Intel GMA HD graphics OK for Linux?

[davey]

My sister needs a cheap laptop, and the ASUS A53E-AS31 15.6-Inch looks pretty good to me, from the specs. But Intel graphics have been a PITA with Linux in the past. Is that still the case, or did the open-source drivers fix the problem? The CPU is a 2.3GHz Intel Core i3 2350M Processor, which I assume has the integrated graphics chip. The specs for this machine are way more than she needs, actually, for browsing, email, and maybe light old games and some photo manipulating. Any opinions? Any thoughts about something better in the under US$600 range?

[Yankee]

My sister needs a cheap laptop, and the ASUS A53E-AS31 15.6-Inch looks pretty good to me, from the specs. But Intel graphics have been a PITA with Linux in the past. Is that still the case, or did the open-source drivers fix the problem? The CPU is a 2.3GHz Intel Core i3 2350M Processor, which I assume has the integrated graphics chip. The specs for this machine are way more than she needs, actually, for browsing, email, and maybe light old games and some photo manipulating. Any opinions? Any thoughts about something better in the under US$600 range?

ASUS' are very reliable in my experience.   What problem with
graphics are you referring to ?   

[davey]

At some point Intel graphics were notoriously difficult with Linux drivers. Now they seem to be doing good open ones, according to stuff I've read, but I have no experience with them. Haven't been keeping up with notebook developments in quite a while. Other than that, I've always liked Asus stuff, too.

[Yankee]

At some point Intel graphics were notoriously difficult with Linux drivers. Now they seem to be doing good open ones, according to stuff I've read, but I have no experience with them. Haven't been keeping up with notebook developments in quite a while. Other than that, I've always liked Asus stuff, too.

Up one notch there's a Core i5 model of that computer for slightly more.
Down one whole notch I found this ASUS, but my computer keeps working so I
can't afford it yet.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0394499

[horusfalcon]

If you have access to the machine before you buy it, boot it from a Live CD.  That should settle the question for you.  I've always favored Intel video over, for instance, Nvidia on laptops because it seems they are more reliable. 

I've used an Intel 945GM (Dell Latitude D620) for several years now, and, while I've had some minor annoyances, it performs reliably once properly configured.  (Some upgrades did tend to re-configure improperly... but I've managed to get it set right soon enough).  Almost all Intel video systems are covered by the i810 driver set in PCLinuxOS.

My old Gateway 3522GZ had an Intel 852GME and ran fine, too.

Hmm... here's something that may interest you:  http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Intel_HD_Graphics

The juicy bit is this:

Linux support

A very recent Linux distribution with kernel 2.6.33 and Intel Xorg driver 2.11 or newer is recommended.

Note that XVideo (Xv) playback at certain frame sizes does not work properly unless you have at least version 2.12 of the Intel Xorg driver.

Desktop Effects do not work in Ubuntu 10.10 (at least, on an X220). They work fine in Ubuntu 12.04 (also on an X220).

Hope that helps settle the question for ya.

Later On,
D

[davey]

Thanks horusfalcon, It does help. I guess I mainly needed some assurance from somebody who had used this setup.

[Yankee]

Thanks horusfalcon, It does help. I guess I mainly needed some assurance from somebody who had used this setup.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-Graphics-Media-Accelerator-HD.23065.0.html

Not the best but it is HD, the Core i5 would be a little better.    I think that
machine is slightly overpriced but just my opinion.

FYI

FF