Newbie BIOS upgrade question.

I've updated the BIOS in mine from A03 to A04, then to A05.  There was nothing difficult about it.  I just did the download from the Updates and Drivers site, clicked on the .exe file, and let it do it's thing.  No problem.  It took several minutes, so doing it on a charged battery shouldn't be a problem.  I did, however, have it plugged into the charger.

At that price, a nice deal--pick it up.

You can update the BIOS to the most recent simply by downloading the BIOS update to your tablet desktop and then clicking on it--very easy to do and no need to go via DOS.  But optional--you also simply can use the BIOS that comes already installed and see if you want to update.  Presumably, though, Dell has added benefits to the most recent. 

Also, no need for Safe Mode.  (Dell's instructions for the BIOS update essentially simply are, download and click on.)   I don't know that Dell even advises plugging the tablet in to wall power before updating the BIOS--but that probably is a good idea.  Whether you want to have a UPS there is up to you.  Really, a simple process at this point, just like a regular software update at this point--not the more intimidating or even scary process of earlier days.

Personally, I apply Windows updates before those of a manufacturer, in case the latter relies on the former. 

I doubt that you will have a brick issue--have never heard of that happening in the forums. 

Now, go get it!   :)

Thankyou both for the help. Yes, the price is what caught my eye. That and Windows, Office and it's a Dell. The store manager said I could return it if it bricked so it must be a pretty stable process. Sometimes less is more so I plan to waive the AC connection entirely. Will fully charge the system, switch to Desktop Mode and run the file.

Should I run it "As Administrator" ?

Also, it has a micro SD slot; this means that I can add storage, eg 32 GB ? If so what is type. class, etc that I should go with. Want it to be a seamless addition to the in-built storage. Any suggestions for a good choice for $50 ?

btw, since it was shipped 12/12/2013 I'm assuming it has A04 and I won't have to jump a version. A04 is not available in any case. Just curious as to why Jeff made it a 2-step process since this was never an issue in the past. Is it now ?

I didn't make it a two step process.  I updated to A04 shortly after I bought it in December.  I updated to A05 about 10 days when it was made available.

You don't have to be in administrator mode.

It's not going to care if you have it plugged in.

You are worrying too much.

Be sure to run the Dell update for the Touch Screen Firmware.

Can't help you with the SD card.  I bought the 64gig version  (BTW Costco has it on sale for $299), so I don't need to worry about the additional storage yet.

If I recall correctly, I think that there also was some thought that the update applies to touch input as well, and so I applied it, as there could be an advantage there.  Hasn't hurt at all, and not a major issue to apply it.

Thanks. I was considering applying the Urgent firmware update prior to the BIOS one but the fix states:

As to the microSD card:

You might want to get a 64GB card rather than a 32GB card--as we all know, storage space tends to get used up easily, and the price of 64GB cards has come down.  (You can even get a 128GB card if you want, just out recently--but more expensive, as this is brand new.)

Recommended to go for a Class 10 card over a Class 4 card--the increased speed likely will be beneficial to have.

Whatever you do, buy from a solid source--there are many counterfeit cards nowadays, and you want to be able to return the card in case you get a counterfeit.  A local store is a good source, or a solid online store like Amazon.com (which also will protect you even if you purchase from a 3rd-party merchant at Amazon); I absolutely would avoid eBay for this.  I tend to buy a name-brand card that is on sale (I keep my eyes open for this--Nov./Dec. holiday time, and other holiday events, are good for this).  All things being equal, I would buy SanDisk (or another name brand)--it just tends to make good cards, in my experience.  Checking just now, Amazon.com has 64GB microSD cards for under $50 shipped (and I have seen 64GB microSD cards on special sale for $30-$40). 

You definitely should install the panel touch firmware.  It fixed (or improved) a problem of touch keyboard keys repeating.  You'll probably find that a regular passive stylus is needed for touching the right spot on some apps.   You can get one in a dollar type store.  BTW, I've found that a passive stylus doesn't work well with the on screen keyboard, because it tends to bounce and make characters repeat.  A useful alternative to a stylus is a free program called Touch Mouse Pointer    http://www.lovesummertrue.com/touchmousepointer/en-us/

Thanks Mike. You confirmed my first choice, ie buying a SanDisk (from the store I purchased the dv8 from).

Jeff, The touch panel fw will definitely be the first thing I do on it; then the BIOS. I saw your conversation, on another site, earlier tonight re the virtual stylus. Once everything up to date I will give it a go. Like many others I will wait for the Dell/Synaptics brain trust to arrive with the real goods.

