The general idea behind the new NVIDIA Optimus technology for notebook is that it chooses the best graphics processor for running a given application and automatically routes the workload to either an NVIDIA discrete GPU or Intel integrated graphics – delivering great performance while also providing great battery life. This happens just as a Hybrid car chooses between the gas-powered and electric car engine on-the-fly and uses the most appropriate engine, NVIDIA Optimus technology does the same thing for graphics processors. NVIDIA Optimus Technology instantly directs the workload through the most efficient processor for the job, extending battery life by up to 2 times compared to similarly configured systems equipped with discrete graphics processors (GPUs). When playing 3D games, running videos, or using GPU compute applications the high-performance NVIDIA discrete GPU is used. When using basic applications, like web surfing or email, the integrated graphics processor is used and all this leads to longer lasting battery life without sacrificing great graphics performance.

Now, what we should see are companies like Alienware, for example and others that do have big and powerful gaming laptops to go and integrate Optimus, so that the battery life on these graphic powerhouses won’t be too low. I mean less than an hour on a battery while you are using the laptop for browsing and the powerful video card or even two video cards are actually not being loaded and even needed. Why should we cope up with that when with the help of Optimus the power hungry GPUs can be completely switched off electrically while they are not needed and get lets say two-three-four times longer battery life from the same laptop. Of course when you run a game it should back again switch on the powerful GPU and you’ll be able to take advantage of the top performance although the battery life will be reduced. But then again why should we sacrifice battery life when we don’t need the powerful discrete GPU and that is the most serious issue the Optimus technology is addressing and is doing this with a simple, but very effective approach that simply works for just about everyone. You don’t have to be a power user or aware of the fact you need to switch something by hand every time, it all happens automatically, but only when you need it…

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