Pen driver causing Surface Pro 3 crashes

The Surface Pro 3 January firmware update released last week inadvertently included an incompatible Surface Pen driver that is wreaking havoc with the older tablets.

I unsuspectingly installed the update Sunday and began noticing flaky behavior yesterday, including witnessing the first BSOD I can recall encountering on my original SP3.

Problems being reported include these cited by answers.microsoft.com user NewbilityEdu:

1. Reboot into a black screen: After hitting the reboot button the machine shuts down but do not come back. I have to long press power button for 30 seconds and use "power + vol-" buttons to turn the device back on. Pressing the shut down button will also cause the same. A single click on the power button just won't boot up the device normal (interestingly it will boot up if I press the power button and leave it for 5 minutes).
2. Wake up from sleep randomly: After I press the power button and put the device into sleep, it wakes up automatically (and randomly) and stay in lock screen. (Wifi on, Bluetooth off, All accessories detached) 
3. Surface App mapping not working: the app does not control the device.
4. Occasional BSOD ends in "DRIVER_POWER_STATE_failure"
5. Not all drivers are up-to-date as described in the SP3 update history page. 

Fortunately, clever users traced the problem down to the Surface Pen driver and Microsoft employee Jerry (really wish they'd publish last names) posted the following explanation and fix:

Thanks for all that have provided responses on this issue.  With your help we were able to identify the source of the issue being the Surface Pen Settings driver (version 10.0.302.0 dated 10/22/2015) which was inadvertently being installed as part of the “System Firmware Update – 1/19/2016” or manually installed by some customers. 
 
This driver is not intended for Surface Pro 3 and is no longer being offered as part of the update.  If you had manually download and installed the Surface Pen Settings driver from the Surface Pro 4 Drivers page in an effort to enable Surface pen button customization through the Surface app on Surface Pro 3, you will need to roll back and remove the driver.
 
We are sorry for any confusion or inconvenience that this has caused.  If you have version 10.0.302.0 of the Surface Pen Settings driver on your Surface Pro 3, follow the steps below to roll back and remove the driver from your Surface.  We are working on an update to resolve this issue if the Surface Pen Settings driver is not rolled back:
 
 
1)  Right click the Windows Start Menu icon and click Device Manager.
 
2)  Click the arrow next to Human Interface Devices to expand that node.
 
3)  Double-click on Surface Pen Settings.
 
4)  Click on the Driver tab to view the version information.
 
5)  If the version of the driver is 10.0.302.0, please click Uninstall.
 
6)  In the Confirm Device Uninstall popup, check the box to "Delete the driver software for this device" and click OK.
 
7)  Restart (not shutdown) Surface.
 
8)  You should now have the Surface Pen Settings driver version 4.0.112.1 dated 3/30/2015.

Unfortunately, removing the driver is not as simple for everyone as Jerry makes it sound. Many readers, including me, report that the uninstall hangs. Restarting the SP3 in this state eventually triggered the DRIVER_POWER_STATE_failure BSOD.

In order to properly remove the driver, I had to disable the pen in Device Manager AND I had to delete the pen from the Bluetooth section. After about a half dozen crashes this morning, the Surface Pro 3 appears to be stable again.

If you continue to have issues, please leave a comment below and report your troubles over at this Microsoft support thread.

Microsoft issues recall of Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2 and some Surface Pro 3 power cords

If you bought your Surface Pro 1, 2 or 3 new before July, 2015, you should contact Microsoft immediately to receive a replacement power cord. 

No fires have been reported but some customers have complained about overheating when the cords are wound too tightly. 

The recall is only for the cord, not the power brick. 

Surface Pro 4 and Surface Books are not affected. 

Visit the following link to find out more and begin your recall process. https://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/support/warranty-service-and-recovery/powercord

CES 2016: Samsung Unveils Galaxy TabPro S, 2-in-1 Tablet with Windows 10

PRESS RELEASE

Galaxy TabPro S brings an all-purpose, seamless mobile station in to one premium device

Las Vegas - January 5 2016 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., today announced Galaxy TabPro S, which combines Samsung’s world-class technology, powered by the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system together into a premium tablet. By integrating the most popular features of laptops and tablets, users now have access to full notebook PC functionality in a lightweight tablet for the most productive mobile experience, even on-the-go.
 
“Galaxy TabPro S balances the best of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab with the wealth of features on the Windows 10 operating system for the most advanced tablet experience on the market,” said Dongjin Ko, President and Head of  Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re thrilled to be working  with Microsoft Corp. to deliver a 2-in-1 tablet that truly allows people to enjoy productivity and connections that matter most, through a seamless mobile station designed for all purposes.”
 
