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N-trig digitizer on my HP Slate 500 (Windows 8 RTM)
N-trig released their much anticipated W8 drivers recently (August 13th). The drivers have been broken since the Consumer Preview. Well I downloaded these and immediately tried to install them on my W8 Release Preview. I wasn’t impressed.
After going back to the instructions I noticed a blurb “before updating to Windows 8, make sure you have the latest bundle installed”. I must have skipped right over that in my first pass.
I sent an email to N-trig support to get clarification and received email back a couple of days later. Basically they stated.
This step comes to ensure you have the latest DuoSense SW installed under Win7. Then when you upgrade to Win8, you should follow the installations of our new driver and it should work OK.
So they are expecting everybody to upgrade to W8 and not do a fresh install. I don’t know about you, but I am not a big fan of upgrading. I like to perform a fresh install.
Well, I since it didn’t seem to work very well in W8 as a fresh install I decided to go back to W7 and see if it was any better. I found my original W7 image that I took way back in March 2011 and restored it. I did have to go into the and edit the booting information that W8 updated. No real big issue. After getting back to W7 (yuck), I made my W8RTM bootable USB drive and ran the setup.exe off the USB drive. Got prompted to upgrade and save user settings. Took about 45 minutes. After reboot I found that I had no touch or stylus. I then installed the updated N-trig driver and found that touch and stylus came back. Checked Device Mgr. and found nothing missing or had issues.
THE GOOD
The much anticipated calibration tool is great and helps with the false touches and ghost taps.
THE BAD
The lack of the Input Control Panel. Having upgraded from W7 it is there but throws when trying to use. The exclusion of the Input Control, the ability to put the digitizer to Touch Only, Pen Only, or Auto is a huge missing component.
I will say that the drivers are better than what they were in the Consumer Preview and Release Preview (note that they didn’t exist), but still in my opinion are lacking.
I emailed N-trig support to find out when this was going to added and their response back was there are no plans. Huge, huge disappointment.
I do a lot of inking with the stylus and without this control I get a lot of false touches or palm rejection. It comes close to being unusable.
Shame on you N-trig…
Installing Windows 8 RTM on Asus B121 Part 2
In my previous post I installed Windows 8 RTM on the Asus B121. Now I am going to continue where we left off and install any missing drivers.
Open Device Manager to see what is missing.
1. From the new Windows 8 Start Screen, click on the Desktop icon.
2. Right click on the desktop and select Personalize.
3. Click the link in the upper left named “Change desktop icons”
4. Put a check under Control Panel and click Apply and then OK.
5. Double click Control Panel
6. Click on the the Hardware and Sound link.
7. Under Devices and Printers click on Device Manager.
This is a list of the drivers that Windows is unable to find.
After connecting to my home network and configuring Windows Update these missing devices were resolved. Also note that the hardware buttons and screen rotation work great.
After the Windows Update I do see one additional missing device, as there was in the prior Windows 8 Release Preview, but installing the Asus B121 Bluetooth driver does not resolve.
Still investigating…
Other Tips and Tricks:
Be sure to disable Defrag here.
New Windows 8 Shortcut Keys here.
Who needs a Start Button here.
Updated Windows 8 N-trig drivers are finally available or are they?
So N-trig finally posted Windows 8 drivers on their site (August 13th, 2012), you can download them here.
http://www.ntrig.com/Content.aspx?Page=Downloads_Drivers
So I have been very critical with my comments toward N-trig and most of it has been warranted.
Time to climb up on my soapbox.
My biggest beef all along has been the lack of input control. The ability to control the how the digitizer handles touch and pen. In the Windows 7 there was the N-trig DuoSense Digitizer Settings that allowed you to control the Input mode (Pen Only, Touch Only, Auto Mode, and Dual Mode), this has been lacking since Windows 8 Consumer Preview (February 2012). Still missing…
Brief history.
