Anyone playing KGS with a Windows 8 tablet

[hibbs]

Hi all,

I would be quite interested if someone uses CGoban3 on a Windows 8 touch screen tablet. If so, how is the "feel" of it? I am considering buying one, but since KGS would be one of the main uses, I'd like to know if it is suitable.

[RobertJasiek]

Me too, but I am waiting for a different display ratio. W8 is not the only choice to be made. The other is the CPU: Clovertrail seems to be better (and literally cooler) than ARM, so that Windows RT is a no go area, IMO. Apparently RAM, drivers, storage quality etc. also play a role; what we want is latency-free performance. However, I simply cannot tell you on exactly which Tablet KGS would work smoothly. It is a really good question... W7 / 2 GB / Core i530 works on a PC, but this is too little comparable to interesting W8 Tablets. Apparently, the only safe way is trial & error (or get a too expensive and noisy(!) Core i7 Tablet)...

[hibbs]

The other is the CPU: Clovertrail seems to be better (and literally cooler) than ARM, so that Windows RT is a no go area, IMO

Windows RT is a no-go area for a different reason: It only allows to run apps from the apps store and no real windows programs. And if this is what I want, I could stick with the iPad. (And I assume that Win RT would not run java, too, so no KGS).

[oren]

(And I assume that Win RT would not run java, too, so no KGS).

You are correct. There is currently no JRE for Windows RT.

[hibbs]

Hi all,

is there anyone in the meantime who has some experience with KGS on a Windows 8 tablet?

As described earlier, it is not too much fun to play Go on a computer screen, it is much more fun to play on a tablet.
I am currently considering either a Samsung ATIV smart pc pro or a Lenovo ideapad Yoga 13. I'd be very interested in comments regarding the usability of KGS on such a touch display.
In favor of the smasung: Much lighter, wacom pen.
In favor of the ideapad: Larger screen
Since I travel a lot and my other hobby besides go is photography, I would like to be able to run Lightroom and Photoshop an the machines, and occasionally do some programming too. Should all be possible with the samsung, but I am also not so sure because of the usability with the small screen, especially since these programs are not designed for tablets.

Any comments are highly appreciated...

[Darrell]

is there anyone in the meantime who has some experience with KGS on a Windows 8 tablet?

Several years ago when my wife got a pen-based Windows tablet, I could not wait to play KGS on it. I thought by using my hands to make a move over a flat board, it would seem like a real-life game. Alas, I got a misclick every time I did not lower the pen exactly vertical, and I found it unplayable.

For Christmas, I got a HP Envy x2 and I've given it another go.

Cons:
- the java interface is not touch enabled, so when I instinctively swipe on all the scrollable lists (the games list, list of users watching a game, etc.) instead of a scroll, a random item in the list is selected. So, I then try to tap on the skinny scroll window and usually miss.
- since it is not designed for fingers, everything is small. I've learned to aim high when selecting a game in the game list because otherwise I get the game below.
- the virtual keyboard does not automatically come up when you put focus in the chat box. You have to keep the toolbar visible so that you can manually trigger the keyboard.

Pros:
- no misclicks! It requires two taps - the first tap puts a shadow of a stone and the second tap confirms. Sometimes my tap did not register and it takes a third tap. I don't recommend blitz this way.

When laying the screen flat, it felt like one of those magnetic travel boards and I found it hard to take the game seriously. I preferred to prop up the screen.

In the end, for playing I prefer the large screen and mouse of my desktop computer. However, for watching a KGS+ lecture or a high-dan game, sitting on the sofa with the tablet is more comfortable.

To play on a tablet, I am going to need something like the 27-inch coffee table tablet from Lenovo. Maybe next Christmas

[badukJr]

I think if you used a finger based method instead of a pen it would be better. Possibly sliding your finger across the surface to get to the stone position to place it, as you can correct for initial inaccuracy during the slide.

For example, drawing with a tablet, I always put very light pressure at the start of a stroke because the pen landing can finnicky.