Any idea when Dell will release updated R1 video drivers?

Has anyone have an inkling when Dell will decide to update new drivers for the M11x R1? June 2010 was the last update. I think it's long overdue. Considering they still sell the darn machine you'd think they'd at least try to update every 3-4 months.

 

If memory serves, this is the last we heard on the subject.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/510307-r1-new-nvidia-drivers-when.html

I don't keep very close tabs on the R1 stuff that's not common to the R2 so I could be mistaken. Brian hasn't been around since then so it might be best to ask Chris over on the AW Club forums if he can look into it. Might provide him with Brian's comment here.

 

Given the M11xR1 is being phased out in many markets I'd say there would be minimal to Buckley's chance of a M11xR1 hybrid driver set update.

The existing Dell hybrid driver set works fine and there is no benefit to most people in a new Nvidia version as you'll still get the same or near the same FSP anyway. A few people have bugs fixed in a later nVidia version for a game which may be required.

The effort to create a nVidia hybrid driver set and test it against a 'known/unknown' environment is no small matter.

You'd have to consider which Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator Driver to include as well as the version of Nvidia.

A lot of effort by NBR members has been done to build hybrid driver sets that DO work and I'm not sure Dell could achieve anything much better.

The only benefit of a Dell supported M11xR1 hybrid driver set would be the ability to run the nVidia drivers without having to be in test mode and manually signing drivers.

But with most notebooks either using Optimus, Intel integrated graphics only or something new and spangly like AMD Fusion APU with integrated DX11 GPU, there is no win for any future devices for the effort Dell would put in.

You have to remember, you'd be building a hybrid driver set for an integrated DX9 GPU and a DX10.1 discrete GPU on a Dual Core system. Now if you think about that it sounds soooo yesterday.

All that's said, I'd be VERY happy if Dell released an updated nVidia hybrid driver set for the GT335M/M11xR1. Just don't hold your breath.

I'm currently running Intel 2020 Graphics Media Accelerator Driver and I see Window update wants to download an updated one.

But I guess that's just the joys of being an M11xR1 owner in that you can't be on the bleeding edge all the time, unless you're prepared to write your own hybrid driver set.

 

Thanks for that explanation. I don't want to sound blunt, but I don't care how hard it is or what it takes. They are still selling the M11x R1, and no reason not to support it even after it's stopped selling. If they can't support it, don't offer the product, plain and simple. They are using the ancient Intel drivers and GUI, so at least give the R1 a sendoff with the latest, or close to latest nVidia and Intel drivers.

You mentioned user made hybrid drivers. Can you at least point me in the right direction? Thanks.

That being said, I can't imagine compiling two sets of drivers together can be that difficult. Considering the user crowd has done it of their own accord.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/530309-m11x-r1-260-99-hybrid-drivers-intel-2020-a.html

 

Thank you. +rep.

Seems that since the work is done, someone send to Dell and tell them to test and sign the drivers. I'd be happy with that. Running in test mode is a major downfall. I guess I'll use that if I have to.

 

Have mine running in test mode all the time.
watermark was annoying but is easily removed.
why is it a major downfall?

 

It's like disabling UAC, and going back to Windows XP days where any driver or program can execute without admin authorization. It can be a significant security risk.

 

I thought it only allowed unsigned drivers to be installed.