Windows 8 Developer Preview (September 13th, 2011)
There was a hack that could be followed that you could install the N-trig drivers, the DuoSense Settings, and Calibration tool and input control.
Windows 8 Consumer Preview (February 29th, 2012)
The hack no longer works and the digitizer and touch had serious issues. Ghost clicking and touch issues.
UPDATE:
N-trig did finally put out a beta v1.0 (March 3, 2012), but they didn’t really help.
Windows 8 Release Preview (June 28th, 2012)
The hack still doesn’t work and the digitizer and touch still have issues.
Windows 8 RTM (August 1st, 2012)
The hack still doesn’t work and the digitizer and touch still have issues.
UPDATE:
N-trig did finally put out beta v2.0 (August 13th, 2012). They included the calibration tool, which does seem to help with the ghost clicking, however it is still missing the DuoSense Digitizer Settings. UGH!!!
NOTE:
Did you all notice the wording in their install instructions. Look at step 1 on page 2. Some interesting wording.
So I read this as you can’t install these on a fresh Windows 8 Install, that it has to be a Windows 7 upgrade to Windows 8. So I emailed support to clarify this and they replied back that it was true that you needed to be on Windows 7 to ensure the latest DuoSense Software was installed and then upgrade to Windows 8. Once on Windows 8 you can follow the instructions in the v2 beta drivers.
Seriously, come on N-trig, you’ve had over 6 months to be working on these drivers to make them compatible with Windows 8. Your latest v2 beta try is flail at best.
I feel for any computer manufacture that is producing a Windows 8 Slate/Tablet with these N-trig drivers. Beware! I sure won’t be purchasing another N-trig device… No way!!!
I suggest that you email their support [esupport@n-trig.com] and voice your displeasure on the lack of functionality with these drivers. In my opinion the HP Slate 500 is unusable in Windows 8. The palm rejection and false touches when writing are horrendous.
Ok, stepping down from my soapbox.
Questions:
What do you think?
Are you happy with these updated drivers?
Did you upgrade to Windows 8 or fresh Install?
Did you use the DuoSense Digital Settings in Windows 7 and Windows 8 Developers Preview?
Do you have issues with false touch when writing?
UPDATE (2015-12-09):
N-trig downloads are not longer available. I have had multiple requests for the download. I have the Windows 8 x86 version of the driver that I got originally for the HP Slate 500. If you need them add a comment with your email address and I will send them to you.
Windows 8 RTM is now available on MSDN and TechNet subscribers
Today Microsoft released Windows 8 RTM to those who are subscribers to MSDN and TechNet.
If you feel left out don’t. You can download a full Windows 8 RTM Evaluation edition that is good for 90 days. Allow you to install on your desktop, laptop, or tablet and start playing with it until the full release to public in October.
Download it here:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-US/evalcenter/jj554510.aspx
UPDATE:
Information from the Software Evaluation email after registering on the website.
- You cannot upgrade from the EVAL
- No product key is required to install
- You have 10 days after installing to activate it
- Once activated you have 90 days to use it
Download Microsoft Office 2013 (365 ProPlus) Preview
Get it here (official Microsoft Office 2013 full Download).
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/evalcenter/hh973391
At the bottom of the page is the full download file (Office 2013). Pay close attention to the note just above the download. Does not support side by side operation with older versions of Office. You will need to uninstall existing versions of Office.
As an alternative you can download/install the side by side version (Office 365 ProPlus) that will allow you to also have other versions of Office installed by clicking the “GET STARTED NOW” link.
Some other resources
System Requirements for Office 2013 Preview
http://technet.microsoft.com/library/ee624351(office.15).aspx
Microsoft Office 2013 Forum
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-us/officeitpropreview/threads
Project Professional 2013 Preview
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/evalcenter/hh973401
Visio Professional 2013 Preview
Updated Windows 8 N-trig drivers – SOON!
I just got word from N-trig support that updated Windows 8 N-trig drivers that include the calibration tool/utility will be released this month.
