Dell Latitude XT Drivers Held Hostage: Day 9

Posted by | 10/30/2009 | 25 Comments

robhostageThis little “Held hostage” feature is generating a lot of comments here on GBM with some saying we’re overdoing it, and some very angry with Dell for the lack of movement. Here’s the deal. This doesn’t just involve the Windows 7 drivers for the Dell Latitude XT it involves other Dell hardware as well. All well and good and set that aside for the moment.

The Latitude XT was the first multi-touch Tablet PC device from Dell and it generated a lot of pre-release excitement. It also generated a lot of post-release heat after issues surfaced with the machines. Dell shocked everyone with the very high price point of the XT and, for those eager to jump on Dell’s multi-touch bandwagon, it was quite an investment. Dell, wouldn’t have the issues it has now, and folks breathing down their necks, if they’d been a little more clear about their intentions here. Dell got out front with a lot of noise of their own making (remember those videos?). Whether right or wrong, many assumed Dell would stay out front and the XT would still be a great device to use with the multi-touch goodness baked into Windows 7.  Given all the problems with the short life of the XT, folks were ready to forgive Dell and move on. Dell missed that window. That’s where the dismay at the delay seems to stem from.

So, we’ll keep the pressure on until there is a resolution. Already, we’ve seen some movement and communication, but there’s still some distance to travel.

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Category: Hardware

About the Author (Author Profile)

Warner Crocker is a professional theatre director, producer and playwright and also a Tablet PC enthusiast. He is also a Microsoft MVP for Tablet PCs. Send email to Warner.
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  • http://www.robbushway.com Rob

    @jake – here’s another reason why this is important. Dell is telling us to install Vista drivers for Windows 7 on the XT. What happens when sp 1 or other changes / fixes happen to 7 that cause conflicts with those Vista drivers? Do you think Dell is going to fix those so Win 7 issues are addressed? No. Those drivers are based on Vista and will only be touched to address Vista problems.

    Currently, XT users installing Vista drivers have to install at least one of them using Vista Compatability mode – that has potential issues written all over it.

    The XT2 got a BIOS update that included Windows 7 enhancements. The XT didn’t. So already we are seeing that there are Windows 7 specific things that drivers and BIOS updates will address to help a machine run better (with context to my previous statements).

  • double-o-don

    Back in 1999 I helped specify Dell as a corporate sole supplier for a company that I estimate has purchased 12,000 computers since then, about 7000 of which are currently in use.

    Since then I have also used Dells for personal and family, probably totalling 20 laptops and an few desktops.

    To me it is inexcusable that Dell should refuse to support Windows 7 on such a high priced and highly hyped model as the XT. Those companies and individuals who paid premium $ for the XT were NOT early adopters for tablet technology, but WERE willing to follow Dell’s marketing model when Dell finally choose to support the Tablet, becoming one of the last vendors to support the technology.

    I agree that manufacturers are not obliged to support systems forever, and should not be expected to. However, the Dell XT has only been followed by one model (XT2). A quick look at Motion Computing’s site for a comparison shows that they are providing support for Windows 7 upgrades for both their current model (J3400) and its predecessor (LE1700). Motion, being a much MUCH smaller company than Dell has a LOT more to lose in sales by providing this support than Dell would by supporting the XT. Motion is doing it because it is the right thing to do for your long term customers.

    Dell needs to listen to those inside and outside their organization that are urging them to step up and provide the support.

  • http://www.notebooks.com Xavier

    I wonder what the actual cost is of writing and testing a set of drivers for a system. Whatever the amount is it’s only right for Dell to support Windows 7 on any system still under warranty.

    Remember, the Latitude line is designed for and sold to enterprises that plan for 3-5 year lifespans. All it takes is one angry IT dude to be turned off to the brand, and they’ll lose far more $ than it would’ve cost to support the XT.

  • HG

    This is why in our company I recommend products to use in our office and we replaced all Dell products. Service was not to great.

  • Dave

    Totally overdoing it. The main reason I say this, is that I own a Latitude XT, with Windows 7, and have absolutely no problem with the drivers that are on there.

  • Daveh

    I’m the same as Dave — (in addition to first name). I have an XT that is working fine with 7. What problems should I be experiencing and what should I be wary of?

  • http://www.robbushway.com Rob

    @dave and @daveh – see my two comments above

  • Antimatter

    The problems you should be seeing are with multitouch not working. The only windows 7 multitouch drivers for the Latitude XT are RTM drivers from n-trig, which are buggy and unstable. This is unacceptable.

    The XT was marketed as the first multitouch tablet and it has no support under the first multitouch OS, while its younger brother has full support? Seems like a classic case of cutting costs at the expense of the consumer.

    Anyone who feels this is okay is sending a message that it is okay for dell to think of their customers second.

  • Veneration

    please, for the love of god ignore these people who bash these articles. I’ve been trying in vain to get sound recording and multitouch working on my XT using google, and feel the urge to hit someone everytime I see the Dell website with NO WINDOWS 7 DRIVERS.
    If GTM can make dell work on and release those drivers even one day faster, I will be forever grateful

  • XT User

    I’m sure Warner & Rob know this by now but… N-trig has had updated Win 7 drivers for the XT & XT2 available on their website since last Thurs/Fri – pen and multitouch support. I believe the driver package is 2.172. Currently running on my XT with no issues.

    http://www.n-trig.com/Content.aspx?Page=Multi_Touch

    Cheers!

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