Windows 8 Touch screen and digitizers

[orlandotek]

I am running Windows 8 pro on an older tablet and I mainly use a
digitizer pen (it does not recognize fingers).

I am very surprised by the lack of features using a pen versus using a mouse
as I do on my Windows 8 non-touch screen laptop.

I also don't typically use a keyboard with my tablet but again, I am finding I
need to attach a keyboard just to do basic functions.

If I want to get into the Windows+X screen from the Metro screen, there does not
seem to be any way to do that with the digitizer. I have to connect a keyboard.
Also, if I want to do simple tasks like bring up services.msc or msconfig, I have to
go through long strides to do that without a mouse or keyboard.

The Charms menu should provide more access to these things. I should be able to tap, tap, and tap and be into a menu I need to be.

I thought Windows 8 was geared for touchscreens?

I have shortcuts on my desktop in windows 8 on the taskbar to the things I need
to bring up but I had to take time to create those items.

Anyone have a suggestion for bringing up the Windows+X menu on the Metro screen
without a keyboard and mouse and just a pen?

Case in point. I just wanted to bring up regedit in Windows 8. Using my digitizer. I went into the Charms bar and went to search and chose settings and typed in regedit and it said No Match. I don't know how to bring up the old RUN box with the digitizer. So, I had to use Everythign search for "regedit" and I found the EXE for it and I had to run it from there. Why would the search box for settings not bring it up? I guess I could have used the search box for files. But, it should not have to be this hard. In Windows 7 click on Start and type in regedit and press Enter. It should at least be that easy in Windows 8.

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Motion Computing LE 1700
1.5 Ghz Core Duo 2
1 GB PC2700
Windows 8 Pro

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you're facing challenges in navigating Windows 8 Pro on your older tablet, primarily using a digitizer pen without the convenience of a keyboard or mouse. While Windows 8 was indeed designed with touchscreens in mind, there are limitations and usability issues when relying solely on a digitizer pen for navigation and input.

Here are some insights and potential solutions to address your concerns:

### Challenges with Digitizer Pen Usage:
1. Accessing Windows+X Menu:
- The Windows+X menu, known for its easy access to system tools, is traditionally opened by right-clicking the Start button or pressing Windows key + X. Unfortunately, this gesture is not directly translatable with a digitizer pen.
- One workaround could involve creating a desktop shortcut to open the Windows+X menu using a script or a customized application launcher.

2. Bringing up System Tools like regedit:
- For tasks like launching regedit, where the search function may not yield the desired results, alternative methods like creating desktop shortcuts or using third-party search tools like Everything Search are practical.
- Creating shortcuts: Consider creating shortcuts on your desktop for frequently used tools like regedit to streamline access.

3. Enhancing Charms Bar Functionality:
- Charms bar should ideally provide quicker access to essential system tools. However, in Windows 8, it might not offer the expected convenience for power users.
- You can explore third-party applications or customization options to enhance quick access to system tools via the Charms bar.

### Suggestions for Improved Navigation:
1. Custom Shortcuts and Launcher Tools:
- Utilize desktop shortcuts and launcher tools to access common system tools with ease. These can be customized to suit your workflow and increase efficiency.

2. Third-Party Apps:
- Consider installing third-party touch-friendly apps that provide a more intuitive interface for launching applications and system tools with touch input.

3. Accessibility Options:
- Explore Windows accessibility settings to customize touch input behavior and gestures for improved navigation.

While Windows 8 was designed for touchscreens, its usability with a digitizer pen might have limitations that impede seamless navigation. Through customization, shortcuts, and potentially third-party apps, you can enhance your experience and alleviate the challenges faced with pen-centric navigation on your tablet.

If you need more specific guidance on creating shortcuts or exploring third-party tools for your tablet, feel free to ask!