[mase123987]

...and having issues right out of the box.

First, it is clear that Windows 8.1 still doesn't have portrait view in mind. I went through the initial setup like this, and some sections had black bars at the top and bottom while others just had really small text. Normally this doesn't bother me, but I was trying to think like an average consumer. Setup is a lot better/easier on a Android or iOS tablet (yes I know one is a full feature OS and the others aren't).

So one of the first things I do is go to the desktop. I am surprised to see the following watermark: "SecureBoot isn't configured correctly. Build 9600." Seriously? Imagine a non-techy person seeing this! I don't know if this shows on all of these devices, but I hope for Dell's sake that it doesn't. I am currently updating Windows so we will see if anything is fixed. If not, I feel some time wasting coming up to get it fixed.

I have owned the device for less then an hour so I am far from giving a final opinion. That said, it isn't a good start.

[mase123987]

Dealing with Dell's Customer Service right now...so far I think I know more about the product than the person...

Update: Guy took remote control and is now updating the BIOS....

[g808]

Wow, not a great first impression. Definitely sounds like it should be a great product with that battery life and full Windows 8.1. Keep the info coming on your experience. I just got a Surface 2 and am interested to hear more about this device.

[mase123987]

So the CSR told me how to get into the BIOS. He told me to turn on Secure Boot, which I am kind of surprised it isn't turned on by default. I did that and restarting the tablet. It still showed the watermark. The CSR then told me to hold on for a few minutes while he researches the issue.

While waiting, I decided to go back into the BIOS and look through the settings myself. I discovered a settign called "Secure Boot Mode" with the option "Custom" selected. I tapped on it and the other choice was "Standard." I asked the rep. if I should change it. He said yes. I changed it, saved settings and rebooted the device. Fixed!

It is pretty sad that I found the setting to fix the problem...

I am going to create a thread dedicated to fixing this problem, because I doubt I will be the only one.

[mase123987]

Check out my early review here: http://forums.windowscentral.com/del...al-review.html

[Jazmac]

Your first mistake, picking up hardware at walmart. The way they beat warehouses down on prices, warehouses build the cheapest products they can especially FOR walmart. I would never risk buying expensive electronics from there. Never.

[mase123987]

Your first mistake, picking up hardware at walmart. The way they beat warehouses down on prices, warehouses build the cheapest products they can especially FOR walmart.

I typically agree. After I fixed a couple problems out of the box, it has been working quite well actually.

[Lurchorama]

I was hoping to find the Venue 8 on their website, get a mate to grab it and ship it to Oz; but cannot find it :(

Oh well; Dell reckons 'late November' for Australia.

[Jazmac]

I typically agree. After I fixed a couple problems out of the box, it has been working quite well actually.

Good luck with it Mase. I hope it works out for you.

[mase123987]

I was hoping to find the Venue 8 on their website, get a mate to grab it and ship it to Oz; but cannot find it :(

Oh well; Dell reckons 'late November' for Australia.

It isn't on their website yet, only in stores.

[Jas00555]

It isn't on their website yet, only in stores.

You sure?

https://forums.windowscentral.com/e?...token=xZ48Djul

Edit: link fixed

[mase123987]

You sure?

Touch Screen Laptops, desktops, tablets | Dell

Edit: link fixed

I was referring to Walmart, my bad.

[Jas00555]

I was referring to Walmart, my bad.

gotcha, its all good.

[hawonjung]

is it full windows 8.1 or rt? I just got their ad in Mail and wonder it would be a good one to get

[xandros9]

is it full windows 8.1 or rt? I just got their ad in Mail and wonder it would be a good one to get

pretty sure its full Windows on an Atom processor

edit: removed awk "powered"

[mase123987]

pretty sure its powered full Windows on an Atom processor

It is Windows 8, not RT

[wshwe]

I bought my Surface RT at Walmart. No problems what so ever. They didn't hassle me about extended warranties like other stores do.

[mase123987]

I bought my Surface RT at Walmart. No problems what so ever. They didn't hassle me about extended warranties like other stores do.

That is kind of surprising. They asked me if I wanted a extended warranty.

[Virginia Thomas1]

I also picked mine up at walmart. How do you get into the bios system to fix this?

[Virginia Thomas1]

How do you get into the BIOS to fix this? This happen to me also.

[simontl]

This Secure Boot problem is everywhere. My Vaio laptop has it. I read a comment that MS are preparing a fix.

[robjared05]

Funny thing is I just picked up a new unit at Office Depot and the display is better and it appears to run a little faster than the one I purchased at Walmart. Walmart did have them before everyone else and perhaps there's been a revision. And there is no secure boot message on the Desktop.