Solved Windows 8 Tablet - Typing for Desktop Programs

CalBear

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On a Windows 8 tablet such as a Dell Venue 11 how to you type inputs for desktop programs without an attached keyboard? Sorry if this is a really dumb question but I don't know anything about Windows tablets.
 

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    Dell USB
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    I worked my up from a virtual machine, to a slow 32-bit celeron and now two monitors on my XPS8100. Works great!
If you click on the keyboard icon in the taskbar...

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...the keyboard will appear. It can either be free-floating or docked.

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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 (8" tablet)
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Encore 8 (WT8-A)
CalBear - If you want to try the on-screen keyboard on your regular PC, right-click on the Taskbar, select Toolbars, then put a check by the Touch keyboard. You'll see a keyboard icon on the Taskbar that you can click on to bring up the keyboard. It even works with your mouse if you don't have a touchscreen.
 

My Computer

System One

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Thanks for the great responses!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Dual Win 7-8 64-bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Studio XPS8100
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3.2 GHz
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce GTX 260
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Dell 24" LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    900GB and 1.5TB
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell Optical
    Internet Speed
    10 Mb/s down 1.5 Mb/s up
    Other Info
    I worked my up from a virtual machine, to a slow 32-bit celeron and now two monitors on my XPS8100. Works great!
Lew, what do you mean that the desktop Keyboard can be floating or docked? Can it be made to open automatically without having to click on the symbol on the taskbar?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 and 10, 64-bit 9600 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Yoga Pro 1370 (Ultrabook)
    CPU
    Intel (R) 5Y70 @ 1.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo VIUU4
    Memory
    8GB
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    Intel (R) HD Graphics 5300
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    High Definition Audio Device
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    3200 x 1800
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    256GB SSD
    Samsung MZNTE256HMHP-000L2
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    Fan
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    Windows Defender, Ccleaner, Malwarebytes.
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    Touchscreen,
If you click the button next to the close button on the keyboard it'll act like the Metro keyboard instead of being a floating window like in the screenshots. It wouldn't let me screenshot that one though.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 (8" tablet)
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Encore 8 (WT8-A)
When I clicked on the item you mentioned Lew, all It did was lengthen or shorten the Keyboard.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 and 10, 64-bit 9600 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Yoga Pro 1370 (Ultrabook)
    CPU
    Intel (R) 5Y70 @ 1.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo VIUU4
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (R) HD Graphics 5300
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio Device
    Screen Resolution
    3200 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD
    Samsung MZNTE256HMHP-000L2
    Cooling
    Fan
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Ccleaner, Malwarebytes.
    Other Info
    Touchscreen,
Try dragging the keyboard around in both modes and you'll see the difference.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 (8" tablet)
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Encore 8 (WT8-A)
Hi there

OK not an answer to the question - but if you are going to do any significant amount of typing (I.e more than about two lines) or if you want any sort of cut and paste ability BUY a cheap Wireless / Bluetooth or even a wired keyboard and mouse combo. Logitech do one where you only need ONE USB slot for both the keyboard and mouse.

There's also a nice small but adequate BLUETOOTH keyboard that fits neatly into a pocket - it's designed to be used for SMARTPHONES but works just as well on a tablet.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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Thanks for that Jimbo. Lew, how do you "drag" the Keyboard around? And what does that accomplish? I want to know how to open the Keyboard automatically, without having to click on its symbol.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 and 10, 64-bit 9600 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Yoga Pro 1370 (Ultrabook)
    CPU
    Intel (R) 5Y70 @ 1.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo VIUU4
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (R) HD Graphics 5300
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio Device
    Screen Resolution
    3200 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD
    Samsung MZNTE256HMHP-000L2
    Cooling
    Fan
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Ccleaner, Malwarebytes.
    Other Info
    Touchscreen,
I want to know how to open the Keyboard automatically, without having to click on its symbol.
This doesn't happen on desktop apps only on modern apps.

http://www.eightforums.com/tablet-touch/36012-make-touch-keyboard-automatically-appear.html

By default, the on-screen or touch keyboard will only appear automatically when you tap in a text field in a modern UI screen or modern app.

They don't automatically appear if you’re using a desktop app. Instead, you need to tap or click the Touch keyboard icon
2a01b195-4202-4488-81fd-91f1078860b7.png
on the right side of the taskbar. :(
 

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System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
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    Laptop
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    MacBook Pro Core2Duo
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    3
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    ATI Radeon X1600
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    Internal
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    1440 x 800
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    40GB
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    Apple
    Mouse
    Apple
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    Varies
    Browser
    Various
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    Defender
There are some third party x86 applications, some compatible with Windows 8/8.1, that WILL automatically launch thier virtual (on-screen) keyboard when you are in the desktop.

Just do a Google search and evaluate them to see if any suit your needs.

Let me google that for you
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Nokia Lumia 2520
    CPU
    Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 800
    Memory
    2GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    10.1"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    32GB SSD
    Case
    Asus Case
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wedge Keyboard
    Mouse
    Bornd Bluetooth Mouse
    Browser
    IE 11
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