet with an 8” form factor.

And of course the good news is Android has a visible file system, and there are applications that provide for the movement of files to/from external networks. In one experiment, I moved a big Excel spread sheet of my coin collection from my network to the Tab4-8 and was able to use it at a coin show to see my coin inventory; mission accomplished!

Using the nice hand-held 8” tablet and light weight was a turning point for this technology since it enabled me to put away those 11”x17” spread sheets and use a small 8” electronic device.  By putting it into airplane mode, the battery lasts a very long time yet still allows me to make functional use at the coin shows.

I recently took the Tab4-8 on an international trip…to preserve weight it was my only computing device.  It worked out just fine, I was able to track my e-mails, I learned how to move a few pictures from my camera to the Tab4 so I could do a small amount of edits/crops and send them to friends.  While the edits were limited, it served its purpose.  Also I could use the tablet on the airplanes since there are no cellular features (only WiFi and Bluetooth), but I tried to watch a movie I previously put on the tablet but I had limited success due to the size and table-top setting.  Another benefit –  the tablet fit nicely in my carry-on case.

Overall I like the Lenovo Tab4-8; my rating is 4 stars out of 5.

Pros:

  • It runs a fairly current version of Android, and is periodically updated with security patches.
  • It can run my favorite Firefox! Also Chrome browsers.
  • Expandable micro SD storage to make up for the small “disk” space typical in low cost devices.
  • There is a single micro USB port. Mostly used for power, it can also connect to devices such as a flash drives.  Leveraging a flash drive needs to change a setting to permit file access via the USB port (a good security practice).  Connector may be subject to breakage (e.g. plugged in for power, moving the tablet while reading content) although it does stand up well even after several accidental “pulls”.
  • No detectable speed/performance problems for my use, connectivity to WiFi seems good.
  • The Google Play Store has a lot of applications – often same/similar to IOS to cover a wide range of functional usage. Access to Word, Excel, and Powerpoint is available as are other office suite software.
  • Very nice sound system, surprisingly nice.
  • Nicely fits into a small carry on messenger bag.
  • Price, very reasonable.

Cons:

  • There is a single micro USB port. While used mostly for power, one cannot power the device and connect to external flash drives…one or the other.  Would be nice to have two ports.
  • The camera pictures leave a lot to be desired, especially in low light. Bright outside seems to work OK, but overall a poor camera.  (Not a big problem for me since I use a camera for pictures!).
  • Unlike the iPad Mini, the Lenovo Tab4-8 doesn’t have a magnetic closure sleep mode. Several of the cases that can safely house the Tab4 use magnetic closure, and the iPad for one senses the magnet and puts the device in sleep mode.
  • It would be nice to have more internal storage, but external microSD storage is a good alternative for “documents” but applications have to be on the internal storage.
  • The screen washes out in sunlight.

Note: Opinions expressed herein are those of the author. Any names/trademarks used are NOT an endorsement of those items…but are provided for reference only and are owned by their owner(s).

May
13
2015

Microsoft’s Surface 3 (Initial Impressions)

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Just got a newly released Microsoft Surface 3 tablet which is next in line from the Surface 2.

The Surface 3 is slightly larger, uses a different power connection, and most important of all is an Intel platform vice an ARM platform.  For the first time, the “low” end Surface device can run any software from the x86 (and x64) software base.  In the old Surface 2, applications could only be loaded from the Windows Store…not bad, but running Firefox, Photoshop Elements, etc. were not available on the ARM-based Windows RT operating system.  Now, with the Surface 3, a full Windows 8.1 environment exists…and all my favorite software can run.

Once set up, I installed my favorite Firefox browser and a few other tools.  I took the Surface 3 on a trip recently and used it as time permitted.  One noticeable problem was with the TYPE keyboard…it appears the SPACE-bar doesn’t always respond to depressing the bar – especially at the very end of the bar.  It appears that there may be slightly too much flex in the bar and the two points of switch contact toward the center of the bar don’t receive enough “depress” to create the space character.  I’ll have to try some other TYPE keyboards to see if a similar problem exists…it didn’t on the Surface 2 with either the first or second generation Type keyboard.

Another interesting challenge is the power connection…the Surface 3 uses a micro USB.  This means it can only go in one way vice the two way alignment of the Surface 2 and Surface RT.  I am concerned that the USB plug could be damaged/broken if too much front/back pressure is applied by non-delicate handling.  Additionally, the Surface 2 used a 12v power brick with a more flexible wire…since the Surface 3 uses a 5 volt (actually 5.2 volt) power at higher current, the wire size is larger and consequently stiffer.  This is a challenge in wire handling and storage.

