VGN-Z. Dual graphics in Linux.

Hello!

I'm not a regular guest here, so what's up with dual graphic on vaio z in linux(better freebsd ). Last time, i remember, it wasn't working. If i remember right, there was way to load only one card at time via different GRUB config, wasn't it?

If there's something new on the probled? Does anyone can change graphisc on the fly?

Thaks in advance. Victor.

PS. Does problem with batarey drain still unfixed? I was in a small travel last week, and feel it on myself. Though, i was never 0%, but it's still uncombortable.

 

Anyone else??

 

Eh, optimus is a no-go under linux. It would require X to be seriously modified for it to work like it does under Windows. As far as I know, only the discrete Nvidia card will work. Also, battery life under linux is lacking, because you're using the Nvidia graphics all the time, instead of the Intel HD, and various other power saving services aren't right yet for new hardware like the i-series processors.

 

Hmm, I'm not sure that's correct. At least I hope not -- I just ordered a Z1390 for the *sole* purpose of running Linux (I absolutely cannot run windows; it's linux or I sell the machine).

The linux-on-vaio-z stuff seems to happen here:
https://launchpad.net/~sony-vaio-z-series

In particular, read through the archives and/or subscribe to the list. It seems that there is general success with running linux, not everything 100% but there are reports of the Intel graphics working, and I think it's possible to switch between cards without rebooting. Not sure though.

 

Well, all the info AFAIK:
1. if you do no modifications, both cards are running the same time. But you're using only one. That's the main battarey user.
2. I remember i've read idea how to make different grub configs to run only one card at time. So if you need to change it, you got to reboot. That aint a bit problem, as i'd run intel graphics 95% of time.
3. But i was searching ro info, when i just bought the lappie. So it's about 1 year old info. Seems, there's no progress since then.

I've saw this already. Seems latest distros can run all but the graphics. It'd be great if i can make GRUB tweak as i wrote before in FreeBSD. Well, i gon' give it a try, when i get some Hard drive to save all the data from laptop.

 

All the information that I saw there was for the last generation Z. The new Z has a completely different graphics subsystem for switching. And Nvidia has clearly announced there will be NO plans to support Optimus in linux.

@TLN: I see in your sig that you have the last generation Z, so yea, I believe you can get that one working pretty well with linux, though not 100%.

 

oh, crap......

Edit: Thanks for the info, I didn't know anything about Optimus before.... seems like it might be tricky to get my new lappy working to a reasonable state. Definitely a hacking project though. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, anyway!

 

Well, im sure i can get only 1 card working to save the batarey, but asked if there's any progress on it. If there's no, no problem, i'd be pretty happy with intel hd in *nix.
Thanks.