Buyers of the  Dell Venue 8 Pro volition be happier when they update the 8″ Windows eight.1 tablet with all those Dell updates

Update links January 6, 2014 since Dell re-directs them to sales page. Click on support

By Stephen Pate – I think Microsoft should dump Windows 8.1 and RT for small-sized tablets. Windows Phone 8 has a better user experience than the eight″ tablets.

I have been writing up the Dell Venue 8 Pro for a few months simply when I got ane information technology was a disappointment.

The tablet was more frustration than fun. I read people were returning them in droves. "Just as well many bugs. Returned it." wrote i of the many unhappy Amazon.com customers.

Simply selling for as little every bit $99, I was willing to have the plunge for a real Windows viii.1 tablet. From Microsoft, that would cost at least $650.

When the Dell arrived, the sweetness of low toll turned into frustration. What is their piece of s** ran through my brain.  Within seconds of touching the screen, it would dim to less than half lit. Added to that insult are the tiny fonts you have to see to navigate the Desktop Windows 7 legacy code. At a loss for solutions,  I got an RMA or return dominance from Microsoft.

Who needs the grief when other tablets like my Nexus 7, Apple iPad Air and Kindle Burn down Hd worked flawlessly, or well-nigh right out of the box?

Then information technology dawned on me – this is merely another Dell Windows computer which needs BIOS, video and other driver updates. The Dell Venue 8 Pro does not have to be a pain if you upgrade all those crazy drivers Dell forgot to transport in the box.

Information technology'southward no wonder Apple is the almost popular tablet maker. iPads work right out of the box without any prior technical skills. Unfortunately, the Dell is not an Apple but Dell and Microsoft need to larn from Apple tree. People like their tablets to be cool the outset time you lot turn them on.

How to Gear up Your Dell Venue 8 Pro

Dell does not give you a roadmap, desktop icon or live tile for this so I will map out the way to fix your Dell Venue eight Pro.

Since the tablet was manufactured, Dell published a BIOS update, video driver and other updates for the tablet.  There is also an update for the Miracast Telly connection just I will put that in a split story.

If you detest this kind of technical piece of work, hand your tablet to a friend or family member. At that place's always someone around who loves to tinker. Personally, I think Dell should be sent to He** for subjecting customers to this procedure but that'south Dell and that'due south why they are no longer #1 reckoner maker.

Plug the Venue viii Pro into a ability source. Step one did not work for me simply I leave it here as the official method. I jumped to Driver

one. Go to the Dell Support page http://www.dell.com/support/my-support/us/en/04/product-back up/servicetag

Discover My  Product – accept the terms and let Dell cheque your tablet for the Service Tag. Write it down and save the number

Go To Dell Diagnostics – there are 5 choices, if this is your kickoff fourth dimension practise a Consummate system diagnostic. Read a book, become a coffee or picket Television set – the process takes a few minutes.

Agreeing to the process takes a tiny tick box. Try expanding the box.  Don't tap it twice or the system will need a re-boot. If the procedure seems to lock upward, wait at least hour.

Have a paper and pen ready since there will be a list of updates and they are not self-installing. The start thing to write is your Service Tag #.

two. Get Drivers

Dell-Venue-8-Pro-get-drivers

The adjacent screen is Drivers and Downloads. Don't bother with 'Analyze System for Updates" unless yous accept extra fourth dimension. The characteristic has not worked on my Dell Venue viii Pro.

Dell-Venue-8-Pro-Driver-List

The page has a list of 10 driver or firmware (BIOS) updates. I recommend installing all of them except data protection (encryption) which is optional. Tick "Add to my Download List" and they tin exist downloaded at one time at the top "My Download List / Download This List"

You lot should install them in reverse guild from the screen, that is oldest driver update first. Since the automatic procedure does not work, that'due south the order I used and my Venue 8 Pro is working. If yous feel unsure, ask @DellCares on Twitter.

Some drivers will need a re-kicking of your tablet. The procedure can have upwardly to 2 hours so allow some time – have a volume nearby. Follow all the screen instructions to avoid problems.

3. The List of Drivers (in my install order)

Venue eight Pro Win 8.i Driver Cabremoved

Dell Wireless 1538 WiFi/BT Commuter

Dell Wireless 1538 WAPI Awarding

Panel Touch Firmware for Dell Venue 8 Pro 5830

Intel TXEI Commuter

Intel Platform Driver Installer

Dell Information Protection | Encryption (optional)

Dell Venue 8 Pro 5830 A04 BIOS

Dell Digital Commitment

Ambience Light Sensor Settings for Dell Venue viii Pro 5830

The links are as of today Jan vi, 2014. They may change and it'southward always amend to outset at the driver page.

There should be an automated process to become a notice of new drivers but non from Dell. It doesn't hurt to cheque the driver screen from fourth dimension to fourth dimension.  http://world wide web.dell.com/support/my-support/united states/en/19

If you find an automatic way to do this, let me know.

Dell Venue 8 Pro Outstanding Problems

At least the Dell Venue 8 Pro works now that all those updates are installed. It's not perfect and inappreciably a finished production. But at $199 information technology is 1/3rd the price of an Apple iPad Air.

Some other issues:

one. Boots to blank screen – press Home and Offset

2. Dims when you lot're working – bear upon the screen and wait a few seconds

3. The onscreen keyboard covers the field you are trying to blazon into – turn the tablet to portrait mode

iv. Fonts are as well small – buy the stylus, keep your spectacles on and pray Microsoft gets rid of the sometime menus in Windows eight.