Nvidia pumps hybrid graphics to laptop makers

Sony, Siemens and Benq have announced notebooks using hybrid graphics that allow users to 'dynamically switch' between Intel’s Centrino 2 integrated graphics and a discrete Nvidia Geforce GPU.

The switch can be made without the need to reboot, giving the user the choice of whether to burn up the battery in 3D mode, or idly noodle about in 2D on the Interweb.

According to Nvidia, all its Geforce 9M Series GPUs support the hybrid graphics feature, but notebooks have to be specifically designed.

Four firms have joined the bandwagon, after guinea pig Acer tested the water. Sony’s new Vaio Z series, Fujitsu Siemens’ Amilo XI 3650 and Benq Joybook’s S42’s all have the feature.

“Performance when you need it, battery life when you don’t. And no rebooting!” said Nvidia’s chief spinner, Derek Perez, when we asked him about it.

Yes, but does it actually work?

“It’s clear that it is indeed working and in customers hands today,” Perez said.

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