Handwriting on XT2

[jgschwandtner]

I've had a Motion Computing LE1600 for several years, and recently got a Dell XT2 at work. The handwriting on this machine is driving me insane - it's just not legible. When I do a lower case d, for instance, the body is just a blob instead of a half-circle. The resolution on the Dell is higher than on the Motion Computing, I believe. Is there a setting that is set to low by factory default, making the text smaller, or is there something else I can change to make this handwriting more legible? (I have calibrated the pen a few times.) I feel like the pen is really gooey (and I have switched to the black tips from the blue ones, it only helped a little.) The best comparison I can think of is that on the Motion, it's like a pencil writing on a sturdy pad of paper, while the Dell writes like a ball pen on skin. Is that just the digitizers used or a software setting that can be fixed?

Joe

[Steve S]

Joe: What operating system is your XT2 running?

[jgschwandtner]

Vista; factory install, I believe. Right now, my best guess is that it's the difference between the resistive technology of the LE1600 and the capacitive screen on the XT2. That would be a pity, though, I'm afraid the capacitive is the more likely option in future models from a number of manufacturers. I doubt I'd be as excited about tablet PCs as I am if this handwriting experience was the only one I'd ever had.

[Steve S]

Joe: Since this is (apparently) a company-provided machine, do you have administrative rights, or is your machine configuration controlled? It's possible that an updated driver might improve your pen experience, but if you can't install it, that avenue would be moot...

While we're at it, what N-trig driver is currently installed...?

[jgschwandtner]

I do have admin rights. The N-Trig HID Tablet Digitizer is version 1.26.0.0 (7/20/2008).

[Steve S]

Joe: It's possible* that there is a newer N-trig software bundle for your XT2. At the www.support.dell.com (http://www.support.dell.com) website, the latest N-trig multi-touch (MTG) software bundle for Vista / 32-bit is Version 1.152, A04 (27 August 2009). You might try downloading and installing that update.

* The problem is that it's not always clear what version of digitizer driver is embedded in each software bundle. It may be the same driver that you already have installed, or it may be an updated driver...

UPDATE: I just remembered to check my XT2; I'm using the Version 1.152 software bundle and the digitizer driver is Version 1.26. So this likely won't provide any inking improvements...

[LonBe Me]

Anything new on this. I'm contemplating this unit and also will be moving from a Motion. I dont understand how they can feel different unless it's the pen tip "action" or the screen smoothness. I uses a protective screen cover.

I actually cant see yet using the touch feature. I think my palm will play tricks on it as I rest on the screen to write.

[Steve S]

Joe: If you are seriously considering an XT2, then you should seriously consider getting it with Win7 rather than Vista. N-trig (and Dell) is in the process of releasing updated software bundles for both the XT and the XT2 running Win7, and early users are reporting improved performance for touch.

Regarding pen inking on the XT2, I cannot recall any other users mentioning the problems that you seem to be having. However, you mention that you are using a screen protector; are you aware that not every screen protector is compatible with N-trig electrostatic digitizer? 3M Vikuiti, for example, drives the digitizer nuts, while WriteSHIELD works fine. It's possible that the screen protector you're using may be the problem. You might try temporarily removing it to see if things improve. See:

http://www.gottabemobile.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5399&title=ntrigcompatible-screen-protectors

<<...I think my palm will play tricks on it as I rest on the screen...>>

...The N-trig software includes some degree of plam rejection, so this shouldn't be a problem...

[LonBe Me]

THanks Steve.
I think you mixed me up w/ Joe but your answers are helpful. I need to learn more on the touch feature. I'm not clear how I'd use it yet and wonder if there is an easy way to turn it on and off

[Steve S]

<<...I think you mixed me up w/ Joe...>>

Lon: You're correct; I was following the discussion thread and didn't notice the name change.

That's what I get for trying to post before having a well-balanced breakfast!

[jgschwandtner]

I haven't been able to do the BIOS upgrade yet (though I just saw that apparently there isn't any upgrade to the ink portions - thanks, Steve). However, I suspect that there's just a difference between how the digitizers work, and that I just like the Motion better. I believe the LE1600 (pre-Touch screen) is resistive from WACOM, while the XT2 is certainly capacitive (N-Trig). The tip (as in, tip of the pen), the pen size, and the screen resolution change the experience, too.

I'd love to upgrade the XT2 to Win7, like I have done with the LE1600, but I doubt my boss will go for that.

Joe

BTW, in case I didn't mention that above, I have already switched from the blue "felt pen-like" tip to the black "ball pen-like" tip.