I've edited the text in the https://launchpad.net/~hybrid-graphics-linux page to better reflect the current status: --------------- STATUS: There is support for most ATI/Intel hybrid configurations via the vga_switcheroo code and open-source graphics drivers (2.6.35 onwards).
There is ongoing work to support Nvidia Optimus/Intel hybrid configurations for nouveau drivers: http://airlied.livejournal.com/74176.html Switching for Nvidia/Intel configurations via a reboot can be achieved for specific laptop models / BIOS versions. The acpi_call module helps in switching off the discrete graphics card while Linux loads through the Intel chipset. Only specific laptop models are able to switch to pre-Windows7 "compatible" BIOS mode so that the OS can see the nvidia graphics card. This is the only way to load the nvidia binary drivers so far. ------ Maybe we could go through the mailing list and take note of the laptops that can have the nvidia binary drivers working. I know the latest Asus U30, U33, U43, U53 models can do that, using the "compatible" BIOS option, and the Sony Vaio z-series models have a similar system, but there are more models out there that have this pre-Windows7 mode. Comments? On Mon, Dec 20, 2010 at 12:31 PM, Nuno Lourenco <[email protected]> wrote: > > And it is, on Nvidia foruns: > http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=2183477#post2183477 > "We have no plans to support Optimus on Linux at this time." > Besides, a quick google about it will show a lot of people talking about the > lack of optimus suport on linux, even on linux distributions specific foruns > and Wikis. > > Optimus is very "new", and developing is being made to try to suport Optimus > on linux, but that require a lot of changes, even on XOrg. > I think the true problem is people buying these laptops (or whatever) running > optimus, and assuming that it will work on linux because the great drivers > for other GPUs. A quick check on nvidia drivers would show that it is not > true. But most people prefer to ask on a forum or a mailing list and save the > "work" to use a search engine to find the answer. > But yes, maybe someone with access may put that message somewhere relative to > this mailing list :) that would save a lot of emails about it I guess. > > > On Mon, Dec 20, 2010 at 12:17 PM, Michal Kottman <[email protected]> wrote: >> >> On Mon, 2010-12-20 at 10:14 +0000, Nuno Lourenco wrote: >> > Hi David, >> > >> > It is simple as this. You don't.... Until now, as far I know, there is >> > no way to use the Nvidia GPU on 1215n (or any other similar Optimus >> > platform) on anything else but Windows 7. >> > >> > Other thing, as far as I noticed you are reading badly >> > the /proc/acpi/battery/BAT0/state, if you see it well, you are >> > "charging" the laptop, the increase of mA that you see is actually the >> > "charging rate", if it increased that means that is working Ok :) >> > Because it is waisting less energy so it is able to charge quicker, >> > got it? :) >> >> Perhaps it should be stated somewhere more obviously (maybe in big >> letters? :) that Optimus doesn't work. Maybe something like this: >> >> "Optimus does not work on Linux (yet). Meanwhile, you can save the >> battery by using acpi_call to turn your (unused) discrete GPU off." >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Mailing list: https://launchpad.net/~hybrid-graphics-linux >> Post to : [email protected] >> Unsubscribe : https://launchpad.net/~hybrid-graphics-linux >> More help : https://help.launchpad.net/ListHelp > > > _______________________________________________ > Mailing list: https://launchpad.net/~hybrid-graphics-linux > Post to : [email protected] > Unsubscribe : https://launchpad.net/~hybrid-graphics-linux > More help : https://help.launchpad.net/ListHelp > _______________________________________________ Mailing list: https://launchpad.net/~hybrid-graphics-linux Post to : [email protected] Unsubscribe : https://launchpad.net/~hybrid-graphics-linux More help : https://help.launchpad.net/ListHelp
