Laptops with hybrid power (IGP+Discrete GPU)?

[imported_CCMCornell]

I've seen some articles on nvidia's and AMD's hybrid solutions to graphics cards where they use an integrated chip and a discrete chip together for various advantages. The one I'm most interested in is in power saving, where the IGP is used for 2D and the discrete card for 3D. Do you guys know of any particular models out there that support this? How successful has the hybrid power savings been? I'm mostly interested getting a new laptop for mostly 2D surfing, programming and some gaming - mostly just World of Warcraft.

 

[IlllI]

as far as i know there isnt any out yet. maybe next year

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: clandren
as far as i know there isnt any out yet. maybe next year

Well it depends on what you mean by hybrid.

If you mean hybrid as in the user has the ability to switch between integrated and discrete, then there are several models that offer this. The Sony Vaio SZ line offers Integrated X3100 and NVidia 8400GS, and lets you switch between the two. The Lenovo Thinkpad T400 also has this, but with higher end ATI HD3650 graphics as well as Intel HD4500.

In the case of the Thinkpad, previews have stated 7-9 hours of battery life with hybrid graphics and LED backlit screen. That is AMAZING for a 14" laptop with high end Centrino 2 processor and midrange discrete graphics.

 

[Brainonska511]

Look for AMD laptops with Turion Ultra processors. They are the new Puma platform that switches from a dedicated card to the integrated chip when you go to battery.