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ewils19

macrumors 6502
Oct 15, 2011
323
21
Dallas, TX
Do it! I find myself enjoying the form factor and weight and feel a lot, 8 is perfect!



Me too! Mine is in almost new condition

I'm waffling back and forth on whether or not to get one haha. My local Microcenter has an open box 32GB for $160 so I put it on hold and I'm going to head over there later to check it out. I'm just not sure if the 8 inch screen will be large enough for what I primarily want to use it for, which is etextbooks.

The same Microcenter had an open box Dell Latitude 10 as well so I put that on hold also. I'm thinking the 10 inch screen will probably be better for etextbooks. Right now I'm using a tab with a 9 inch screen which is pretty perfect screenwise so I'm not sure if 8 inches would be big enough.
 

joshwithachance

macrumors 68020
Dec 11, 2009
2,105
1,320
I'm waffling back and forth on whether or not to get one haha. My local Microcenter has an open box 32GB for $160 so I put it on hold and I'm going to head over there later to check it out. I'm just not sure if the 8 inch screen will be large enough for what I primarily want to use it for, which is etextbooks.

The same Microcenter had an open box Dell Latitude 10 as well so I put that on hold also. I'm thinking the 10 inch screen will probably be better for etextbooks. Right now I'm using a tab with a 9 inch screen which is pretty perfect screenwise so I'm not sure if 8 inches would be big enough.

I find the 8-inch screen is definitely large enough for eTextbooks. I also think 8 inches is the ideal tablet screen size. I am starting to LOVE this thing, way more than I expected to.
 

ewils19

macrumors 6502
Oct 15, 2011
323
21
Dallas, TX
I find the 8-inch screen is definitely large enough for eTextbooks. I also think 8 inches is the ideal tablet screen size. I am starting to LOVE this thing, way more than I expected to.

Good to hear! I will let you guys know which one I end up with :) Leaning towards the Venue because its newer than the Latitude, and also cheaper!
 

sracer

macrumors G4
Apr 9, 2010
10,405
13,290
where hip is spoken
Good to hear! I will let you guys know which one I end up with :) Leaning towards the Venue because its newer than the Latitude, and also cheaper!
The only thing holding me back from picking one up today is the lack of an HDMI (micro or otherwise) port. Because it runs full Windows, I'd like to option to attach it to a TV and using a bluetooth keyboard and mouse have a near-full notebook experience.

I think it would be quite useful and helpful to be able to use it in tablet mode... with the active digitizer and touch interface of the Modern UI while on the go and then be able to attach it to those peripherals and do the "clean up work".

But other than that limitation (which is really a personal one based on my intended usage), I continue to hear great things about the DV8P.
 

ewils19

macrumors 6502
Oct 15, 2011
323
21
Dallas, TX
The only thing holding me back from picking one up today is the lack of an HDMI (micro or otherwise) port. Because it runs full Windows, I'd like to option to attach it to a TV and using a bluetooth keyboard and mouse have a near-full notebook experience.

I think it would be quite useful and helpful to be able to use it in tablet mode... with the active digitizer and touch interface of the Modern UI while on the go and then be able to attach it to those peripherals and do the "clean up work".

But other than that limitation (which is really a personal one based on my intended usage), I continue to hear great things about the DV8P.

Yeah I considered that but I don't ever need to connect my current tablet to the tv so for me it's not an issue. I am interested in getting a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse though. Anyone have any affordable recommendations?
 

Tiger8

macrumors 68020
Original poster
May 23, 2011
2,479
649
The only thing holding me back from picking one up today is the lack of an HDMI (micro or otherwise) port. Because it runs full Windows, I'd like to option to attach it to a TV and using a bluetooth keyboard and mouse have a near-full notebook experience.

I think it would be quite useful and helpful to be able to use it in tablet mode... with the active digitizer and touch interface of the Modern UI while on the go and then be able to attach it to those peripherals and do the "clean up work".

But other than that limitation (which is really a personal one based on my intended usage), I continue to hear great things about the DV8P.