Thanks again to both for the handholding and respective expertise.

One more thing.  Whatever you do, DON"T FORCE THE USB CABLE INTO THE TABLET BACKWARDS!  If you've been following these threads, you've seen that Dell put a Micro A-B port on the tablet instead of a Micro B port, and too many users have pushed the plug in the wrong way breaking the port.  As I've posted several times, I painted the back (non screen side) of every plug I use on the tablet white, so I can instantly see the correct way to plug them in.

As to styluses:  I've had no issue using a passive/capacitive stylus on the virtual keyboard--works just fine for me.

And believe it or not, I think that Dell finally has the active stylus fixed, at least in the neighborhood of what was intended.  But from what I'm reading, a manual really is needed for it--many people just have no experience with a stylus.  (As far as I can tell, there are 1-2 general pages about the stylus in the DV11P manual--that's it.)

My biggest recommendation, for now:  really, don't sweat any of this.  The Dell updates seem to work, and they are miles different from updates years back (when you would be afraid that a BIOS update would brick a computer).

P.S.  Don't pay too much for a microSD card--the prices are all over the place.  I would use Amazon.com's prices as a guide.  Also, frys.com often has microSD cards on sale--I think some right now, in fact (sales start every Friday, and some pop up mid-week as well). 

No Mike, I didn't catch anything on the board about that. Thank you big time for the headsup on that. Good to hear that things are progressing with the stylus.

btw, There *are* horror stories out there with BIOS updates going bad on this model. I tend to look at the worst-case scenarios so that I can learn how to avoid them. I now feel prepared to get started. Thanks again guys.

A nice microSD card option:  Toshiba Class 10 64GB microSD card, from frys.com (a major California-based  electronics retailer) - on special for $39.99 shipped (listed this past weekend, price likely good through March 20):

http://www.frys.com/product/7912190?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Think I will take the advice and go for a 64-Gb card since I'd like, if its possible, to 'set it and forget it', that is put it in and never have to deal with it again; hopefully integrating (seamlessly) with the Venue's storage system. Sound plausible ? Not sure what type of microSD card would be best suited for that; microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC ? Unfortuneately local store doesn't have the know-how at this level.


Update:

When I plugged it in for initial charge no white light, nothing. I charged for an hour anyways. Ran the gui tests on tablet, all passing.

Ran the Urgent fw update. Uninstalled/Disabled Bitlocker-took 3 minutes. Restarted. Ran the Bios upgrade (from A01). No problems. Still need to run Windows updates and the latest drivers but the scary part is over.

See what you mean Mike about the charger end; there is the USB 'insignia' on the face but that's not sufficient. I could easily have messed it up. Thanks.


Questions:

1. I find the text incredibly small. I'd like to increase it to 125 % at least but it seems to say I can't increase size "of text alone". Accurate ? If so I would have to decrease the resolution on screen ? This can't be right ? Will definitely require a stylus long term.


2. With my notebook (Inspiron 1720) I would charge at 20 %; is this reasonable or can it safely go to 10 % ?


3.Concerning BitLocker, when I turn it (BL) back on will it encypt the micro card as well ? Separate 'manual' process required for this or automatically done ? Do any of the 3 types of cards previously mentioned fall into the 'solid state storage' category ? Why I ask:


"While device encryption is offered on all versions of 8.1, unlike BitLocker, device encryption on x86-based devices requires that the device meet the Connected Standby specifications (which among other requirements, requires that the device use solid state storage and have RAM soldered directly to the motherboard to protect against cold boot attacks) and have a TPM 2.0 chip."

This is pretty technical I know. If anyone can shed light on this it would be appreciated.

Max - I was the one that gave you the heads up on the USB port. :emotion-5:

Regarding the charge light not coming on.  Assuming that you did plug the cable in correctly, I can think of one more possibility.  If the tablet was already fully charged, or nearly fully charged, the charger will not activate.  I don't remember the exact threshold,  but I know the charger won't come on if the the battery is already charged to the high 90% area.  There is a battery charge level indicator assessable from the systray in taskbar on the desktop.  You may have to click on the triangle (show hidden icons), then you should see an icon that looks like a little battery with a level bar in side the battery.  If it's charging, it will also show an A/C plug next to the battery.  Click on the icon, and it will show you the charge level, and I think it will also say if it's charging.