Dream Slate or Tablet (throw back)

This is a couple days after Microsoft big Windows 10 Device event.  With the announcement of the new Surface Pro 4 and the Surface book it got me to thinking about what I am using and what I want in a device.  I happened to look back to some notes that I had made back in April 2012 of the features that I was looking for for my dream slate\tablet device.  This was before the release of the first generation of the Surface Pro line (June 2012).  This was also after owning and using an assortment of underwhelming slates\tablets.  Well this was my list in OneNote.

Screen Size of around 10” (aspect ratio 3:2 not 16:9)

5 hours of battery

128GB SSD

i5 Core processer (x64)

(2) USB slots

Full SD Card or MicroSD

Detachable Keyboard

HDMI (Mini)

Pen Silo

Wacom Digitizer

MicroUSB Charging

 

Well it is 2015, what am I using now.  My main work machine is the Surface Pro 3 (i7/8GB/256GB) device running Windows 10.  I am running it through Surface Dock and running two Dell U2414H in a DaisyChain.  I absolutely love it.

Now, my home machine and my consumption device is a Surface 3 model.  I went with the 4GB/64GB model (LC5-00001) that comes with Windows 8.1 Professional.  This is really a great size memory and hard drive space as the majority of stuff that I have is up in OneDrive or DropBox.

The Surface 3 device almost checks off everyone of my previous wants.  I really love the size of this device.

This is going to be my dream tablet list for 2015.

Screen Size again at the 10” (same 3:2 aspect ratio)

Stylus that keeps advancing like the SP4 pen

128GB+ SSD

i5 core + (fanless)

(1) USB 3.1 or C

MicroUSB Charging

Detachable Keyboard base like the new Surface Book that contains additional juice (GPU/memory/HDD)

I’m over the Pen Silo want.

MicroSD Card

Mini-DisplayPort

10+ hours of battery life

 

There you go.  What is your favorite tablet?  What do you want in your dream tablet?

Update to DisplayLink software (7.4 M2)

DisplayLink just released an update dated October 11th, 2013.  Version 7.4 maintenance release 2.  These are supported drivers for the Lenovo ThinkPad USB 3.0 Dock.

Product Version: 7.4.51587.0

DisplayLink Core Software Version: 7.4.51572.0

Get the latest driver (here).

Read me / change list (here).

Updates:

• Improved application compatibility in Windows 8.1
• Improved Ethernet performance and stability
• Additional translations for all languages
• Critical bug fixes

Using ThinkPad USB 3.0 Dock

I have been testing out some Windows 8 Tablets at work and I wanted to be able to hook them up to my dual monitors.  I was having issues with the Surface Pro (Mini DisplayPort) and the Samsung ATIV 700T Pro (Micro HDMI), not being able to find a solution to support dual monitors with their native video out.

So after some research I settled on the ThinkPad USB 3.0 Dock (here).

• Dual DVI Ports (includes a VGA to DVI adapter)
• Ethernet Port (Gigabit)
• 5 USB 3.0 Connections (2 front & 3 in the rear)
• Headphones/Microsoft (audio)

So you run this all through the USB 3.0 port on the Tablet PC.  It has enough to power all that through the dock.  I had my doubts, but it works.  The graphics were horrible to begin with, but after updating the firmware on the Docking Station along with 3 updates to the DisplayLink software the graphics are an 8 out of 10, not as crisp as running directly from the video out, but it is the next best thing.

Drivers
DisplayLink (here).
Lenovo ThinkPad USB 3.0 Dock (here).

PRO
1. Ability to run Dual Monitors
2. Multiple USB 3.0 Ports
3. Ethernet Port

CON
1. The dock is powered by its own power supply.
2. Dock is a little awkward standing by itself when you have it fully loaded with dual DVI adapters and USB cables.  It tends to tip over or lean.  I got around this by putting some double stick tape on it and placing it on the back of my monitor stand (out of site).
3. Price is a bit steep.

The price is a little steep at $180 at Lenovo, but if money is no object I would recommend.

New Wacom Drivers available (10-07-2013)

New Wacom drivers were recently released.  Version 7.1.2-9 released 10-07-2013.

 

Items fixed in version 7.1.2-9

• Improved calibration in some OEM tablets.
• Memory leak with some tablets using pen.
• Improved sleep and resume performance in some OEM tablets.

Read me (here).

Drivers (here).

 

 

Dell Latitude 10 Impressions

I was highly disappointed with Dell’s first try in the Tablet market with the Latitude ST, so when I heard that Dell was releasing an upgrade or a new mode I was a little hesitant.  But after reviewing the specs I began to get a little excited.  The Latitude ST was way under powered and hearing of the new Dual Atom processor got me a little encouraged.  I still wasn’t convinced.  I was able to get my hands on one through our Dell Rep at work as a try before you buy.  We are looking for something like this for our travelling users.

