Xencelabs tablet very long term review - It’s not good news.

Summary

The video update discusses ongoing issues with a Sense Labs tablet, which has faced various problems after nearly three years of use. These issues include poor battery life, disconnections, malfunctioning pens, and glitches in applications across different platforms. The speaker shares their disappointment with the product, comparing it to Wacom tablets, which have had better longevity and performance. Despite switching to a new pen due to wear, the tablet continues to exhibit quirks, making the speaker consider replacing it. The update highlights a decline in functionality, especially with the pen’s rubber coating degrading over time.

Takeaways

• 😀 The battery life of the tablet has drastically declined, now lasting only 1-2 hours before needing a recharge.
• 😀 The pen occasionally stops working, with certain areas in some applications becoming unclickable.
• 😀 The user has experienced these issues on multiple platforms (macOS, Linux, and Windows), with the problem being worst on macOS and Linux.
• 😀 The tablet sometimes forgets which screen it is attached to when using multiple monitors, causing disruptions.
• 😀 The pen's original rubber coating started degrading, turning sticky and oily, which prompted the user to replace it.
• 😀 The new pen is almost identical to the old one, but the button layout was changed from a rocker to two separate buttons, which the user dislikes.
• 😀 The tablet has suffered from wear and tear, with the surface beginning to chip, though this is expected after heavy daily use.
• 😀 The user attempted to fix the original pen by gluing it back together, but the button still malfunctioned after repairs.
• 😀 Despite these issues, the user mentions that the tablet has been used daily for many hours, contributing to its overall wear.
• 😀 The user is considering replacing the tablet with a Wacom device, despite disliking their software, because of the better overall reliability of Wacom tablets.

Q & A

What are the main issues the user is facing with their tablet?

The user is experiencing issues with battery life, pen functionality, device disconnections, and driver problems. The tablet's battery now only lasts 1-2 hours, the pen stops registering clicks in certain areas, and the device frequently disconnects, making it unreliable.

Why did the user replace their original pen?

The original pen was replaced because the button was broken, and the rubber coating had started to degrade, turning sticky and oily, which made it uncomfortable to use.

How does the new pen compare to the original one?

The new pen is similar in function but has a different button layout, which the user dislikes. The original pen had a rocker button, while the new one has two separate buttons. The user prefers the original pen's button design.

What problem does the user face with the new pen’s rubber coating?

The new pen’s rubber coating has also started to turn sticky, though not as badly as the original pen. The user suspects that the material used for the pen is of poor quality, leading to this issue.

Which operating systems are most affected by the tablet’s issues?

The tablet’s issues are most severe on macOS and Linux, where the pen stops working or the device forgets its screen configuration. The issues are less prominent on Windows.

What happens when the tablet disconnects from the pen?

When the tablet disconnects from the pen, the device appears to still be connected, but the pen stops working. The user needs to reset the tablet or reconfigure the screen setup to resolve the issue.

How does the user feel about the tablet's physical wear and tear?

The user is not very concerned about the physical wear and tear, such as chipping on the surface of the tablet, as it is expected over time due to frequent use. The primary concern is the functional issues, not the cosmetic damage.

Has the user tried to resolve the driver-related issues?

Yes, the user has tried various driver versions but has not reported the issue to the manufacturer yet, as they are unsure whether it is a hardware or software problem.

Why does the user consider switching to a Wacom product?

The user is considering switching to a Wacom product because of the ongoing functional issues with the current tablet, such as the pen malfunctioning and the device’s battery life deteriorating. They believe Wacom products offer better reliability despite the software frustrations.

What does the user think about the controller’s performance?

The user is generally satisfied with the controller’s performance, describing it as sturdy and well-built. It also has good battery life, which has not diminished over time. The user would recommend it as a standalone product.