Question 1

I just got my Venue 8 16gb yesterday.  Like it so far, but have one question about the back cover.  On mine, if you press down and then let up on the back cover around the Dell logo, the case flexes up and down and makes a little noise.  Clearly, there is some space between the case and the internals, and the flexible plastic back is not flush against the device internals in the middle of the back.  Is this normal, for the device, or did I get unlucky?  I bought two Venue 7s for my kids, and neither back cover flexes this much.

Accepted Answer

I have had mine 3+ months and love it.  The price was fantastic and the features are great.   My case does not make any noise when pressed on the back.  The flex is minimal.  The initial issue I had was some movement inside, I think the battery.  This was solved by gently pressing down around the edge of the case/screen.  I think it was some double sided tape the might have come loose in the mail.  After I put it in a case and it has been fine.

Question 2

Does it have a front webcam for Skype and video calls?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it does. I have used it with the TANGO service [similar to Skype]. I t works fine.

Question 3

How does one send video from Android tablet to digi-TV without an HDMI output?

Accepted Answer

I'm assuming you mean that your tablet doesn't have a hdmi output if your tv doesn't I don't think there is anyway for this to work unless you buy a new tv. Also none of these options are free and the prices will change so I'm not going to list them. You will need a hdmi port and for power you will need a USB port (on tv) or power outlet nearby for the below options.
The first option is to buy a Google Chromecast dongle - which is good if you want to stream video from Netflix, Hulu, Youtube and some other apps (see their website), you could also stream local content using the chrome browser from your tablet but there may be some lag between the 2 devices. 
A second more expensive option would be to buy a set top box that is connected to your wireless network and would reduce latency and lag vs the Chromecast like a Apple TV, a Roku player, or miracast receiver (dongle). You will then need to download a App like Allcast to stream your media to the set top box or miracast dongle.
Third option buy a new wireless/smart TV with DLNA support and/or Miracast support
If you already have a wireless DLNA TV that is connected to your wireless network (router) just download Allcast (or alike app) and then stream content from your tablet to your tv wirelessly.
Hope this helps...

Question 4

Does this have an SD slot?

Accepted Answer

I have a 64GB microsd in mine. However, I had to format the card using the FAT32 file system. exFAT is the usual file system used on 64GB cards, but it is proprietary to Microsoft and not part of a stock Android build. Some companies have a licencing deal with MS and support exFAT, but not this unit.

Question 5

How well will Ubuntu run on on this?

Accepted Answer

I have a friend looking into this as well. There is no confirmation yet but it would seem that it could, as Android was bastardized from the Linux project. 
I guess it would depend on hardware support. I would research hardware support and try finding similar products were this has been successful.

Question 6

Does it come with a word program?

Accepted Answer

No. 
But since its an Android tablet you can now get Quick Office app (free and provided by Google). Quick office is compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as all the documents types supported in Google Drive

Question 7

The specs posted on Newegg indicate the camera is a 3 MB.  The Dell site indicates a 2 MB front and 5 MB rear.  Which is correct?

Accepted Answer

I just checked on the tablet and can confirm according to what shows in the camera settings that Rear camera is 5 MP and front camera is 2 MP.

Question 8

Anyone know if you could install windows 8 pro (NOT RT) on this machine, and possibly how difficult it would be?, and any issues that would likely arise (IE are there likely compatible drivers)

Accepted Answer

No it's a small 4 inch device and you can not "install" Windows RT on anything because there is no such media.

Question 9

Does it have a Micro USB or USB port? Specs don't say whether or not. I figure not, but I think I see one on the pictures, to hard to tell.

Accepted Answer

it has a micro-usb port which is used for charging the tablet as well as connecting to the computer (for transferring photos, songs and videos etc)

Question 10

When my Venue 8 wakes from sleeping, in landscape mode there are two lines of mis-colored pixels on the side of the display opposite the front camera.  This is most easily seen if you are using a solid red background.  The two lines of pixels will be blue.  It also happens with a solid green background (lines are yellow) and a solid blue background (lines are green), but they are less noticeable.  This only happens after waking from sleep.  If you power on the device from being completely off, the lines aren't there in landscape mode.  Does anyone know whether there is a fix for this?

Accepted Answer

I wish I could help but I have not noticed such an occurrence. Sorry.

Questions & Answers