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 tipNo 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)