I have had the Dell Latitude 10 for about two weeks and have had a chance to put it through some tests.

Specs

https://cameronmergel.wordpress.com/2012/11/12/dell-latitude-10-tablet/

POWER [GRADE: 4]
Dual Atom with 2GB of Ram.  Seems a bit light, but it is a pretty good machine as a business machine.  I don’t have anything installed that pushes it to its limit like a Photoshop program, but its pretty snappy.

Includes a micro-USB charging port.  I have not tried, but I have heard that it takes for ever to charge using this method.

Swappable battery – Includes 2-cell with an optional 4-cell battery.  I love the swappable battery.  They go bad, it’s nice to be able to swap them out if needed.  Also the 4-cell.  They stick out a bit and make the tablet a little awkward to hold with the weight, but it’s nice to have that available.

STORAGE/DISK [GRADE: 2]
64GB SSD in size but with the OS and Recovery Partition the available space is very small.  These devices should be a minimum of 128GB and go up from there.  I can’t believe they have a 32GB unit.  Seriously?

MISC. [GRADE: 5]
Full Size SD Card.  I am a huge fan, but have a couple of units that have the MicroSD and they perform and work just as well, so this is not as big of a deal for me as it use to be.

SCREEN [GRADE: 3]
10.1” Capacitive multi-touch HD display.  The screen is so nice and touch is very snappy.

Intel Graphics Media Accelerator is a little weak.

DIGITIZER [GRADE: 3]
This was difficult for me to grade.  I love Wacom and was very excited to hear that the Latitude 10 was going to be using Wacom.  However, the stylus and digitizer don’t seem to be tracking correctly.  Even after calibrating the stylus is not right.  The accuracy is off a bit and have to press a little harder than normal to double click on things.  Driver issue maybe?  I would think that Dell should be able to correct this.

WINDOWS 8 [GRADE: 5]
Windows 8 is very snappy and fluid.  It took me awhile to get use to it, but now I can’t go back to Windows 7.  I don’t

NOISE [GRADE: 5]
Fanless.  Absolutely quiet.  Nice feature of the Dual Atoms.

KEYBOARD [GRADE: 0]
No Keyboard.  Unforgivable!!!  The lack of a keyboard dock like the XPS 10 is unforgivable Dell.  This is a being sold as a Business Device.  This alone for me would have made it a definite “buy it device”.  I have heard of someone purchasing the XPS 10 keyboard and removing the notches that hold the XPS in.  Again, why Dell?  The extra battery in the keyboard!!!!  Why Dell?

OVERALL/FINAL [GRADE 27/40] [C-]
I was overall impressed with the Latitude 10.  I think if the Digitizer issue get resolved this will be an outstanding device.

If you can get at a discounted price on eBay, go for it.

Dell Latitude 10 Resources

 

Latitude 10 Documentation

http://www.dell.com/support/Manuals/us/en/555/product/latitude-10-tablet

 

Latitude 10 Drivers

http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/555/Product/latitude-10-tablet

 

Latitude 10 Product Page

http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/us/en/555/product/latitude-10-tablet?c=us

 

Latitude 10 Wacom Stylus

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=hied&cs=65&sku=312-1423&~ck=dellSearch&baynote_bnrank=0&baynote_irrank=1

 

Latitude 10 Docking Station

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=hied&cs=65&sku=331-9711&baynote_bnrank=0&baynote_irrank=0&~ck=baynoteSearch

 

Latitude 10 Soft-Touch Case

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=hied&cs=65&sku=331-9828&~ck=dellSearch&baynote_bnrank=0&baynote_irrank=12

 

Latitude 10 60WHr 4-Cell Battery

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=hied&cs=65&sku=312-1423&~ck=dellSearch&baynote_bnrank=0&baynote_irrank=1

My Dream Windows 8 Tablet

I am a huge fan of the Windows Tablets.  I have owned HP TC1100, ASUS EP121/B121, HP Slate 500, Dell Latitude ST, Samsung Series 7 Slate, and now Samsung /build/ (Series 7) Tablet and with each one it is missing something.  ***Update (missing from photo) Dell Latitude 10 Tablet, Microsoft Surface, and Samsung ATIV Pro 700T.

So I decided since I have such great pull with the hardware vendors, I would put together my must have specs.  This way they can start building it.

MY DREAM WINDOWS TABLET
Wacom Pen/Digitizer with silo in Tablet
Detachable Keyboard with touchpad (with additional battery)
Removable Battery
i5 Core CPU (x64) & 4GB Ram (More would be nice)
128GB SSD
10.1 Screen (Not GMA, also wish it wasn’t 1366×768, I like 1024×768)
Gorilla Glass
Full Size SD Card
HDMI (mini ok)
USB 3.0 on Tablet
USB 3.0 on Keyboard
At least 5 hours of battery life
Decent Front & Rear camera
Hardware button: Start/Windows Button and Keyboard Button
Optional Dock with Ethernet, full HDMI, More USB 3.0, maybe some nice speakers built in. (dream big!)