High Productivity in a Sleek, Portable Design
Galaxy TabPro S caters to high-efficiency users seeking to maximize their productivity at home, in the office, or on-the-go. The tablet delivers full PC functionality with both Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro for business, so that consumers and business users alike can enjoy all the features and functionality of the Windows 10 operating system, as well as compatibility with their existing IT infrastructure.
 
At 6.3 millimeters thin and weighing only 693 grams, Galaxy TabPro S is designed to be easily carried around all day. A full-sized keyboard cover, which comes included with the device, also enhances the usability. The keyboard’s flexible hinge enables optimal, dual-angle viewing for the clearest display in any circumstance. Moreover, the Pogo pin on the Galaxy TabPro S keyboard eliminates the need for pairing or charging separately. The keyboard’s touchpad emulates that of a PC to provide easy control, even when used in Stand Mode.
 
Superior Viewing Experience
Delivering the very first Super AMOLED display for Windows to the market, Galaxy TabPro S features a multitouch screen and a deeper color contrast with 94 percent of natural tones to show true-to-life colors and more precise details for a best-in-class viewing experience. The lightweight, power-efficient 12-inch AMOLED display enables users to enjoy gaming, movies and other popular entertainment with unprecedented clarity and color accuracy.
 
Powerful Performance
Galaxy TabPro S delivers Samsung’s advanced technology to maximize performance and power efficiency. It is the first tablet, powered by Windows, to support LTE Cat 6 for the fastest and most advanced connected experience. With enhanced fast charging features, Galaxy TabPro S’s battery can fully charge in just 2.5 hours, and offers up to 10.5 hours of battery life* for all day use. For power-driven performance, Galaxy TabPro S is equipped with the latest generation Intel Core M processor, designed for a fanless 2-in-1 tablet, featuring only 4.5W of power consumption to eliminate noise disruption and maximize efficiency.
 
To enhance productivity, a multi-port adapter (HDMI, USB Type A & C) and Bluetooth Pen are available for purchase separately. Galaxy TabPro S will be available globally, starting from February 2016 .

Galaxy TabPro S Specifications
OS  Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro
Network  LTE Cat.6 **
AP  6th Gen. Intel Core M processor (Dual Core 2.2GHz)
Display  12” 2160x1440 Super AMOLED
Camera  5MP AF(Rear), 5MP (Front)
Video  MP4,3GP,WMV,ASF,AVI,MKV
Audio  MP3,AAC,WAV,WMA,AMR,FLAC
Connectivity  Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac MIMO, Wi-Fi Direct, NFC, Bluetooth 4.1
GPS  GPS, GLONASS
Sensor  Accelerometer, Hall, Light
Memory  4GB(RAM), 128GB / 256GB SSD
Dimension / Weight  290.3x198.8x6.3mm, 693g(Wi-Fi), 696g(LTE)
Battery  5,200mAh (39.5W, 7.6V)
* Battery life is based on internal testing conducted by Samsung. Results may differ by usage pattern
** Network availabilities may differ by market

Alanna Cotton, VP at Samsung Electronics America, introduces the new, premium Gear S2 classic wearables, which come in Rose Gold and Platinum, and the Galaxy TabPro S, an ultra-thin, high-performance tablet that runs on Windows 10.

CES 2016: Wacom Introduces Bamboo Smart Styluses for Windows and Android

PRESS RELEASE

Backed by three decades of digital pen input innovation, Bamboo Smart delivers the power of note-taking and ideation to a wider audience of laptop and tablet users. 

Las Vegas, Nev. - Jan. 5, 2016 - As mobile users demand more from their devices with the help of digital styluses, Wacom® continues to innovate and raise awareness in the smart stylus category. 

Bamboo Smart for select media tablets and 2-in-1 devices builds on Wacom’s 30 years of pen input leadership and the feedback of thousands of professional users as well as enthusiasts and hobbyists. The result is two premium Bamboo Smart styluses. 

The first, making its debut at CES 2016, is Bamboo Smart for select Windows® 2-in-1 devices enabled with Active Electro-Static (AES) technology. 

The second, introduced this past September, but new to most CES attendees, is Bamboo Smart for select Samsung® devices using Wacom’s Electro-Magnetic Resonance (EMR) technology. Both styluses offer pressure-sensitive precision and sublime comfort, producing handwritten notes and rough ink concepts that feel and look like they were produced by traditional media. 

