Intel GMA integrated v Radeon discrete graphics
 

Intel GMA integrated v Radeon discrete graphics

I will soon be purchasing a new laptop to run Linux.

I would like to get some feedback about performance
of Intel GMA v Radeon video performance from anyone
using any Linux distro.

My current box is a Lenovo R61e with i965 chip using
the latest Slackware X drivers; viz: xorg-server-1.6.3,
xf86-video-intel-2.8.0, mesa-7.5, glew. It performs
reasonably well. That ever-so-questionable (glx)gears
produces circa 500 fps in the native window.

But, all this is really independent of hardware & distro.

So, I'd like some responses from various users about
their recent experiences.

Things to consider

Reliability & Stability

Suspend to ram/disk resume reliability

That (glx)gears fps result.

Software support, updates from Intel, Radeon(AMD)

I think it is a matter of what you want to do with the laptop and your preferences. For instance I have this thing about not liking to use system RAM for basic video purposes and I prefer discreet graphics due to that. I do not game much and don't do heavy graphics work so there is no other reason for me. I will, however, say that for general purpose use integrated graphics are less expensive and will suit most needs. If you want top of the line performance though you need to go discreet.