Windows 8.1 Tablets - Thoughts?

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VJR021

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Anyone have good luck with the Windows 8.1 tablets?

I was looking at the Dell 8 inch, it uses a Micro USB, but it can be adapted to the regular USB, unless that is a bad idea.

Some of the others have full size USB anyway.


Thoughts???


Thanks!!!
 
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jakematic

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I have a Dell Venue 8 Pro and it works extremely well with VCDS.
Not a huge fan of the OTG USB dongle, but it works - mine stays attached to my HUC.

Bought a Surface Pro 3 last week and WOW is it sweet !
Haven't tested with VCDS yet but would be very surprised if there were any issues.

See this post to see the Pelican case I keep mine in.
 
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Jef

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$99:

sfkvqoZ.jpg


ikmywtn.jpg


Toshiba "Encore Mini" WT7-C16MS.

With MicroSoft handing out free Win8 license for tablets under 10", I think we are getting ready to see a flood of these type of devices on the market. So far, I'm impressed. The biggest issue with it... it is Window 8. The default touch screen keyboard is a joke and lack of Start button are the 2 issues. I'll see about Classic Shell and I figure there are different keyboard options.
 
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golfi_vend

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That looks like something i must have. :)
Does it have USB or a way to make usb happen?
 
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Jef

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Micro USB. But with the HEX-NET is doesn't matter.

Got ClassicShell installed without issue. Rocking Firefox now as well.
 
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jakematic

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The biggest issue with it... it is Window 8. The default touch screen keyboard is a joke and lack of Start button are the 2 issues. I'll see about Classic Shell and I figure there are different keyboard options.

I can't believe nobody makes an aftermarket touch keyboard for these, or even a better 'real' one for the Surface.
A stylus is almost mandatory for the smaller versions, and somewhat handy for the large one.

Once you spend a couple days with 8.1 it becomes very easy to use and is fast to navigate.
It's the first version I've actually liked and enjoyed using since 2000.
Apparently enough people cried though... Micro$oft is bringing back the now irrelevant start button in v10 :p
 
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Jef

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Quick update:

MDv5QGZ.jpg


pm3lSkE.jpg
 
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Linust

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We're did you get the 90 degree micro-USB to USB-A adapter cable?
 
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Uwe

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They're commonly available from numerous on-line vendors. For example, search "otg micro usb to usb" on Amazon.

-Uwe-
 
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Just to add to this.
I picked up a Linx8 Windows 8.1 tablet in the Amazon sale... £79 for an 8inch 32gb tablet running windows 8.1
Oh and a £30 rebate when I send in my doorstop HP Touchpad not used for years.

Works with an OTH USB cable with my HexCan USB VCDS 14.10 setup.

So a bargain for less than £50.
 
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Uwe

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I wonder how much Microsoft subsidizes devices like this?

-Uwe-
 
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CocoPops

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Microsoft doesn't charge a license fee for under 10inch devices.
 
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Uwe

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Yeah, I understand that. But at $60 retail somebody has to be losing money. I'd expect the BOM costs for that device to be more.

-Uwe-
 
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CvTech

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I bought a $59 WinBook TW700 just for VCDS and is ok so far

Anyone have good luck with the Windows 8.1 tablets?

I was looking at the Dell 8 inch, it uses a Micro USB, but it can be adapted to the regular USB, unless that is a bad idea.

Some of the others have full size USB anyway.


Thoughts???


Thanks!!!

As I noted, I bought this http://www.microcenter.com/product/439773/TW700_Tablet_-_Black locally for $59 new. It has a full USB 2.0 port, microSD, HDMI out, 802.11n, bluetooth and an IPS screen running FULL Windows 8.1. Now the limitations, 1gb RAM and 16GB memory. This cripples anything more than VCDS and basic email, web searches. It comes with an offering for Office 365 btu after Windows Updates and a couple installs you are left with nothing. I have reverted to using it pretty much only as my "car" computer. Battery last long and microUSB charge port allows you to plug into car adapater charging units that you probably already have for you smartphone. I have run VCDS off it with my HEX-NET both Wifi and USB and works well. VCDS in landscape mode is easy to read and control. Some small stutters but its a low powered chip and the 1GB of RAM really hurts this with a few background apps. Like I said, car computer ONLY.

439773_468421_01_front_zoom.jpg

439773_468421_05_front_zoom.jpg
 
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Uwe

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Yup -- that's how you make the classic VCDS more mobile on the cheap. :D
 
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Jeff V.

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It must be unofficial Microcenter day.

I picked up an 8" TW801 as an open box deal for $80. The screen isn't as nice as the HD display on my wife's Nexus 7, but for the price and my intended use, I don't care. I'll try it out on my car later this evening.
 
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PanEuropean

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I have used VCDS with Microsoft Surface Pro tablets (both the original and the Surface Pro 2) without any problems at all.

Michael
 
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Uwe

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Sure, but Surface Pro tablets tend to be a bit pricy for most people. ;)

-Uwe-
 
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