Deep Digital Stylus Experience Drives Performance 
“We drew on Wacom’s long history and market knowledge to come up with the new Bamboo Smart styluses,” says Mike Gay, Senior Vice President for the Consumer Product Business Unit at Wacom. “Not only are we opening up digital note-taking and ideation to a new set of laptop and tablet users, but we are also providing a way for users to think differently and explore new ways to communicate and collaborate.” 

Both Bamboo Smart styluses are designed with high quality materials and use technology developed to enhance the effortless experience of a traditional inking pen. Every subtle written or drawn detail is captured accurately. Comfortable and balanced in the hand, Bamboo Smart owners can fearlessly take notes and sketch out rough ideas and concepts on their laptops and mobile devices just like they would with pen and paper.

Two programmable side switches on the barrel of Bamboo Smart’s AES stylus allow for fast and convenient access to regularly used commands, such as right click or double click. The stylus requires a AAAA battery that will last approximately one year when used around three hours per day. 

The Bamboo Smart for Samsung features one side switch and requires no batteries or any type of charging. Bamboo Smart users will find that they can get more out of their favorite productivity apps such as OneNote and Wacom’s own note-taking app, Bamboo Paper. 

Current Devices Compatible with Bamboo Smart Bamboo Smart for select Windows 2-in-1 devices: 

• Dell® Venue™ 10, 5000 Series (5050) 
• Dell Venue Pro 10 5000 Series (5055) 
• HP® Elite x2 1021 (New) 
• Lenovo® ThinkPad® P40 Yoga™ 
• Toshiba dynaPad N72 (New) 

Because AES technology is native to these devices, the Bamboo Smart works immediately, no pairing required. 

Bamboo Smart for Samsung devices: 

• Samsung Galaxy™ Note 3
• Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
• Samsung Galaxy Note 4
• Samsung Galaxy Note 5
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.0“ with S-Pen
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 9.7“ with S-Pen 

Bamboo Smart for Samsung is battery-free and cordless. 

For more compatibility information, visit wacom.com/comp Availability and Pricing Bamboo Smart ($39.95 USD) for Samsung is available now on the Wacom eStore and at online retailers such as Amazon. Bamboo Smart for Windows will be available in February

CES 2016: Toshiba announces availability of dynaPad

PRESS RELEASE

• 12-inch Windows-powered tablet measures just 6.9mm (0.27 in) thin and weighs only 1.28 pounds 

• Delivers precision digital inking technologies by Wacom for a truly natural handwriting experience that feels like writing with pen on paper

• Suite of Toshiba original business applications inspire creativity, productivity and collaboration

• Available for pre-order starting today direct from Toshiba and at Microsoft Stores in late January for $569.99 MSRP

LAS VEGAS – CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW – January 5, 2016 – Toshiba’s Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the availability of dynaPad™, a light and powerful tablet powered by Windows 10 and engineered to deliver the natural feel of pen to paper so you can work and create freely.

“Precision digital inking technology is the next frontier of truly personal computing,” said Philip Osako, senior director of product marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. “Advances in engineering and pen technology have enabled us to create an amazingly thin and light tablet that’s ideal for instant creativity while also offering the versatility to immediately transition to a clamshell form factor for productivity. Toshiba dynaPad is the ultimate digital notebook.”

Remarkably Accurate Pen Experience
Built with professional-grade digital inking technologies by Wacom®, Toshiba’s exclusive Active Electrostatics (ES) TruPen™ with Wacom® Feel delivers pen precision and accuracy, so note-taking, sketching and drawing feels like writing with pen on paper.Ideal for designers, artists and note-takers, it is also great for highlighting and writing notes directly on webpages through the annotating features in the Microsoft Edge browser. Featuring a sophisticated metal design, this fine-tip digitizer pen supports 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity and writing or drawing capabilities from extreme angles with virtually no latency. And because the pen is battery-powered, it can last for more than 1,000 hours so there is no need to carry a separate charging connector.

“Our Active ES solution continues to deliver a best-in-class writing and drawing experience on tablets like the Toshiba dynaPad,” said Masahiko Yamada, president and CEO of Wacom Ltd. “Toshiba’s TruPen stylus delivers unprecedented accuracy and speed and allows users to create intricate details, just like they would with a pen or pencil on paper.”

