Unisurf Tablet Appreciation Thread, including Windows 10 installation

cannedhams on 18/08/2015 - 12:33

I bought this for $47 from HN thinking it would be a heap of almighty crap, but actually I use it quite a bit and it was definitely worth the buy.

I bought this case from Aliexpress:-

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Micro-USB-8inch-keyboard-case…

Its of fairly marginal quality, with a lot of flex in the keyboard. However it was one of the few options with a USB keyboard, and once I cut out a bit more of a gap in the back cover to enable the clamp to clamp down more it fit fine. Im not sure if anyone has found a better keyboard case with this tablet?

Also installed W10 following the instructions on whirlpool from Mannimal. This is a much easier method than trying to get the Insider Preview version working:-

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2435398

This makes a significant difference in performance, and also frees up 3-4 gbs in disk space. Highly recommended, just be patient with the upgrade process. Dont bother with the full reinstall method that some are attempting as there is a lot more hassle that way with various drivers.

Also, if anyone is having trouble installing certain apps on Win 8.1 with Bing (like Freshpaint), I was able to resolve that by installing VLC for Windows, as per here:-

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8_1-…

Computing

Comments

  • ESEMCE on 18/08/2015 - 13:32

    I bought this case, no mods required.
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/291176302745

    Haven't installed Windows 10.. (partially due to time, partially due to fear)
    Very glad to hear that it works well and even more importantly free's up space.

    • cannedhams on 18/08/2015 - 17:02

      how good is that case? the keyboard on mine feels very cheap, although I guess it was cheap.

      • ESEMCE on 22/08/2015 - 07:38

        Yeah Keyboard is cheap, but it's OK for my needs.
        Fits nicely, the top clamp is in something elastic so it grips well, but will probably die in the coming 24 months. The clamps don't interfere with any ports and if I push the tablet across to the right, the keyboard jack barely extends past the left hand edge.
        It's got a little kickstand built in for desktop use, so it's a little more "Surface"-like.
        For $10 or whatever it was, I'm happy.

        • cannedhams on 23/08/2015 - 14:44

          sounds similar to mine. Yeah for $10-odd, I can't complain.

  • CyberMurning on 18/08/2015 - 14:06

    hi guys, what is the easiest way to "reset" this unisurf devices if we want to sell them for example?
    apart from reinstall windows any other options?
    i wish it has something like apple/android, go to setting and there is button says "reset data and settings back to factory default"
    i will try install win 10 tonight otherwise i think android tablets for casual use is much better. i have the 8" unisurf

    another guide, similar:
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/199890#comment-2980927

    • cannedhams on 18/08/2015 - 14:29

      Once you have completed your install, you will still have your old Windows.old file. Theoretically, you should be able to revert to your old Win 8.1 installation.

      However Win 10 only allows you to do this for one month after your install:-

      http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/windows/how-downgrade-wind…

      I also have no idea of how this will fly on a machine as barebones as this. I have not attempted it.

      • CyberMurning on 18/08/2015 - 14:38

        no i mean what if i want to just delete all data and program, leaving windows (any windows) in-tack and i can sell mine without leaving personal info inside.
        with apple there is setting call reset device. easy.

        • ESEMCE on 18/08/2015 - 14:40

          You could try encrypting the drive, deleting the Users and files and then decrypting the drive.
          You have to remember this is actually a PC. It's not really comparable to an iPad or Android tablet. It's more comparable to a Laptop.

        • CyberMurning on 18/08/2015 - 16:23

          @scubacoles: true…
          well, comparable to laptop but somehow we cant just install windows in normal way like pc/laptop.

        • ESEMCE on 18/08/2015 - 16:48
          +1

          @erwinsie:
          But now you can.. as per the instructions linked above.

        • CyberMurning on 18/08/2015 - 16:59

          @scubacoles: alright will try tonight. cheers

    • ESEMCE on 18/08/2015 - 14:36

      i think android tablets for casual use is much better.