The Surface 2 came with the full suite of Office installed.  Surface 3 comes with a year’s free Office 365.  Nice, but after a year, an additional $70 or so will be needed for another year’s subscription…considering Home and Student is about $140 and it works for multiple years…the perceived “cost” of the Surface 3 is significantly more than the Surface 2.

In general, I like the Surface devices and don’t need the powerhouse of the Surface PRO line.  The Surface 2 was a very good device, small, lightweight, and very functional.  It appears the Surface 3 is the same and even better in that I can load some software I really like.

Best deal in town…I pre-ordered the COSTCO package…Surface 3, black type keyboard, pen…savings over $80.  Loss of color of keyboard and pen, but no big deal considering the savings.

 Overall I like the Surface 3.  My rating for the Microsoft Surface 3 — 4 out of 5 stars.

Pros:

  • It runs Windows 8.1 software…yea!
  • It can run my favorite Firefox!
  • Pen capable (I haven’t tried it yet)
  • Expandable micro SD storage
  • No detectable speed/performance problems for my use

Cons:

  • Type keyboard SPACE-bar is a challenge to composing any material without paying attention to space character insertion
  • USB power connection may be subject to breakage, and the stiffer wire doesn’t afford the flexibility of previous Surface devices.

Note: Any names/trademarks used are NOT an endorsement of those items…but are provided for reference only and are owned by their owner.

Feb
17
2015

An iPad Tale

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Several years ago, in my role as an Enterprise Architect, we began to see a demand from various business components to leverage use of the growing popularity of Apple’s iPad in another example of consumer driven IT.  At the same time, Apple started to introduce the iPad2 making the iPad1 available at a discount.  Additionally, leveraging an additional discount for a refurbished model, I acquired an iPad1.

And so began my discovery of iPad technology.  I used the iPad as a note taking platform during several conferences and discovered some of the quirks of the Apple IOS operating system.  Unlike Windows and even the Android platforms, IOS does not have a visible file structure!  I did not realize this until I was at a conference taking notes with the iPad note application…a full day’s notes were instantly vaporized with some keystroke sequence I accidentally activated. Up until that time, I was sending the notes back home via e-mail (apparently the only way to preserve them) at the end of the day…lesson learned, do it hourly! (I believe you can also deposit the contents in Dropbox, but I’m not a big user of this service).

As I learned more about the iPad technology I configured it with various news applications as well as the solitaire application.  It served me well as a browser to catch up with the morning news, to pass the time.  At some point, my e-mail settings got lost and while I was able to read my e-mails, I could not send any…not much of a loss for my use.

As time goes on, Apple upgraded the IOS operating system from v5 to versions 7 and 8.  However, the iPad1 was limited to version 5.x.  As Apple introduced newer versions of the iPad and other IOS devices, applications began to leverage new capabilities of IOS especially v7.x.  Applications on the iPad1 gradually became obsolete and could no longer be upgraded.  Also, applications often crashed the operating system, especially with embedded content using pictures…in essence, my iPad1 was doing its equivalent to a “blue screen of death.”

Wanting to keep somewhat current with iPad-like technology, I sought out newer options.  First off, it had to run IOS v7 or v8.  I didn’t need all the latest features, and I wanted to manage the cost.  Apple had introduced the iPad Mini and currently has 3 generations of such.  I looked at both the iPad Mini 3 and the iPad Mini 2.  I found the screen size acceptible and the high resolution of the screen (“retina”) was nice.  I didn’t need the regular sized iPad (9″) and the smaller Mini was workable for my needs.  I settled on the iPad Mini 2, searched for refurbished or sale and found a good price at a local Microcenter computer store.

IOS hasn’t changed in some functionality limitations I’ve seen before – no visible file system.  But the smaller sized iPad Mini 2 was easy to carry, held its battery charge reasonably well, my applications ported over easy.  Additionally I was able to set up the e-mail accounts, so my reading e-mails was maintained…but in addition, I figured out how to sent e-mails although the iPad is not my primary approach to sending e-mails.

As with my previous iPad1 note taking, the ability to take notes with some formatting – like bullets – is not possible; one must use various manual characters to simulate bullets (such as a “*”), then e-mail the content, then copy into a more suitable word processor.