Dynamic Full HD Display Precision Engineered for Handwriting
Toshiba dynaPad features a 12-inch Full HD+ (1920x1280) TruBrite® display1
remastered for handwriting. To achieve a digital canvas that best replicates the natural feel of pen to paper, Toshiba bonds two sheets of high-quality glass with a metal mesh sensor and incorporates Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3 with Native Damage Resistance™, plus an anti-fingerprint coating to deliver a sturdy surface that accepts fine lines and pressure-sensitive strokes – all while delivering a crystal clear 2 million pixel-perfect view. 

The World’s Lightest 12-inch Windows Tablet
The innovative slim and lightweight design of dynaPad – 6.9mm thin and 1.28 pounds – makes dynaPad the lightest 12-inch tablet that is powered by Windows. Sized to mimic a traditional A4 paper size, dynaPad’s design complements the large display area with a carbon fiber housing and a sophisticated, rubberized finish to give it a solid feel in hand, while reducing flex. The device also offers an optional ultra-thin, full-size keyboard with a 19mm pitch and 1.5mm stroke for easier typing and a well-sized touchpad ideal for Windows navigation. Attached by magnets, users canquickly convert the tablet to a clamshell laptop for productivity applications. The TruPen neatly attaches to the side of the tablet.

“Toshiba’s dynaPad is a great example of a device that highlights how Windows 10 can help people do great things,” said Peter Han, vice president of Worldwide OEM Marketing, Microsoft Corp. “Toshiba’s TruPen with Wacom Feel technology is fantastic for taking notes and highlighting on webpages in the Microsoft Edge browser and the detachable keyboard combined with Continuum on Windows 10
enables you to use it as a tablet or laptop.”

Toshiba’s Suite of Original Apps Designed for the Way You Work
The dynaPad also includes updated versions of Toshiba’s exclusive suite of original business applications that enable users to easily collect, organize and share notes, images and files and integrate them seamlessly with Microsoft Office. The suite includes:

• TruNote™: A simple, yet powerful handwriting app lets you effortlessly take lecture or meeting notes, create detailed hand drawings, search handwritten messages, manage multiple notebooks and more. Smart settings allow for left- or right-handed use to maintain a normal writing style.
• TruCapture™: Easily capture images and text from whiteboards, textbooks, newspapers and more, at any angle for simple importing into presentations and sharing.
• TruRecorder™: A powerful voice recording application for meetings, lectures and interviews that can recognize the speaker’s voice for easy playback.
• TruNote Clip: Easily capture screen clips and mark them up for easy sharing.
• TruNote Share: Turn the tablet into a real-time whiteboard that can be shared with up to 40
people.

Performance for Creativity and Productivity
The tablet features the Intel® Atom™ x5 Z8300 processor with up to 4GB of RAM and up to 64GB of flash storage delivering snappy performance for navigating Windows 10, using apps and getting work done. Offering a range of connectivity options, dynaPad includes two Micro USB 2.0 ports, a microSD card slot that supports up to 128GB cards and a Micro HDMI® port for connecting to external devices. In
addition, the device includes ultrafast 802.11ac Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth as well as a 2MP front-facing camera and dual-array TruTalk™ mics for video chatting and an 8MP rear camera with auto-focus.

Pricing & Availability
Toshiba dynaPad is available today for pre-order starting today direct from Toshiba at toshiba.com/us and at Microsoft Stores in late January for $569.99 MSRP. 

CES 2016: Lenovo Unveils Thinkpad X1 Tablet

PRESS RELEASE

X1 Tablet with Intel® Core™ m7 Processor reaches 10 hours’ battery and unique modules add functionality

LAS VEGAS, NV – January 3, 2016 – Lenovo (HKSE:992) today unveiled its newly expanded and highly innovative X1 portfolio. Designed for forward thinkers, the series includes new additions such as the brilliantly adaptable ThinkPad X1 Tablet with its unique modular design; the immersive ThinkPad X1 Yoga with world’s first OLED display; and the award-winning ThinkPad X1 Carbon is even thinner and lighter, strengthening its superiority in the ultrabook market.  Furthermore, desktop users will be wowed by the stunning new ThinkCentre X1 all-in-one, the must-have design centerpiece for any office with outstanding performance to match.

