I'm checking which HP EliteBook (among 8740w,8760w) gives the possibility to switch off Optimus in the BIOS (need it to simplify CUDA development under Ubuntu). Or even better, is there a list of the laptops allowing this switch off? Soon I'll buy a laptop, so I'd like to have this info. I'm aware of the existence of Bumblebee, but if I can make my life easier..
Thank you for the help!
Martina
p.s. Right now, I'm just sure that Lenovo ThinkPad does have this switch-off
I don't know about a fix for Ubuntu, but I CAN help you, if you are using Windows as well. Right-click on the Desktop and choose "NVIDIA Control Panel". Then, when in the Control Panel, click on "Manage 3D Settings". You'll have three options: Auto-select (will enable NVIDIA), High-Performance (will enable NVIDIA and use its full potential; good for graphics rendering), Integrated Graphics (this is what your Control Panel should be set to if you have the problem you just described). Turn on either the first or the second option.
I'm sorry that I can't provide you with Ubuntu tutorial. However, taking into account that you are probably very experienced with this particular OS, I think you should be able to follow my tutorial anyway.
Here is a more detailed description for Windows. To my knowledge, BIOS will not help you here. HP EliteBooks are known for ridiculously handicapped BIOSes. I hope my reply helped you out! Have a nice day!
P.S.: I tested my claims on my HP EliteBook 8760w. I can't guarantee that the fix will work on another system (and possibly OS in your case).
