While traditionally the purview of computer enthusiasts and gamers, graphics are becoming increasingly important as everyday computer users start watching movies and playing games on PCs.
Optimus works by automatically shutting off the graphics card in a computer when it isn’t in use. For instance, if a computer user is surfing the Web or checking e-mail, Optimus will turn the card off, letting the chipset attached to the computer’s main processor deal with these simpler tasks.
When a user decides to watch a movie, Optimus flips the chip on to deal with the larger data load. By shutting off the graphics card, Optimus could potentially increase battery life five-fold.
Previously, users would have to manually turn off the graphics chip, interrupting whatever programs had been running.
Optimus is expected to be included with an upcoming line of notebooks from Asustek Computer Inc later this year.
Full Story ~ The Wall Street Journal