Introducing Lenovo new offering - ThinkPad X1 Tablet. More than just a lightweight tablet, it can be a laptop, a projector and a 3D camera with new generation modular design! Will your tablet still be a tablet? #thinkfirst #thisisthinkpad Learn more from: http://www.thisisthinkpad.com

Designed and Engineered for Forward Thinkers
 
The modular design of the ThinkPad X1 Tablet offers something no other tablet can - adding functionality through simple clip-on optional modules:
 
·        Need more battery? The Productivity Module increases use up to 15 hours total
·        Ready to present? The Presenter Module includes a pico projector and HDMI port
·        Creating in 3D? Add the 3D Imaging Module with its rear-facing Intel RealSense camera

The full size ThinkPad keyboard with the iconic TrackPoint has three adjustable typing angles and recreates the classic ThinkPad keystroke feel. Keyboard and tablet together weigh just 2.4 pounds for an ultra-light laptop experience. What’s more, it is the first Windows tablet with LTE Advanced support for superfast connectivity from virtually anywhere. The ThinkPad X1 Tablet also features a removable rear panel for serviceability and upgrades.

ThinkPad X1 Yoga, a powerful laptop yet a device adapts your needs with 4 different modes: laptop, stand, tent & tablet. ThinkPad X1 Yoga, not just one way of working! #thinkfirst #thisisthinkpad Learn more from: http://www.thisisthinkpad.com

ThinkPad X1 Yoga is incredibly thin at just 0.66 inches and light at only 2.8 pounds. It is also the world’s first convertible featuring an optional Samsung OLED display that reproduces beautifully rich colors and deeper blacks. With a patented Lift and Lock keyboard that retracts keys in tablet mode, X1 Yoga also features an active pen that is perfect for highlighting and writing notes directly on webpages using the Microsoft Edge browser. The pen is also housed & charged inside the system so it won’t get lost.

Introducing the new ThinkPad X1 Carbon (2016) - the world's lightest 14" business notebook. ThinkPad X1 Carbon, THIN. LIGHT. TOUGH. #thinkfirst #thisisthinkpad Learn more from: http://www.thisisthinkpad.com

ThinkPad X1 Carbon continues to stand out as the world’s lightest 14-inch business ultrabook. One of the most refined and elegant notebooks available today, the X1 Carbon is thinner, lighter and more powerful than ever.   Focused on customer-centric design improvements, we listened to customer feedback and made a number of improvements, including more display options, increased memory and storage capacity, improved connectivity and made the X1 Carbon lighter at just 2.6 pounds.
 
Customers expect Lenovo to keep pushing the boundaries and the ThinkPad X1 series doesn’t disappoint. With a unique combination of performance, connectivity and security focused features available in all three products, the new ThinkPad X1 family is designed and engineered for forward thinkers:
 
·        Up to 1TB high-density, low-power Samsung M.2 NVMe SSD storage offers speeds up to five times that of standard SATA SSD
·        Ultra-fast enterprise class connectivity with the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ X7 LTE modem with 4G LTE Advanced Carrier Aggregation support for up to 300 Mbps download speeds
·        Fast and secure WiGig wireless docking for a cable-free desk environment
·        Touch Fingerprint reader and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security chip for peace of mind
·        Built tough to withstand the rigors of mobile working by passing more than two hundred Lenovo stress tests
 
The ThinkPad X1 family also includes a number of accessories specifically designed to match and enhance the overall user experience:
·        ThinkPad X1 Wireless Touch Mouse is a thin and light dual mode mouse optimized for travel. Flip it over to use the integrated touchpad presenter for easy navigation through slides.
·        The ThinkPad X1 In-Ear Headphones have been optimized by Dolby for the X1 series and engineered with dual drivers to improve phone calls, music and movies.
·        The X1 Sleeve, with its soft-touch interior and easy-to-open magnetic flap, is the perfect transport companion for your X1 Carbon or X1 Yoga.
·        The ThinkPad 65W Micro Adapter is 58 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter than a standard power adapter and is the ideal lightweight travel mate for the ThinkPad X1 Carbon and X1 Yoga.
 
The Desk Space of Tomorrow
 The ThinkCentre X1 AIO offers a superlative design within an ultra-thin 11mm frame giving one of the world’s thinnest desktops. The premium anti-glare display offers a bright picture from any angle on its 23.8-inch screen and despite the incredibly thin chassis, the ThinkCentre X1 is built tough. Designed to withstand dust build up, a common cause of hardware failure with desktop PCs, the all-in-one has been tested for eight hours in a dust chamber, replicating ten years in an office environment.
 
The 7.5mm ultra-slim ThinkVision X1 is the world’s first monitor to receive the TUV Eye-Comfort certification. Featuring a 27-inch UltraHD edge-to-edge anti-glare display, the ThinkVision X1 includes rich connectivity options such as a USB type C port, providing the perfect complement to the ThinkPad X1 Tablet.
 
