How often do you keep your 9600 GT turned on?

[asdfTT123]

For the owners of a uMBP with switchable graphics, how often do you keep your 9600 GT on and what kind of tasks do you use the GPU for? I got the mid-ranged 15" model for the 9600 GT but I can't see myself using it until the release Starcraft II...and even after I have my desktop with an HD 4870 1GB. Do any of you regret purchasing the model with the 9600 GT?

 

[Bill Gates]

I've switched to the 9600M GT twice, and only for a moment each time, since I got my MBP. I use Windows occasionally too, and under Windows the 9600M GT is the only GPU available for use.

 

[Sdahe]

I just switch to it and feels faster and smooth... I guess that in games is where you really feel the difference..

 

[jamesryanbell]

When plugged in (which is 75% of the time anyway), I always have it on. Honest reason? To prevent screen flicker.

 

[pnyc]

100% of the time when plugged in, never when running on the battery. The 9600 GT seams "snappier" for Photoshop, QuarkXPress, etc.

 

[occamsrazor]

I really wish there was a better way to switch between the cards without having to log out....

 

[vader26]

I usually dont have a need for the extra power - so i'd say its switched on 10% of the time for me...

 

[jamesryanbell]

I really wish there was a better way to switch between the cards without having to log out....

They should've found a way to just make it a "switch". Agreed.

 

[poematik14]

When Im designing/drawing something I switch it on. But sometimes I forget to do it and honestly I dont notice the difference.

 

[fr4c]

All the time. I don't mind getting only about 4 hours with the 9600GT on battery because I'm around power outlets all the time anyways.

 

[andrew upstairs]

I switch it on when I'm gaming or in Windows (obviously).

Unfortunately, my screen flickers on the 9600 when the backlight is low.

 

[Finlandboy]

All the time. I don't mind getting only about 4 hours with the 9600GT on battery because I'm around power outlets all the time anyways.

dude, i dont even get 4 hours with the 9400

but i only use mine in xp. other than tht ive switched it on 3 times for the heck of it, lol

 

[rgarjr]

They should've found a way to just make it a "switch". Agreed.

Would a manual switch be better for you? hehe

Are other laptops like this that have dual graphics units?

 

[AMessy]

I haven't even tried it yet, had my MBP for a week and a half now.

 

[dudeitsjay]

on windows xp bootcamp nearly 90% of the time. Enjoying the performance on left 4 dead and counter-strike 1.6 and warcraft 3 DotA. Gets hot though! have to remedy it by smc fancontroling to 4000rpm in osx, then startdisk rebooting into xp to keep the 4000rpm running at that speed. I also place my 17'' ontop of a logitech n100 cooling pad. still gets hot to touch those f keys when i'm breaking zombie noses =\

 

[applebook]

Would a manual switch be better for you? hehe

Are other laptops like this that have dual graphics units?

Yes, some Vaio higher-end units.