Is there a Windows Tablet that has all this?  Close, but not yet.

What are your must haves with the new Windows 8 Tablets?  Here’s your chance to speak up and let those vendors what you want.

Dell Latitude 10 Tablet

I am a pretty big fan of Windows Tablets and have been for some time.  I am especially excited with all the new stuff that is coming out.  One such Windows Tablet that I have been drooling over is the Dell Latitude 10 (here).  It is currently retailing for $900, but currently on a special price for $650.

I was recently visited by one of our Dell representatives at work and he had brought the sister tablet Latitude XPS 10, which is the Windows RT version.  I was able to play around with it for a bit and loved the touch, the responsiveness, and the fact that it had detachable keyboard with touchpad.  It was a very solid fit.  Unfortunately, I later found out that the Latitude 10 will not have that same keyboard.  Big disappointment if you ask me.  The Dell rep said that he would send me one when he got them in stock so I could give it a spin.  Well I just got the email and have it coming my way to give it a run. 

LATITUDE 10 SPECIFICATIONS

• Intel® Atom™ processor Z2760 1.8GHz with Intel® Burst Technology, 1.5GHz HFM, 600MHz LFM
• Windows 8 Pro, 32-bit
• 10.1" IPS (1366 X 768) Wide View Angle LCD, Corning® Gorilla® Glass, Capacitive 10 Finger Touch
• 2GB DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz
• 64GB of Solid State Storage, enabled for mobile broadband (HSPA+)
• Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator (533MHz)
• 1.47 lbs
• Full Size SD Slot
• USB 2.0 Slot
• Mini HDMI
• Removable Battery
• 2MP Front Facing Camera
• 8MP Rear Facing Camera
• Wacom Digitizer (optional pen)
• Productivity Docking Station (optional) (2) USB, Ethernet, HDMI and Audio Output

I will have it for about 30 days to test it out and will blog about it more.

What is your favorite application, program, or utility for your Tablet?

 

I have been installing Windows 8 on my tablets and it reminded me of a post that I did way back in the day.  What is your favorite application, program, or utility for your tablet and why? I have several that I can’t live without.

 

1. Microsoft OneNote 2013

I am a huge OneNote fan and have been when it first came out.  This was the first program that I used on my tablet with the Stylus pen, on my HP TC1100.  I became much more organized because of this program.  For me it is the most used application\tool that I use.  Love the inking, search capabilities, converting ink to text, the integration with the other Office products.  I send a lot of emails to OneNote for projects that I am working on.  I can immediate start writing notes, next actions, etc.  All time favorite.

2. PDF Annotator

I love the ability to load a PDF file and mark it up using my stylus/pen.  The ability to print any document to PDF using their printer tool.  Brilliant.  Absolutely a must have.

3. Dropbox

My cloud storage that is available to me where ever I am.  On my phone and my computers and assessable through the web as well.

4. Snagit

The screen capture tool that is a must. 

5. Notepad++

This free utility is a great tool for loading all kinds of different text files from TSQL files, to XML files. 

Windows 8 software update tool for Samsung Series 7 Slate

Samsung just released a new piece of software (sw update) that detects your computer model and finds Windows 8 Drivers.  It also has some new Samsung utility software on it as well.

SW Update is a program that allows you to install the latest Samsung software and updates with ease. Normally, software is installed from CDs, DVDs, or by directly downloading the software from the Samsung Electronics website. With SW Update, however, you can automatically search for and download the BIOS, drivers, and software for your Samsung computer product over the internet, without having to look them up individually. What’s more, you can choose to install all available software and updates at once or install them selectively. Certain software and updates may be required to ensure complete functionality of your Samsung computer, so it is recommended that you use the automatic notification feature to easily find the essential software for your computer and the updates for enhanced features.

I’ll blog more about content.  I’m pretty excited about this.

http://www.samsung.com/us/support/win8upgrade/index.html

Click on the Samsung Download Center link on the page.

Once installed and the first time you launch it,  you will be prompted to put in your serial number of your device (I don’t like that, but oh well).  I have the Samsung //BUILD tablet and it was able to detect drivers for it.  On the summary page it identified all sorts of drivers, some that were up to date and others that were newer.  You can click on the specific driver and install it, download it, or install them all.  On mine it detected about 13 updates.

It will also allow you to download all the drivers (they call it export) and Samsung software as well.  All in all it was about 1.5GB of stuff.

There is a piece of software that acts like the old Windows Start button for those who still can’t live without it.  It’s pretty cool.

Great job Samsung!  I only wish this would have been out there sooner for us early W8 pioneers.