Hey, I sometimes connect my laptop to my TV (Hulu free here I come). I was hesitant about that, but there are two solutions:
1. You can get one of those USB portable third party docks that add additional USBs and HDMI.
2. DV8P fully supports Miracast. You can get a $15 miracast adapter for your TV (Wifi to HDMI) and you can get an even better experience by having the tablet handy next to you instead of plugged to the TV
 

ewils19

macrumors 6502
Oct 15, 2011
323
21
Dallas, TX
Well I picked up my Venue 8 Pro yesterday. Took it home, got it set up (which took a while because there was an issue with the wireless driver so I had to reset the whole thing). Unfortunately, it turns out that my kindle textbooks aren't compatible with the Windows 8 Kindle App! I tried using the desktop app but it wasn't a very good experience so it looks like I'll be returning the device since my main intention for it is to use with textbooks. Kinda bummed about it because I really like it other than that, and the price was unbeatable ($160 open box from Microcenter!).

I'm going to try out the Android version instead-- ordered one last night from Amazon. Then this morning, I woke up to the news that Dell is updating the Venue 7 & 8, and the 8 will have 1900 x 1200... Amazon order has already shipped so I guess I'll be returning that as WELL and waiting for the updated version to drop on July 1!
 

Tiger8

macrumors 68020
Original poster
May 23, 2011
2,479
649
Unfortunately, it turns out that my kindle textbooks aren't compatible with the Windows 8 Kindle App!

REALLY? I need to go download the kindle app and check my books, that's crazy, why would Amazon do that?
 

ewils19

macrumors 6502
Oct 15, 2011
323
21
Dallas, TX
REALLY? I need to go download the kindle app and check my books, that's crazy, why would Amazon do that?

I'm not sure if it's Amazon's fault or the publisher's fault. And just to be clear, it's only my textbooks, not my regular kindle books.

I am disappointed because it is such a great tablet and windows 8 is really enjoyable on it. But the updated android version looks pretty nice too with the 1900x1200 screen and wireless charging!!!
 

danny_w

macrumors 601
Mar 8, 2005
4,471
301
Cumming, GA
I just got one of these tablets (the 64GB version) delivered today and have been playing with it some. A very different experience from an iPad that's for sure. Not only am I having to learn a new tablet, but Windows 8.1 as well. I am finding that at this point I don't even know enough to setup some very basic things like screen brightness (and disable any "smart" screen features) or how to check battery status (in percentage). When I go to the Windows store and install an app, where does it go? It is not in the carousel (or whatever you call it) so how do I put it there for quick access? Is there some good intro available somewhere that others have used?

And I have never liked Internet Explorer, but when I installed Chrome it installed a desktop version, not a Metro version. Is there a Metro version available? It would certainly be less frustrating.

Is there any way to change the fonts (thickness and sizes) to make things easier to see? My eyesight is not the best...

I can see I have a steep learning curve ahead, although I have used Windows for work since the very beginning (and DOS before that). This Windows table it a completely different beast.
 

ozaz

macrumors 68000
Feb 27, 2011
1,615
577
I just got one of these tablets (the 64GB version) delivered today and have been playing with it some. A very different experience from an iPad that's for sure. Not only am I having to learn a new tablet, but Windows 8.1 as well. I am finding that at this point I don't even know enough to setup some very basic things like screen brightness (and disable any "smart" screen features) or how to check battery status (in percentage). When I go to the Windows store and install an app, where does it go? It is not in the carousel (or whatever you call it) so how do I put it there for quick access? Is there some good intro available somewhere that others have used?

And I have never liked Internet Explorer, but when I installed Chrome it installed a desktop version, not a Metro version. Is there a Metro version available? It would certainly be less frustrating.

Is there any way to change the fonts (thickness and sizes) to make things easier to see? My eyesight is not the best...

I can see I have a steep learning curve ahead, although I have used Windows for work since the very beginning (and DOS before that). This Windows table it a completely different beast.

Brightness: Bring up Charms >> Settings >> Brightness is at the bottom.

Battery status: Bring up Charms. Battery icon is on the left next to date. Really annoying that is does not have percentage displayed. I don't know how to get percentage other than via the desktop.

Windows Store apps go to the all apps section. Go to Start screen then swipe up. You can choose from there which apps to pin shortcuts to your start screen.

