Windows Vista, AERO Glass UI, WDDM, and graphic chip sets

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XCoalMiner · #1 Post by **XCoalMiner** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 12:33 pm

Lots of similar posts out there, but I couldn't find the exact answer by seraching . . .

Are there lists of graphic chip sets that are, or will be, 100% assured compatible with Vista in AERO UI mode? I'm guessing, per this from MS, that the determination of chip set compatibility is up to the chip set manufacturers, not the makers of laptops. But, ultimately, compatibility testing or certification will rest with the laptop manufacturer in that they integrate all the other components to make the entire system work.

In looking at laptop specs, Thinkpads specifically, how does one know if any currently available models are certain to be AERO UI compatible (being 100% assured is important in this case). I have yet to find very many lists of graphic chip sets that are WDDM compatible, and so have not been able to make the connection to which laptop models contain thise chip sets. And therefore can't tell which laptops one can but now and be assured of having the AERO compatibility. I am specifically thinking of the T4X or T60 series.

Also, as a side note, I understand that via the Microsoft developer networks, people can install pre-release versions of Vista. I've seen some people on here mention they are doign so. A question for those people: Are you using the AERO UI interface, and how did you know, (ahead of time?), the Desktop/laptop would suport the AERO UI?

Any insights appreciated.

Delmarco · #2 Post by **Delmarco** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 8:14 pm

too much to read thru.
But we have Vista Beta 2 in our lab and it looks amazing.

2 things concerning graphics that we found;

1. You need at least 512MB to 1GB memory RAM, Any Pent/AMD with speed above 1Ghz, Hard Drive speed of at least 5400, Video Ram of at least 128MB or any higher end 3D graphics chip to run Vista fully. If you have lower than 128MB of vid ram the OS defaults the 3Dwindows for optimization to 2D windows and some programs, like Vista version Media Player run slow or don't run at all. You can also change the settings and just run it in 2D if you wish.

2. To run the OS smoothly and really enjoy it; get the highest available graphics specs you can, 1 to 2GB memory RAM, Pent 4 at 1Ghz or higher (get Pent Duo(D) if you can, but it doesnt make a diff), Hard Drive speed should be 7200 and no less than 5400. Also make sure your media bay plays DVDs & DVD-Rs or you won't even get to install the OS.

Right now, we haven't tested it on laptops but I know I need to get 128MB of VIDRAM under my hood and a faster HD to use Vista fully. If you are shopping for a laptop before Vista comes out, just make sure it is Vista ready or have all the specs I've stated above.

XCoalMiner · #3 Post by **XCoalMiner** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 2:00 pm

I don't there are any such things as 'Vista ready' laptops just yet.

That's the point, if buying right now, the way I see it is, one would need to figure out which graphic chip sets conform to the WDDM specs from MS, and get a laptop made with those chip sets, along with all the high end specs you mention.

jwpcweb · #4 Post by **jwpcweb** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 1:57 am

Some of the core duo machines with dedicated ATI or other graphics adapters are at least going the farthest in terms of being Vista-ready.

My T60 (2623D6U) arrived last week and has an integrated X1300 ATI adapter. It is fully Aero glass. I'm running Thursday's 5362 build.

This could change, and is just my own thoughts, but:

You can tell if you're using Aero Glass by the control boxes in the upper right corner of the screen: As of right now, when composition is on and everything is looking great, you'll get a lot of extra transparency over a standard install.

The close box, minimize, etc. will be "boxy" in non-Aero glass displays. On Aero glass, the buttons will glow when you hover over the rectangular (non-square) buttons.

jwpcweb · #5 Post by **jwpcweb** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 2:08 am

Here's Aero glass on the T60 (ATI X1300): http://static.flickr.com/50/126231861_4bf6ef2340_b.jpg

Here's the same image with Aero glass disabled (same experience that a non-WDDM [LDDM] driver would show):
http://static.flickr.com/54/126232122_dbf38d620b_b.jpg

#6 Post by **GomJabbar** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 8:07 am

jwpcweb wrote:Here's Aero glass on the T60 (ATI X1300): http://static.flickr.com/50/126231861_4bf6ef2340_b.jpg

Here's the same image with Aero glass disabled (same experience that a non-WDDM [LDDM] driver would show):
http://static.flickr.com/54/126232122_dbf38d620b_b.jpg

Maybe it's just me, but I can't really tell the difference between the two images.

EDIT: Okay, I do see a difference at the close window X, where the mouse pointer is. Is that all?

#7 Post by **Kyocera** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 9:20 am

I have had vista running on my t42, with 768M of ram and nothing but the OS loaded, it runs "OK".

DIGITALgimpus · #8 Post by **DIGITALgimpus** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 11:04 am

The diff is more visable in real life, and in motion, than it is in that screenshot.

w0qj · #9 Post by **w0qj** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 11:47 am

Yes, I'm also very interested to hear of other users using T42 (64 MB video ram in 9600-series video).

I'm looking to installing Vista, and hopefully Lenovo/IBM can supply the Vista drivers for our T42 thinkpad (using the Software Installer)?

#10 Post by **Kyocera** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 11:52 am

right now there are no video drivers (at least that I could find) for my 7500. Pretty sure this is going to be a wait and see if they do it thing.
You can use the software installer with vista, however not all the drivers are going to work, only a few actually will, i have tried this.

XCoalMiner · #11 Post by **XCoalMiner** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:39 pm

Kyocera wrote:Pretty sure this is going to be a wait and see if they do it thing.

By that, do you mean: In past OS releases, MS provided drivers native in the OS for just about any graphics controller, and manufacturers could supply their own if they chose to. This will probably be the case for Vista in non-Aero mode. But for Vista in Aero/Glass mode, MS or manufacturers will only provide drivers for a small subset of the hardware/controller cards, and they have yet to figure out which controllers will fall in this small subset?

#12 Post by **Kyocera** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:58 pm

Actually I meant if IBM/Lenovo/ATI will provide video drivers for older models shipped running XP like my t42. The generic driver in vista actually works pretty good just using the OS itself, and according to the pics above showing aero and non aero mode (if that is in fact the only way to determine) mine is in aero mode which is honestly nothing to get real excited about. I'm looking more at the functionality/usability/ease of getting around in, etc.

Windows Vista, AERO Glass UI, WDDM, and graphic chip sets

Windows Vista, AERO Glass UI, WDDM, and graphic chip sets

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