Pricing and Availability
ThinkPad X1 Tablet will be available starting February from $899.
The Productivity Module will be available starting February from $149
The Projector Module will be available starting May from $279
The 3D Imaging Module will be available starting May from $149
ThinkPad X1 Yoga will be available starting January from $1449. OLED models will be available starting April. Prices will be quoted nearer the time.
ThinkPad X1 Carbon will be available starting February from $1299
ThinkPad X1 Wireless Touch Mouse will be available starting end of January for $69.99
ThinkPad X1 In-Ear Headphones will be available starting January for $69.99
ThinkPad X1 Sleeve will be available starting February for $50
ThinkPad 65W Micro Power Adapter will be available later in 2016 from $80.
ThinkCentre X1 AIO will be available starting March from $1029
ThinkVision X1 will be available starting March from $799.
 
http://www.lenovo.com/think
 
About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a $46 billion global Fortune 500 company and a leader in providing innovative consumer, commercial and enterprise technology. Our portfolio of high-quality, secure products and services covers PCs (including the legendary Think and multimode Yoga brands), workstations, servers, storage, smart TVs and a family of mobile products like smartphones (including the Motorola brand), tablets and apps. Join us on LinkedIn, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@Lenovo) or visit us at www.lenovo.com.
 
Qualcomm and Snapdragon are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. All Qualcomm Incorporated trademarks are used with permission.
Qualcomm Snapdragon X7 is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

All Things (Re)Considered: my year in tech

Perhaps it's due to the overwhelming volume of gadgets I've got clattering around the SurfaceProArtist labs or just my advancing old age, but it's getting increasingly difficult to remember all the gear that I've reviewed and exactly when I reviewed it. Fortunately, despite the somewhat awkward design of the Squarespace template behind this site, everything I've ever posted here is only a keyword search away.

So as the year draws to a close, I thought it would be fun to revisit my last twelve months of reviews and see if my conclusions then have withstood the test of time.

In many cases, the time I invested while writing the review was about as much as I ended up spending with the device for the entire year, so I'll try to distinguish between the gear that I've really put through its paces and the stuff I only ever skimmed.

January
N-Trig DuoSensePen2 http://surfaceproartist.com/blog/2015/1/3/n-trig-now-selling-replacement-pens- The first of a couple of products on this list that disappeared shortly after their release, these replacement pens were N-Trig's first foray into standalone consumer products. It was nice to see an option in case your Surface Pro 3 or Sony VAIO pen went missing, but I didn't care for the short body. When Microsoft bought N-Trig's pen technology later in 2015, the pens vanished.

Monoprice 22" HD SmartTouch Drawing Display http://surfaceproartist.com/blog/2015/1/10/review-new-monoprice-pen-display-puts-multi-touch-within-reach - This touch capable drawing display was Monoprice's second attempt to entire the Wacom - Huion - Yiynova fray, but it also disappeared unceremoniously shortly after release. I still use it occasionally, as its attached to my second desktop. It's really not a bad value and I hope that Monoprice and its anonymous Chinese suppliers take another stab at it in 2016. UPDATE 12/24/15: In the comments section below, reader Vachel Shannon informed me that the Smarttouch pen display has resurfaced on Monoprice's website. You can find it here: http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=12077

Toshiba 8" Encore 2 Write http://surfaceproartist.com/blog/2015/1/31/massive-guest-post-8-toshiba-encore-2-write-impressions - TabletPCReview member Precurve did a great job capturing the virtues of the 8-inch version of what was the best pen computing value of the year.

February
Lenovo Thinkpad Helix 2 http://surfaceproartist.com/blog/2014/11/28/keyboard-hinders-helix-2 -
I expected to love the Helix 2, but I didn't, thanks to its high pricetag and crappy keyboard. Had it been discounted a couple hundred bucks, I might feel otherwise. When the Ultrabook Pro keyboard was ultimately released, it cost a ridiculous $400.

