Advice Needed For Selecting Tablet

[Paritosh Rai]

Hey Everyone,

I am in the process of selecting a Windows Tablet for myself. It will be mostly a consumption device to complement my Lumia 1020 - surfing the web, reading books, video calling, videos, music, light gaming, some document editing on the go. I have my heart set on the Dell Venue 8 Pro. I like it over the others (Acer Iconia W4, iPad Mini, iPad Air) because:-
1.) Exceptional processing prowess - blows the other options away
2.) Windows 8.1 as a truly integrating OS; would link well with my Lumia1020 easily
3.) Only decent tablet with 3G connectivity option - i am from India and there is no Surface Pro3. Iconia W4 does come with 3G but the processor is not as powerful.
4.) value for money - i am getting a 64GB, Wifi+3G config., & expandability via SD cards, at a lesser price than an iPad with same connectivity and just 16GB of storage.

I just wanted to understand a few things before I go ahead with my purchase. So if you guys could help me out that would be really appreciated:-

1.) How easy/difficult it is to output from the Venue 8 Pro to a tv screen/projector? What additional accessories would I need?
2.) What are the best bluetooth keyboard cases and stylus that I can look to purchase for the tablet?
3.) any other watch outs in terms of limitations that I should be beware of before I press the 'buy' button?

Would love to hear your thoughts/experiences on the subject.

Thanks!

 

[Jazmac]

1.) How easy/difficult it is to output from the Venue 8 Pro to a tv screen/projector? What additional accessories would I need?

Not at all difficult. If I am watching Plex, I can simply cast to my WD HD or XBOX3..wirelessly.

2.) What are the best bluetooth keyboard cases and stylus that I can look to purchase for the tablet?

I like the chicklet style keyboard so I like the one from Logitech, the K810 if you like independance but if you want to tricked out case, go with the Fintie Blade X1 Dell Venue 8 Pro (Windows 8.1) Keyboard Case

3.) any other watch outs in terms of limitations that I should be beware of before I press the 'buy' button?
I have one. I don't have major issues with it except I forget that if it sleeps long enough, it'll shut down. You might think something is wrong but all you need do is press the button to restart it.

 

[Nerdy Woman]

I haven't looked at the Venue too closely, but the US Amazon website has over 1,000 reviews for it, as well as customer Q&As, including one that discusses Miracast to HDMI, for TV viewing. The only connector is a microUSB port. Also in the Q&A is a discussion about a firmware update to fix stylus issues.

Amazon.com : Dell Venue 8 Pro 64 GB Tablet (Windows 8.1) : Tablet Computers : Computers & Accessories

You might also find it at a good price on Amazon's India website.

 

[Paritosh Rai]

Thanks for your quick responses Jazmac and Nerdy Woman!

Not at all difficult. If I am watching Plex, I can simply cast to my WD HD or XBOX3..wirelessly.

So basically you are using the Miracast technology for it, right? What if I don't want to use Miracast? Are there any convertors/adaptors that I can use?

Also are you using a case/cover for it? Does it have the ability of being 'put to sleep' when I flip the cover?

 

[Paritosh Rai]

I just ordered a Dell Venue 8 Pro!! I did something adventurous - One of my friends is currently visiting Sydney, Australia. I checked the Dell Australia website and realised that they are running a promotion where the you get a free upgrade to the Keyboard Cover. I checked the 3G specifications on the India site and found that they were the same. So i ordered it from there along with the Active Stylus. The only thing I have risked is the warranty but I am keeping my fingers crossed that I don't get a lemon. In all it cost me even less than what it would've cost me in India even without the accessories. I hope everything goes alright and I can have the sweet bundle by end of next week when my friend returns home.

 

[Paritosh Rai]

So I received my DVP8 today. Will be setting it up over the weekend. I wanted to ask you what all accessories would you recommend for getting the best out of the DVP8? I already have the Dell Keyboard Case and the stylus. I am planning to order the following:-
1.) Scratchguard for the screen
2.) USB OTG cable

What else should I buy to enhance the experience? I am looking at memeory cards but would like to know which brand have you guys gone with and recommend? Also some recommendations on additional accessories like charging hubs etc would help a lot.