Chrome can be made to masquerade as a metro app, but its still really a desktop app. Click the settings hamburger in top right of chrome, then select relaunch in Windows 8 mode.

Don't know how to do the fonts changing.


There are quite a few tutorials on Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=windows+8.1
 

danny_w

macrumors 601
Mar 8, 2005
4,471
301
Cumming, GA
Brightness: Bring up Charms >> Settings >> Brightness is at the bottom.

Battery status: Bring up Charms. Battery icon is on the left next to date. Really annoying that is does not have percentage displayed. I don't know how to get percentage other than via the desktop.

Windows Store apps go to the all apps section. Go to Start screen then swipe up. You can choose from there which apps to pin shortcuts to your start screen.

Chrome can be made to masquerade as a metro app, but its still really a desktop app. Click the settings hamburger in top right of chrome, then select relaunch in Windows 8 mode.

Don't know how to do the fonts changing.


There are quite a few tutorials on Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=windows+8.1

Thanks for the tips, I'm learning
 

danny_w

macrumors 601
Mar 8, 2005
4,471
301
Cumming, GA
Does anybody notice that the max volume os very low on this tablet? Perhaps it is some hidden control that I have not found since the volume is high enough on some apps such as the radio app but is very low on Skype and Youtube.
 

sracer

macrumors G4
Apr 9, 2010
10,405
13,290
where hip is spoken
Does anybody notice that the max volume os very low on this tablet? Perhaps it is some hidden control that I have not found since the volume is high enough on some apps such as the radio app but is very low on Skype and Youtube.
Keep in mind that it is running full Windows and so you might have to bring up the audio mixer to ensure that the volume is truly at the max.
 

Lloydbm41

Suspended
Oct 17, 2013
4,019
1,456
Central California
Brightness: Bring up Charms >> Settings >> Brightness is at the bottom.

Battery status: Bring up Charms. Battery icon is on the left next to date. Really annoying that is does not have percentage displayed. I don't know how to get percentage other than via the desktop.

Windows Store apps go to the all apps section. Go to Start screen then swipe up. You can choose from there which apps to pin shortcuts to your start screen.

Chrome can be made to masquerade as a metro app, but its still really a desktop app. Click the settings hamburger in top right of chrome, then select relaunch in Windows 8 mode.

Don't know how to do the fonts changing.


There are quite a few tutorials on Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=windows+8.1

As of 8.1 update 1, Windows app store is now down in the task bar permanently.
Hopefully, many of these obvious oversights like battery % and volume adjust return in update 2 or Threshold (Win 9)
 

khha4113

macrumors regular
Oct 12, 2013
202
11
As of 8.1 update 1, Windows app store is now down in the task bar permanently.
Hopefully, many of these obvious oversights like battery % and volume adjust return in update 2 or Threshold (Win 9)

Not permanently. You can remove it off the task bar as I did.
 

danny_w

macrumors 601
Mar 8, 2005
4,471
301
Cumming, GA
I'm liking this little tablet more and more each time I use it. It's a little smaller than I would like but it is so cute. I got a Fintie case for it that works well. My biggest gripe right now is the lock screen that requires my Microsoft account password which is difficult on purpose; is there an easy way to disable this? I don't want any lock screen at all. Also I think that Windows RT would be better for me as I don't really need full Windows but oh well. Thanks for all of the tips people have been giving me. :)
 

ozaz

macrumors 68000
Feb 27, 2011
1,615
577
I'm liking this little tablet more and more each time I use it. It's a little smaller than I would like but it is so cute. I got a Fintie case for it that works well. My biggest gripe right now is the lock screen that requires my Microsoft account password which is difficult on purpose; is there an easy way to disable this? I don't want any lock screen at all. Also I think that Windows RT would be better for me as I don't really need full Windows but oh well. Thanks for all of the tips people have been giving me. :)

I think you can turn off lock screen password completely. You can also use alternative lock screen security: picture password or PIN.

Don't have a Windows computer to hand, but I think you go to settings - accounts - sign in options. Something like that.

The only reason this might not be possible is if you have connected to an exchange email account on your tablet. The account may force you to have a certain level of lock screen security (this depends on the administrator of the exchange account)
 
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