WINDOWS 8 DELL LATITUDE ST

I gave up on Windows 8 and my Dell Latitude ST, in fact returned it. After seeing how Windows 8 is supposed to work, I didn't think things would improve. Such as the Start Menu, the tiles are supposed to glide smoothly but with the ST, very choppy. Also pinch and zoom quite choppy. Had potential but seemed to be a rushed product, only seemed to focus on the outside and put in bare minimum hardware for the insides.

I agree - Windows 8 is worth the upgrade. The keyboard alone is an improvement over the half-hearted one in Win7.

On the GMA600, do you mean that apps don't use the acceleration hardware? I had no problem with the GMA600 driver install. It's just a weak chip. The core system is slow as well, but really, that doesn't prevent me from doing too much. It would be great to be able to run WMC (and live-stream my HD channels), but there's not enough power for that.

I have a similar problem with the camera. I can only get the rear-facing camera to work. The drivers are garbage. I also can't run the Windows Experience system test without the whole thing crashing to a blue screen.

I put some install notes here in case anyone's interested in upgrading as well...

http://blog.moschella.net/post/38932306595/unnatural-union-windows-8-and-the-dell-latitude-st

What were your tweaks to getting things to run fast in Windows 8?  I am planning to upgrade mine soon.

Same issue with the camera after upgrading to Windows 8.

However, I was able to get the camera to work properly at least on desktop by reinstalling the Dell Webcams utility that comes on the resource disk. Skype under Windows 8 is also working now if you first select the front facing camera with Dell Webcam utility and then close the utility. Not ideal. We need a proper camera driver for Windows 8.

Well guys hope you're able to get Windows 8 working properly but I don't see Dell giving it much support, looks like they ready to move forward with new lines of tablets. Seems like they are treating it as an illegitimate child that they want to forget about. I'm in IT and we pretty much get all Dell equipment. I asked to get a demo of the new Latitude 10 and this is what I wish the ST was. Apparently there are 2 versions, we were given the more basic version, the advanced version has micro hdmi, micro SD, swappable battery and maybe a couple more differences. Pretty similar to ST but much lighter and does not heat up like ST did. It's quite zippy and I like the fact that it has a full USB and SD card slot like the ST. The basic one does not have any kind of video out port, that should probably be standard on any tablet. So far so good, bright clear screen, dual speakers in the back, sleek (not as sleek as IPad, but not many tablets are) and definitely has Dell off to a good fresh start. Next up is a tablet that is at least 1080p since Google and Apple are already beyond that, already behind in that aspect. Takes good pics and 1080p video. Let me know if you want to know other details.

I tried to find the Dell Webcam Utility to activate the frond webcam, but I can not find it. Please help me by instruct how to get this utility.

Thanks,

Bariaboy

You can download the  Webcam utility online from Dell . It seems that you have to enter your service code or tag then the page with the Windows 7 drivers will appear. It is called Camera Application Package.

I also downloaded and installed the Radio and Rotate Control Utility. Now the screen rotates as well.

CWWong,

Windows 7/8 is supposed to provide the webcam drivers for most Dell computers. If you system needs webcam drivers, go to Drivers & Downloads enter your service tag, then select your operating system. If your system needs webcam drivers, they'll be listed under Input.

You can try this file, also known as Dell Webcam Central. It is not needed on Windows 8 systems.

Rick

Cwwong,

I downloaded the windows 7 Camera Application Packagae, but it does not help anything. Boht Windows 8 camera and Dell Webcam Central application only work when using the Microsoft driver. Right now, I only need any utility can switch front and rear camera, I will be happy. Thanks,.

Bariaboy,

I can use the Dell Webcams Utility only on Desktop. If I switch to the Windows 8 UI, it does not work. I only get video on the back camera.

The only Windows 8 app I use with camera is Skype. If I switch the camera to the front using Dell Webcams Utility on desktop first, then open Skype, the video works properly.

I checked the version of driver of the webcam under Device. It is dated 6/21/2006, version6.2.9200.16420

I installed both Dell Webcam package driver, and Dell Webcam Central, Nothing will work. I uninstalled the Dell Webcame Package, but untouch Dell Webcam Central, then I can take pictures and video using Dell Webcam Central using the rear camera (No function to switch to the front webcam).

My question is how I can find Dell Webcam Utility to using to switch to the front webcam. Can you point out  the location I can download this utility ?

Thanks,

Bariaboy

Bariaboy,

When you open up Dell Webcam Central, at the bottom left corner, there is a small arrow you can click to select camera. Did you try it? The front facing camera is the Integrated Webcam HD. Hope this helps.

Hi Cwwong,

If I install the Dell Webcam Application package (driver), I can see 2 options from Dell Webcam Central. However, nothing worked (both Dell Webcam Central and Windows 8 camera app) when I tried to switch both driver options.

If I unistall the Dell Webcam Applicaton package (driver), I will only see one microsoft cameara driver (Integrated Webcam), that why I don't have any option to switch the front and rear webcam. However, the good news is both Dell Webcam Central and Windows 8 camera app will work fine with only rear camera. I tried to uninstall and then install many time, but it is same results.

Hi Bariaboy,

I installed this Camera package first ( NJ0X3_A04_ZPE.exe) and then I installed the Dell Webcam utility. On my ST, I can even see a USB camera that I plug into the USB port.

I am no techie so I don’t have any expert advice to give you

Hi Cwwong,

You mean Dell Webcam Utility is Dell Webcam Central software, right ?