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    What is it with Lenovo and driver updates (U330 specifically)?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by HTWingNut, May 31, 2009.

  1. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    Ok, so I went forward with a Lenovo IdeaPad U330 since it seemed to be the best bang for my buck at the time. Plus I've heard great things about Lenovo.

    So far they are annoying me for two reasons:

    (1) Battery life issues. They claim up to 5.5 hours. Best anyone can get is 3 hours, and they haven't explained this discrepancy. Lenovo also thinks its odd that users are requesting spare batteries for purchase, or a larger capacity battery (9-cell vs. 6-cell) as an option, neither of which are available.

    (2) Driver updates. Display drivers specifically. Lenovo has a great option for a software switch between GMA 4500MHD and ATI HD 3450 for improved battery life. You can't use standard display drivers because that botches the software switch. You can forgo the software switch if you can figure out how to update your ATI drivers for Mobility Radeon HD with some hacks, since ATI does not support Mobility drivers directly. The last video driver updates were from August 2008.
     
  2. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    Any U330 users here care to comment? Or am I alone in this matter? :(