ArsTechnica: Ubuntu Xorg maintainer demonstrates bulletproof X

Here's the article.

Basically, it appears that X has gained the capability to fall back on more primitive graphic drivers and more modest graphic specs if it turns out that the hardware cannot work with the default configuration. So instead of dumping user to the console, X brings the user into a modest graphic mode that allows the user to select a workable graphic configuration. The system can also parse INF files that manufacturers ship with their hardware, which also should help in some situations.

For Ubuntu at least that should translate to less reliance on the alternate installation CD. I sure rejoice at the prospect of a friendlier way to install Linux and configure X.