Pros:

  • Small size…can sometimes fit in a big pants pocked.
  • Cloud file storage available … Apple cloud and applications for Microsoft One Drive.
  • Screen resolution really good.
  • Application ecosystem very good…some nice utilities not readily available in other ecosystems.
  • Suitable for a consumption device

Cons:

  • IOS continues to frustrate with no file visibility
  • Cannot see local network attached storage/file systems
  • Pictures from the camera have to be e-mailed vice just moved to storage (I believe it can be moved to Apple’s cloud, but it cannot be moved to One Drive; I shun having to have a Microsoft Cloud,  Apple Cloud, Dropbox, Box, and an Android Cloud to use the various operating systems and features)
  • Printing on home-bound printers not easy (I haven’t mastered it yet…not sure it is possible)
  • Not really suitable for anything other than a consumption device; limited note-taking is possible.

Overall rating for the iPad Mini 2 — 1 out of 5 stars.

 

Note: Any names/trademarks used are NOT an endorsement of those items...but are provided for reference only and are owned by their owner.

Dec
18
2013

Dell Venue 8 Pro – Active Pen (UPDATED!)

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UPDATE:  Dell, on their own (now that’s a good move), recently sent replacement pens to folks who previously ordered them.  The new pens – same basic design – were designated version A02.  This new version has the tip much more secure than earlier versions.  However, the battery is still a challenge; it appears to drain even when the pen is not in use, so extra batteries are needed (I generally remove the battery before stowing the computer for the day/week/month).  It also appears that in writing, my favorite is Windows Journal, the device’s sensitivity has been lowered greatly reducing stray marks.  Overall a positive approach from Dell, overall a more functional device.  Star rating raised to 3 stars.

Note:  The new Microsoft Surface 3 appears to have a similar active pen (don’t know if they’re interchangeable with the Dell) and uses AAAA batteries.  Wondering if similar battery drainage problems exist.

ORIGINAL: Just like any 7″ or 8″ device, the real estate is very limited.  In the case of Dell’s Venue 8 Pro, they ofter an active pen that can act as a pointer, but also a pen/writing device for Windows Journal and other script-enabled programs.

You can use the pen as a pointer, including “pushing” the keys for the soft keyboard.

There are generally three forms of stylus – a semi-round rubber tip usable on devices like the iPad; a capacitive device using a nylon rod as the tip (used in my Motion Computing tablet of the early 2000 era), and Dell’s active pen which uses an active (e.g. battery) circuit to interact with the digitizer.

Dell’s pen – usable on the Venue 8 Pro and Venue 11 – uses the active pen…and it has a small pointed tip that connects the active circuitry with the digitizer screen of the device…AND THE TIP IS EASILY REMOVED worse, it is easily LOST!

In my case, the operative word is lost.  After using the stylus several days, I started to use it and the tip was gone.  Since the device was only 30 days old, I called Dell support (whereabouts unknown).  It took a 26 minute call for Dell to arrange a replacement pen…not the tip, but the whole pen!  It appears others are having a similar problem.  But Dell doesn’t sell any replacement tips (Hint: they should sell them in packages of 5 and save the cost of replacing the pen.)

As for the pen’s normal working condition…I find it VERY sensitive…too sensitive most of the time (even with the Surface 2 firmware update).  Using the soft keyboard, it often double strokes (and if entering a password…needs to be retyped).

For Windows Journal, a favorite of mine from my Motion Computing usage, it is also too sensitive…often putting stray lines on the page and not allowing clear block printing that I often use.  I did discover that scripting is a little easier, but still too sensitive.

Pros (updated):

  • Makes using a small screen easier
  • Other than tip…well constructed

Cons (updated):

  • Easy to lose tip
  • No tip replacements available
  • Overly sensitive to strokes even when not near the digitizer screen
  • Uses AAAA (4 A’s) battery; not easily obtained
  • Probably requires Dell’s Venue 8 Pro case which has a pen holder capability

Overall rating 2 3 out of 5 stars.

Recommended configuration:  Get a backup Pen (:-(   Get a supply of AAAA batteries (try Amazon.com)

Oct
31
2013

Dell Venue 8 pro – An 8″ Tablet – First Impressions

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Today, I received the new Dell Venue 8 pro tablet, an 8″ form factor running an Intel x86 platform (Atom processor, up to 1.8GHz).  I had ordered the 32GB storage version and used a 16GB micro SD card for secondary storage.  I also ordered the optional active pen.