      Interesting.
      I far prefer my Unisurf to my Nexus 7.

      • cannedhams on 18/08/2015 - 21:31

        I find that interesting, myself. I don't mind either but I find that clicking on stuff in the desktop environment is quite fiddly on the Unisurf, even though I have expanded the icons by 25%. I probably would prefer an android tablet for casual surfing but obviously a mini laptop is better for editing and drafting stuff.

        • ESEMCE on 19/08/2015 - 07:58

          I love having both touch and Desktop interfaces.
          I've learned how to use Windows 8 Metro now and it does everything I need a touch interface to do.
          The lack of apps is a bit annoying, but Desktop is always there if I need it.

          And having a keyboard has helped improve the Desktop interface a little. I agree that touch on the desktop can be frustrating, but the way I'm using it (as a backup option to the touch interface) works OK.
          I also have a Bluetooth mouse that I plan to use whenever I might need to use Desktop mode more thoroughly (hasn't happened yet).

    • thewheat on 18/08/2015 - 18:07
      +1

      I believe Windows 8 introduced a "Reset your PC and start over" option which should format everything including your data

      http://blogs.msdn.com/b/zxue/archive/2012/03/09/windows-8-ho…

  • CyberMurning on 19/08/2015 - 07:20

    Thanks thewheat I tried and it worked! Exactly the same as in apple and Android.

    So I follow whirlpool post, with nothing on the tablet, fresh. Before running the creation tool, c drive has 5.76gb. But then the tool says I don't have enough space (at this point c drive down to 3.7gb). So I chose my usb stick instead, with 12gb left. The same usb has creation tool software. Click ok, select keep nothing, then it says, again, I don't have enough space! Help? The usb stick is 16gb, ntfs. I don't have 32gb usb stick.

    • ESEMCE on 19/08/2015 - 07:52

      USB hard drive?

      • CyberMurning on 19/08/2015 - 08:25

        yeah got 500gb portable might try that tonight.

    • cannedhams on 19/08/2015 - 22:00

      I wouldnt run the tool on the tablet to create the USB boot disk. Just run it separately on another machine and transfer the USB to your tablet once its completed. You can easily opt to create a 32-bit usb from a 64-bit machine.

  • tonyjzx on 20/08/2015 - 15:28

    can i ask what the buzz is about?

    here's a 1gb atom tablet with a 1,024 x 600 screen with fake 1,200 x 800 support

    its kinda pokey really

    • cannedhams on 20/08/2015 - 17:31
      +1

      I don't think anyone was buying this thing to bust out hd movies on it. Basically it was cheap. Mine cost 47 dollars after the various rebates. My first computer was a Pentium 90 that I bought for $2000. I find it amazing actually that one can buy a fairly functional computer for the price of a slab of beer. Windows 10 and office 365 are the icing on the cake.

      • tonyjzx on 20/08/2015 - 18:06

        i have one these, the pendo thing

        hooked up to an LCD it makes a passable terminal

        i agree with you there, a fill license 8.1 pc is amazing for the size/money

        it just didnt seem that useful the next day

  • ESEMCE on 23/08/2015 - 08:49

    Loving Windows 10 on this.
    It's a great merge between Desktop and Tablet interfaces. I think performance is, if anything, slower though.
    The best thing though is having some usable space on this baby!

    • cannedhams on 23/08/2015 - 09:00

      Good to hear. I started off by enabling the performance settings in control panel, that gave it a bit more zip. I think the default browser is a lot better than the one in 8.1. I guess it is in the eye of the beholder, but I find it to perform better in w10.

      • ESEMCE on 23/08/2015 - 18:31

        enabling the performance settings in control pane

        Good point.. I'd done that in 8, but not yet in 10

        • CyberMurning on 23/08/2015 - 18:47

          do you mean go to "performance options" setting screen then pick "adjust for best performance" instead of best appearance?

        • cannedhams on 23/08/2015 - 20:34

          @erwinsie: yep. i disabled a couple of services that id never use either.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join