March
HP Pro x2 612 G1 http://surfaceproartist.com/blog/2015/3/1/hp-pro-x2-612-g1-review - Because I reviewed it so closely to the pricey Helix 2, I probably ended up inflating my rating of this tablet. I admit I grade on a curve for lower cost devices, but there's something about this ugly duckling tablet that reminds me of the Surface Pro 1 that got this blog started. UPDATE 12/24/15 : Vachel Shannon also let me know that refurbished i5/8/256 HP Pro x2 612 G1s are on sale over at Woot! for only $399 until supplies last. This is an exceptional value. http://computers.woot.com/offers/hp-pro-x2-612-12-5-intel-i5-tablet-7?ref=cp_cnt_wp_2_9

Toshiba 10" Encore 2 Write http://surfaceproartist.com/blog/2015/3/1/guest-post-10-toshiba-encore-2-write-review- I never got around to writing my own review of the TE2W, but Eric Merced did the honors here. The TE2W is the first Wacom ActiveES tablet I owned and it's an exceptional value.

Wacom Cintiq Companion 2 http://surfaceproartist.com/blog/2015/2/20/wacom-companion-2 - I'll admit I haven't gotten as much use out of the CC2 has I had imagined/hoped when I first purchased it. I'm spoiled by having so many other options at my disposal and I consider the CC2 too large and loud to use outside of the office. But performance is fantastic and it's still the one to buy if art is your foremost concern.

June
Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga 14 http://surfaceproartist.com/blog/2015/6/26/thinkpad-yoga-14-sneaks-into-best-buy- My credit cards were able to take a break during April and May, and they were taxed a little more lightly by this Best Buy-exclusive offer. The laptop is my daily driver at the office. I've changed out the slow 1TB HDD for a much more responsive 512 GB SSD. You won't need to make that additional expense if you purchase the latest model, which has been updated several times since I purchased it. The TPY14 offers the best price-performance ratio on the market. It's not a style champion, but the Skylake version is essentially an i5 dGPU Surface Book for half the price.

July
Lenovo Thinkpad Active Capacitive Pen http://surfaceproartist.com/blog/2015/7/7/lenovos-elusive-thinkpad-active-capacitive-pen-arrives - The pen that accompanies Lenovo's Wacom ActiveES devices has since been rebranded as the Lenovo Thinkpad Pen Pro. But it remains a must-have for anyone buying one of the new penabled devices, as the bundled rechargeable pen is too small for serious artists.

October
VAIO Z Canvas http://surfaceproartist.com/blog/2015/10/26/vaio-z-canvas-is-windows-tablet-performance-champ - I was a reluctant buyer but the performance of the VAIO Z Canvas really won me over. It's been discounted $500 in recent weeks and is really hard to pass up at that price.

November
Microsoft Surface Pen http://surfaceproartist.com/blog/2015/11/5/man-sets-out-to-review-surface-book-settles-for-pen-instead - A must-have for any Surface Pro 3 or 4 owner. The new pen and softer nibs are a huge improvement over their predecessors.

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 http://surfaceproartist.com/blog/2015/11/7/entry-level-surface-pro-4-is-the-only-ipad-pro-youll-ever-need - I purposely decided to review the low end m3 SP4 because I was looking for a fanless option. I love it and find I'm using my i5 SP3 less and less often. This is the perfect digital sketchbook Sorry Apple.

Miscrosoft Surface Book http://surfaceproartist.com/blog/2015/12/5/surface-book-is-great-but-artists-should-stay-with-the-surface-pro - Early growing pains have almost been resolved. This is a beautiful prestige device, but I think it's a less than ideal form factor for digital artists.

December
Apple iPad Pro & Apple Pencil - Coming soon. Trying to take my time so I don't come off like an Apple hater or Microsoft fanboy.

So that's it. Funny doesn't seem like so many gadgets when you put them all on one page. I don't know how many I'll get to review in 2016. You guys were great the first couple of days I began my appeal for donations, but that's all died down now and revenue is no where near where it needs to be to pay for this site. So if you haven't yet, please consider a small contribution or click on as many ads as you can. Also, remember to begin your Amazon shopping sessions with a click on one of our Amazon links and we'll receive a small kickback.

So what was your favorite gadget of 2015? What are you most looking forward to in 2016? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below. 

Wacom updates Feel driver to 7.3.2-12

Wacom just posted an update to its enhanced tablet driver. This is significant for owners of recently released devices with Wacom pens who were reporting problems or incompatibility with the previous Feel version.

According to a Wacom rep, the update "should support most everything out there that has a Wacom pen in it."

The Surface Pro 3 and 4 and the Surface Book are not Wacom-equipped. This driver is designed to work on devices with Wacom EMR digitizers like the Surface Pro 1 and 2 or Wacom ActiveES pens like the Toshiba Encore 2 Write and Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga 14.