Keep your eye out for them.
N-trig Download Site
http://www.ntrig.com/Content.aspx?Page=Downloads_Drivers
UPDATE (7/1)
I just received email from N-trig support that they hope to have updated W8 beta drivers released in two weeks.
Sigh!!!
UPDATE (8/13)
I just checked this morning and updated drivers are out there dated 8/13. In the process of downloading and testing.
Installing Windows 8 Release Preview on HP Slate 500 Part 2
In my previous post I installed Windows 8 Release Preview on the HP Slate 500. Now I am going to continue where I left on and install some additional drivers.
The first thing is to check to see what is missing in the device manager. This is the same as in previous version of Windows 8.
1. Click on the Desktop Metro Tile to get to the Desktop
2. Right Click on the Desktop and select Personalize
3. Click on the Change desktop icons link in the upper left.
4. Put a check for Computer and Control Panel.
5. Click Apply and Ok
6. Double click Control Panel
7. Click on the the Hardware and Sound link.
8. Under Devices and Printers click on Device Manager.
This is a list of the drivers that Windows is unable to find.
Then configure the Wireless and connect to your home network. The Windows 8 installation installs the Wireless card drivers. Then run Windows Update and get the latest Windows 8 Release Preview and any other hardware. As of 06/03/2012.
SOFTWARE UPDATES
HARDWARE UPDATES
Unfortunately, Windows Updates does not resolve any of the missing devices in the Device Manager.
1. Create a folder on the C Drive name SWSETUP and then go out to HP’s web site (here) and download the following drivers. Install using W7 compatibility Mode (see note).
SP50501 – Broadcom Crystal HD Video Decoder Driver (2010-10-22) [DM – Multimedia Controller]
SP50503 – Intel Chipset Installation Utility and Driver (2010-10-22)
SP50504 – Intel High-Definition (HD) Graphics Driver (2010-10-22)
SP51650 – HP Quick Launch Software (2011-01-24) [SEE INSTALLATION NOTE BELOW]
SP50480 – IDT High-Def (HD) Audio (2010-10-22)
[DM] = These are the specific drivers that will resolve the missing drivers above.
NOTE: When I say to install in W7 Compatibility mode = To install these drivers you will need to right click on the file, select Properties, click on the Compatibility tab. Put a check in the Compatibility Mode (Select Windows 7), Click ok and then double click on the file to install.
SP51650 – HP Quick Launch Software (To get the Auto rotate to work)
Before installing the driver you need to enable/install .NET Framework 3.5. Open the Control Panel and select Uninstall a Program and then select “Turn Windows features on or off”. Put a check in “.NET Framework 3.5” and click OK. This will also connect to Windows Update to install software. Then execute SP51650 (in W7 Compatibility mode). Once completed browse out to “C:\Program Files\Hewlett Packard\HP Quick Launch”, and execute HPWMISVC.EXE (in W7 Compatibility mode). May require a restart for the Auto-rotate to start working.
UPDATE:
To fix the Metro Tile choppy video you need to install the latest Intel GMA 500 Video Driver v8.14.10.2030. This was kindly brought to my attention by Vala on one of the comments on this post. Thanks Vala…
You can download this driver.
The other missing device in the Device Manager the “Duosence”, I am going to skip for now. This will require a separate blog post.
Installing Windows 8 Release Preview on HP Slate 500 Part 1
The installation of Windows 8 Release Preview is identical to the Windows 8 Developers Preview and the Consumer Preview process that I have outlined in previous posts.
Pre-Steps:
1. Download the Windows 8 Release Preview 32-bit here (2.5GB)
*Note: Be sure to grab the Product Key from the download page. Key is required for installation.
2. Create a bootable USB Stick. Download Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool here. This allows you to create a bootable USB stick with the downloaded iso file. This makes the process so easy. Click, click, walk away and boom, you have a bootable Windows 8 USB drive. I used a 8 GB USB stick that you can get for $10 at Walmart. Note: A 4 GB will work for both 32-bit and 64-bit.