Here’s some first impressions:

  • Size is OK and easily held in one hand portrait or landscape.
  • It runs Windows 8.1 so the added desktop and other flexibility is welcomed.  Since it runs 8.1, I could install my favorite browser, Firefox, and that worked out just fine.
  • To conserve main storage, I installed Firefox to the micro SD drive…no performance problems noted.
  • “Activating” Windows 8.1 was not a problem, but turning on the included Windows Office required entering the 25 character license string…difficult at best.  (Don’t know why Office had to be activated since it came OEM from Dell as part of the package).
  • My normal setup is to create a local-only admin account, and then create a connected user account with user only privileges…works OK on the tablet.
  • Once I signed in using the user account, the Venue 8 pro loaded up my standard Windows Store applications…a nice touch with Windows 8 and 8.1, even RT.
  • Windows Update took a long time.  I suspect that this Dell Tablet is not as fast as the Surface 2 (note the Surface 2 is significantly faster than Surface RT), but maybe not as slow as the Surface RT.
  • I had also ordered the Active PEN from Dell.  Given the small real estate on the 8″ and the sometimes small area for touch, the pen worked OK sometimes!  Sometimes it multiple character-ed an entry requiring clearing the field and re-entering.
  • I especially like the soft keyboard in Windows 8 and 8.1.  I find it far superior to that of Android systems which are generally better than my iPad experiences.  In each of the three platforms, there are context changes in the soft keyboard, but I still find the Windows 8 versions the best of the breed.
  • No heat problems were noticed although a little warmth was detected in the back middle of the tablet, and the small power brick where the USB cable plugs into for device power. (I haven’t tried to drain the battery yet.)
  • Screen image and resolution were OK for my eyes, although the brightness changes with the ambient light – dimmer in darkness, brighter in more light – and if you are in a “grey area” the brightness changes back and forth – an annoyance.
  • Applications seem to run OK.
  • The new icon sizes on the START screen are a help…especially the small icon…enabling more icons to appear on a single START screen.  Scrolling by touch is good on this device.
  • In my setup of the Surface 2, the wi-fi search saw 4 networks…the Venue 8 pro in the same location only saw 2 networks…potentially indicating a less sensitive radio.  (I have 2 networks in my house…the others are neighboring networks).
  • With all the applications basically installed, about 8 GB of main storage is free, the rest being taken up by the OS, the applications, and the restore partition.  Redirecting folders – Pictures, Documents, Downloads, Music – to the D: drive (the micro SD) is easy via the properties.  Good for managing space.
  • No full size USB port, only the micro port.  Connecting a flash drive will require a USB On The Go adapter…or just make multi-use of the “power cable” and get a A-female to A-female adapter.
  • The micro SD card has a nicely protected slot; documentation suggests a SIM card will also have a future slot (on a future model release).
  • The Windows Key is on the top (portrait mode) but I didn’t have any difficulties with its placement.
  • The Dell active pen works with Windows Journal…a nice feature of Windows 8.1 x86 and bringing me back to my first tablet usage, and early Motion Computing M1200 tablet…my best way of taking notes via the Journal application and passive pen.

As with other tablet devices, I consider the Dell Venue 8 pro to be a consumption device and not much of a production device; my general usage does not require large amounts of “disk” storage.  Windows 8(.1) in general suffers from a lack of applications that are common on the iPAD and Android platforms…especially some tools I like to use and news readers.  Hopefully those developers will offer same in the Windows Store.

Dell is suggesting a future keyboard, and you can connect a Bluetooth keyboard now, thus providing some easier productivity capability.  Still even with an 11″ screen, there is not enough real estate for complex operations that often require multiple desktop screens at once.  That’s why I don’t want to see the desktop go away and why some of my machines will stay at Windows 7.

Pros:

  • Windows 8.1 x86 platform
  • Light weight, easy to hold
  • Compact size
  • Windows Journal

Cons:

  • Like most tablets, not a productivity platform for me.
  • Overly sensitive brightness in non-uniform lighting areas
  • Pen occasionally causes rapid multiple character entry (perhaps needs mouse adjustments).
  • Music sound via tiny speaker…use ear phones
  • At times noticeably slow – even with Windows Update
  • Don’t lose the Pen…it costs $35.

Overall rating 3 out of 5 stars.

Recommended configuration:  Base machine with 32GB storage; 16GB and greater micro SD; active pen; a protective case with pen storage,

ED

Oct
24
2013

Hello Windows Surface 2 (RT version) – Updated

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Having retired my RT Surface 1 last week at Best Buy, on Tuesday (22 Oct) it was time to go back to Best Buy and redeem my $200 trade-in card, plus some additional monies, for a new Microsoft Surface 2.

