switchable graphics in new latitude Exxx series?

Sony doesn't have BIOS option to switch between graphics which makes such laptops probably unusable in other systems like Linux :-(

Thinkpad T400 has such BIOS option which allows to choose between integrated/discrete/both.

 

I had a T400. In XP, you have to reboot, load the bios, and select whatever card you want.

In Vista, Lenovo's power manager allows you to switch without logging out or rebooting.

 

With Windows XP the drivers are tied with Windows kernal. Meaning if anything occurs with one of the driver it's a direct BSOD. This is how the OS works, and this is how every previous Windows version worked as well.

With Windows Vista, the drivers are not tied at all with the kernal (as it should be). Meaning if a driver crash or freeze, Vista can easily restart the device for you. This is the reason why Vista don't require a reboot to switch graphic card or any other device in fact.