"This driver is not required in order to use the Inking capability of a tablet computer," states the Wacom Read Me. "Its purpose is to support advanced features such as pressure-sensitivity in graphics applications such as Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter. The driver also enables you to adjust the pen tip pressure sensitivity and to program the side switch of the pen for a wide range of alternative settings and functions."

Programs that support Microsoft's INK API don't require the Feel driver for pressure sensitivity, but you will want to install the Feel driver anyway in order to calibrate your device and customize pen buttons.

If you're updating from your previous Feel driver installation, Wacom recommends that you uninstall that driver and reboot first.

"Some bug fixes since July include improved pen images for custom control panels for OEM drivers in addition to the generic pen image for the Feel Driver, removing selective suspend enablement on I2C devices where it caused an issue, and improvement of the Radial Menu customizations."

The driver is available here: http://us.wacom.com/en/feeldriver/

META SP3 case + shortcut keys Kickstarter underway

Earlier this week I was alerted to an intriguing new Kickstarter campaign being undertaken by Daniel Becker and Gadgetek.

The META, or  Microcontroller Enhanced Tablet Accessory, is a "patent pending protective case" that adds configurable shortcut keys similar to Wacom's Expresskeys to the Surface Pro 3.

"It was originally designed for the Pro 3, but with only a 0.63mm difference in depth from the Pro 4, I am working fast to establish a way to utilize the current form for both Pro 3 and Pro 4 users," writes Becker.

According to the Kickstarter description, "the current configuration of the META integrates six buttons, operated by a microcontroller, into a case that fits a Microsoft Surface Pro 3. The buttons can be programmed to perform any combination of keyboard shortcut operations in virtually any computer application." META connects to the Surface Pro 3 via USB and comes in a choice of seven colors to match the assortment of the Surface Pro Type Covers, plus an exclusive arctic white.  

There are two main goals the Kickstarter campaign will help fund: mold and initial production fees and the creation of a user friendly app for programming the buttons. "The app has yet to be developed, and that is a big piece of the funding goal. The way programming the shortcuts works now is not user friendly, and definitley not what I want the user experience to be. However, I have been in contact with several software developers who are all more than capable and interested in taking on this app and their projected end dates are well within the fulfillment timeline."

META Product Walkthrough

Gadgetek is a one-man operation and the META is not inexpensive at the proposed $79 price. I asked Becker to detail a little of his design background.

"My history as a product designer begins with a home décor design, manufacture, and wholesale company.  I started working with this company in 2007 and have been there ever since. I began as a graphic designer, worked up to product designer and have since moved on to leadership roles within the product development department.  I still actively design product, but my responsibilities have shifted to leading others and managing processes.  I also travel to China twice a year to visit our manufacturers and develop new products at the factories.  That's what really tipped the bucket for me - going there and working at the manufacturers facility was a completely different experience and more efficient than working remotely.  Even beyond that, going out and sourcing new materials and factories with additional capabilities really opened my eyes to everything that can be done outside of what I was accustomed to.  Being an IT professional as well, my inclination has always been towards technology and so I started looking at where I could use my knowledge of product design and manufacturing from my day job to create a product that I was truly passionate about.  Something that I could develop and carry through under my own direction that people wanted and found useful." 

The inspiration for the META came from Becker's "significant other...an amazingly talented artist, she does it all - traditional mediums and digital (www.pwairbrush.com) - and she wanted a tablet to work on with more control and capabilities beyond the iPad, so as a Christmas gift last year I purchased a Surface Pro 3 for her.  My immediate reaction after installing Corel Painter and Adobe Photoshop was that everything was really small.  The menus, the palette tool icons, the UIs in general were very small.  For me, even using the pen, I didn't have great accuracy selecting things I wanted.  So I started thinking about her old Wacom Intuos Pro and how it had configurable buttons for shortcuts and tools within programs.  From there I busted out an Arduino and started trying to figure out how I could use it to perform a similar function as the Intuos Pro and that's how META was born.  From there I put my product development skills to work.  I sourced a factory using Alibaba.com, taught myself CAD so I could provide them with a 3D design file and funded the prototype development on my own.  After I got it to the point where manufacturing was as simple as paying them to start mass production, I went to Kickstarter with the hope that people would have enough interest in the device to help raise the funds necessary to cover the mold and tooling fees, software development fees, and the initial production run."

At the time of this post, the campaign has a long way to go on reaching its $80,000 goal, but I'm intrigued and will support once Becker is able to come up with a solution for making the META case compatible with the Surface Pro 4.