First Impressions:

  • The case is lighter in color – a light grey/silver
  • The power connector connects MUCH easier, and it is easy to tell it is connected with the new ring light
  • My older TYPE keyboard works just fine – no plans on getting the newer version.
  • Once started, it appears to boot faster
  • More importantly, it appears to operate much faster
  • Once setup, and logged in via my Microsoft account, it identified all my software from earlier versions and enabled me to opt to install them – nice.
  • The DESKTOP icon on the Start Screen was not there…it was in the All Apps screen and could be pinned to the Start Screen
  • The Kick Stand, now in two positions vice the older version which had only one; seemed less sturdy than the older model.
  • I elected to continue with a 32GB SSD configuration and used the older model’s 16GB microSD for additional storage memory.  Since I don’t use the Surface for a production machine, 32GB or main storage and 16GB of auxiliary storage is more than sufficient.  About 12GB of storage is available on the main SSD.  (Note: I usually set up the machine with a local admin account and one user account tied to Microsoft login.)  It appears that having a microSD for additional storage is a necessity on tablet computing devices.
  • I like Windows 8.1 RT better than the 8.0 version although I would like to see a Firefox version of the browser.  The desktop IE version is OK.
  • I installed the Google search application…it is a nice way to achieve an alternate browser experience.
  • WiFi seems to be picking up additional neighboring hot spots…means it is probably more sensitive.
  • My usage is not heavily dependent on main storage…pictures are in my camera not in my tablets.  Music is in my iPod.

As with other tablet devices, I consider the Surface 2 to be a consumption device and not much of a production device, although the 10″ form factor makes some productivity possible especially with the included Office Suite.  Windows 8(.1) in general suffers from a lack of applications that are common on the iPAD and Android platforms…especially some tools I like to use and news readers.  Hopefully those developers will offer same in the Windows Store.

Pros:

  • Windows 8.1 platform – and the Office Suite
  • Generally easy to hold – no better than other 10″ devices
  • Significant speed improvement…much, much better
  • Ability to continue to use existing keyboards
  • Apparently the Wi Fi is more sensitive in the Surface 2
  • Full size USB port, and now USB v3 capable

Cons:

  • Productivity potential limited based on real estate
  • Some common iPAD and Android applications/tools not available in the Windows Store.
  • Inability to install my browser of preference – Firefox

Overall rating 4 out of 5 stars.

Recommended configuration:  Base machine with 32GB storage; 16GB and greater micro SD…move some folders to the micro SD to better balance the configuration needs.

ED

 

Oct
16
2013

Goodbye Windows Surface RT (version 1)

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Week of 14 October 2013:  For this week, Best Buy is offering a $200 gift card for trading in a Windows Surface RT (version 1).  Since Microsoft is coming out with Surface 2 (RT and PRO versions) next week, rather then accumulate multiple devices, I took advantage of the $200 offer and it will significantly help in funding a new Surface 2 next week.

Although there is much controversy, I found the RT tablet a very nice device, and its aspect ratio helped with the 10.1″ screen size.  Ability to install applications, having the Office suite, and now with Outlook for e-mail, it is suitable for most of my needs.  For me, the ONLY drawback is my inability to install an alternate web browser such as my favorite Firefox. (The two flavors of Internet Explorer are both frustrating to use and are a serious drawback for RT…with the desktop version being better than the “Metro” version).

For me, 10 inch tablets are more of a consumable device, suitable for many things such as some games, some editing Office documents, and accessible to the file system.  Windows 8.1 RT offered some very nice improvements that accommodated my working style better (on the desktop).  I find that doing original or complex productivity work often requires a larger screen…for me, 22″ or greater – with multiple screens open at the same time.

So for now, goodbye Surface RT, I patiently await Surface 2 next week!

ED

Dec
30
2012

Commentary – “Lack of Applications”

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Many commentators are critical about the small number of Applications in the Windows 8/RT ecosystem.  What I fail to see is their mention that the Windows 8/RT platforms are new…thus the number of applications is not at the same level as more “mature” platforms such as Apple’s iPad and Google’s Android.

Where Microsoft and Apple differ is the latter has provided a platform where the iPhone and assorted iPad devices share the same operating system and thus the same application base.  In Microsoft’s case, the Windows Phone 8 platform and the Windows 8/RT “metro” applications do not share the same operating system although they are similar.  The result: different compilations at best and some redesign at worse.

But another factor is key…how many applications does one need.  If there are 10,000 applications available (a very small number on any platform) how many are you going to use???  I have tablets on multiple platforms – iPad 1, Nexus 7, Motorola Xoom, and Microsoft Surface RT.  My average number of applications installed is generally about 50 and the ones I use frequently are probably less than 10.  So if the ecosystem has 10,000 or 100,000, as long as the few I use the device for are available, I’m OK…its the functionality that is import.  (Note: I sometimes install applications to see their functionality and then don’t use it much afterward)

In time, as the number of sales grow, the number of applications will likewise grow.   Look more to the device characteristics and operating system than the application suite…for that will follow for successful devices and operating systems.

ED