Does the new user switchable graphic card mean easier linux installations ?

I want to purchase a clevo in the next few weeks, but I want either linux only or dual boot. So far, have not been able to find any recent thread talking about installing linux on the system.

I was planning to buy http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np6852-clevo-n850hk1.html
but then I read about the user switchable feature in the higher up models like http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np8174-clevo-p670hp6.html

The, higher ups are slightly above my budget but if it makes ubuntu installation easier I would consider. Also I did hear about system76, not sure how much they cost, they have been running out of stock so far.

 

If you're using a relatively new Ubuntu or derivative, the Nvidia Binary driver basically has a manual switching mode baked in. You have to set the switch and restart X to change GPUs basically.
There's currently no "easy" way to get a seemless switching like in Windows. This applies to the N850 series and the P600 series (in Optimus mode).

However, the simplest setup is with the P600 in DISCRETE mode which presents the Nvidia GPU only. From there just install the regular Nvidia Binary driver and you're golden. The downside to this is that the NV GPU will be permanently active and thus reduce your battery life.

Keep in mind, if you wish to run a Linux distro as your daily driver there's a lot more things to work-around. For example, accessing some features like keyboard backlighting and hardware airplane modes will require some work.

Personally, given how fast they are, I'd just run Ubuntu (I prefer Mint) in a VM. I also use Bash for Windows since 90% of my Linux work is actually within a terminal, which it does nicely. I've even integrated it into ConEmu which gives me a Quake-style drop-down terminal on a global shortcut (I use Ctrl + ~) and it auto-loads on startup. Supports multiple tabs, split terminals, multiple shells (bash, windows CMD, powershell, CygWIN etc), background transparency and all that good stuff you expect in Linux equivalents like Yakuake or Guake.

Since the Linux subsystem is always on it doesn't require "booting up" like a VM either and is available immediately after boot-up.

 

I am not concerned too much with battery life, my current system works for 1 hour on battery (MSI GE2) which I am used too and have started to resent buying not for the battery but for other reasons.
I dont mind the minor problems like backlight control etc. My main concern is I should be able to use CUDA for programming with ease.

 

I can't speak to Linux on these specific models, but historically Linux seems to have worked rather well on several other models (previous and current) regardless of Optimus. If you use Linux on your GE62, switchable graphics on a Clevo should work identically.

"Does it make installation easier?" I don't think I understand the question. Optimus shouldn't affect installation positively or negatively.

 

with the GE-62 the graphic card ports don't work, so I can't attach extra monitor to my laptop (which I really really miss even now )
This problem is mainly due to the optimus technology, which makes sure that I am not able to use my graphic card with the monitor

I want to be able to use CUDA for programming + extra monitors without much hassle.

 

@jayant - One thing the P670HP6 offers over the GE62 is the option to change the primary graphics adapter from within the BIOS. If the "DISCRETE" mode is selected, then there's no switching within the OS; the NVidia graphics are always in use.

 

yeah, I think system76 is also doing the same thing, maybe I should ask them.

if that's the case I might need to rethink my budget

 

That should be fine as long as you have the Nvidia Binary installed, regardless of if you're in Intel or Nvidia "mode".

With the current situation of Optimus support and 2 different NVidia drivers (NV Binary and Nouveau), while you get an "operational" system from a clean install, you still have to do some tweaking (external monitors, switching etc). So generally speaking, getting an installation to the same feature level as Windows on an Optimus laptop would be considered more difficult.

This will be because the External ports are connected to the Nvidia GPU. In order to use them you'd need a separate X session or run the Nvidia chip as primary.

All of System76's current machines are either Intel GPU only or Nvidia GPU only. The upcoming "Oryx Pro" is their P650/670 equivalent and will be their only switchable graphics model so we'll have to see how they handle that.

 

Yes, finally got a chance to custom build one and check the price, its way over my budget

but as far as I can tell switching to discrete option in the P650's will help me resolve the problem.