Install Process
1. Plug USB into HP Slate 500. I have my Slate in the docking station so I have additional USB slots for my USB Mouse and Keyboard.
2. Power on the Slate.
3. Click “-“ to get into the Start Menu.
4. Click “-“ and select Boot Device and click the Home Button to select.
5. Click “-“ and select USB Stick and click the Home Button to select.
6. Go through the usual installation options. I selected fresh Install (not an upgrade) and left all the other partitions intact (SYSTEM and HP_TOOLS), I just installed over the primary partition. (Using a screen shot from previous blog post, same setting though).
This is the lock screen.
This is the main start screen.
In my next post I will go through getting drivers installed and configured.
Installing Windows 8 Release Preview on Asus B121 Part 2
In my previous post I installed Windows 8 Release Preview on the Asus B121. Now I am going to continue where we left off and install any missing drivers.
Open Device Manager to see what is missing.
1. From the new Windows 8 Start Screen, click on the Desktop icon.
2. Right click on the desktop and select Personalize.
3. Click the link in the upper left named “Change desktop icons”
4. Put a check under Control Panel and click Apply and then OK.
5. Double click Control Panel
6. Click on the the Hardware and Sound link.
7. Under Devices and Printers click on Device Manager.
This is a list of the drivers that Windows is unable to find.
After connecting to Windows Update this is what was left.
Missing: Bluetooth Peripheral Device
Resolve: Download the Bluetooth Driver under Utilities. Extract and Install.
Download all the Asus B121 Drivers from here.
Please note, Screen Rotation, Keyboard Button (Hardware), and the Keyboard input are still not working in Windows 8 Release Preview.
In Part 3 I will go over configuring the Volume button.
Other Tips and Tricks:
Be sure to disable Defrag here.
New Windows 8 Shortcut Keys here.
Who needs a Start Button here.
UPDATE 7/29:
A recent Windows Update enabled the Hardware Buttons and Enabled the Screen Rotation. AWESOME!!!
Installing Windows 8 Release Preview on Asus B121 Part 1
On May 31st Microsoft released the next iteration of Windows 8. This version called the Release Preview (RP). Looks like this will be the last beta of Windows 8 that will be released until the RTM in the Fall of 2012 (October-ish).
In previous post I installed Windows 8 Consumer Preview (CP) here. The installation of Windows 8 RP is identical.
Pre-Steps:
1. Download the Windows 8 Release Preview (RP) 64-bit here (3.3GB).
*Note: Be sure to grab the Product Key (located just below the download links. Key is required for installation.
2. Create a bootable USB Stick. Download Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool here. This allows you to create a bootable USB stick with the downloaded iso file. This makes the process so easy. Click, click, walk away and boom, you have a bootable Windows 8 USB drive. I used a 8 GB USB stick that you can get for $10 at Walmart. Note: A 4 GB will work for both 32-bit and 64-bit.
Backup
1. If you feel it necessary, backup your machine. Run Windows Image Backup and take a backup of your Windows 7 system so you can restore back if you want.
Install Process
1. Plug USB into Slate and start. The Slate will automatically recognize the USB stick and boot from it. No need to get into BIOS. I am also using a USB hub so I can run USB Mouse, Keyboard, and USB Stick.
Note: If it doesn’t boot to the USB stick automatically, you will need to go into the BIOS and change it. You will need USB Keyboard and hit DEL key at boot up.
2. Go through the usual installation options. I selected fresh Install (not an upgrade). You can select an upgrade, but it looks like you won’t be able to keep your files, applications, settings. So really not worth upgrading.
Windows 8 Release Preview FAQ here.
3. Once complete this is the lock screen. Love the new login/start screen.
This is the new start screen.
Look for my next post Part 2 where I will go through getting drivers installed.
Cameron Mergel 