How to disable cell selection handles (they're in the way to get to the drop down list)

I just bought the 8 inch Acer tablet which comes with Excel 2013.
When I select a cell there is a little ball (handle) in the left top corner and right bottom corner of the cell. You can drag them to expand the selection (from one cell to a range)

Unfortunately it's in the way to get to the arrow for expanding the drop down list. Every time I try to get to that arrow I select the (right bottom) expansion handle (ball).

I believe this is new in Excel 2013 and is an adaptation in order to facilitate using Excel with a tablet.

How can I disable this (temporarily?)

Many thanks!
Maxter..

Thanks Moo but tried that already.
The little balls (or very small white circles) are still there.
I'm using a touch pen but can't get to the drop down list...

Looks like this: