We recently took a look at the Dell Venue 8 Pro, an admirable 8-inch tablet running the full version of Windows 8.1 (32-bit). Well-built with a Quad-Core Atom processor and priced at just $299, the Venue 8 Pro has a lot going for it besides just speed.
One optional accessory with the Venue 8 Pro is a stylus, allowing users to take notes or write out emails using a battery-operated pen. While not as fast as physical keyboard, it’s often quicker than using the on-screen, virtual one, which is more common.
That’s where picking up the Dell Active Stylus ($29.99) can help. The Dell Active Stylus takes a AAAA battery, which lasts up to one year, and it has buttons on board to simulate mouse clicks or erasing of content. Combined with the hover-sensing ability and palm rejection technology, many consumers are considering the Venue 8 Pro and Active Stylus as their go-to note taking device.
There’s just one problem: it’s not very good.
Complaints in the Dell support forums have run amok since day one, with people reporting difficulties in making the most of the accessory. Dell was reportedly working on a firmware update and that update is now live. Version 1.0.4.1,A00 of the Panel Touch Firmware on Dell Venue 8 Pro 5830 is now available to download and it is listed as ‘urgent’, meaning it is probably a good idea to grab it. It’s a small download too, so it shouldn’t take too long.
We haven’t used our Active Stylus too much before the update, but after the installation it seems “okay” to us (we still prefer the one on the Surface Pro). If any of you have the Venue 8 Pro, sound off in comments on your experience with the new update.
Source: Dell Support; Thanks, SocalTouch, for the tip!
