Laptop Video Cards
If there's one topic that's resulted in an obscene amount of confusion for notebook buyers, graphics are it. Although the level of quality varies, laptop video cards are responsible for the images on the computer screen. They can feature an assortment of functions and are capable of vast image resolution adjustments. Professional designers and animators are some of the main consumers, however, video gamers are notorious for using high end laptop video cards.
Video cards have been in existence since 1981, however, most merely supported text adjustments. The earliest cards were configured purely for use in desktop machines, but with the ascent of the laptop in the 1990s and early 21st century, cards were added to laptops. Still, the power of laptop video cards continues to trail those in desktop computers. Although not solely a PC design, modern laptops from Apple do not employ a video card in the same vein as PCs. They have an advanced form of integrated graphics processing.
What Is An Integrated Graphics Processor?
Laptop video cards enable a laptop to generate images onto the computer screen. While a lot of laptops use an integrated graphics processor that is built into the motherboard, many modern machines have moved to separate graphics accelerator cards which plug into the motherboard and can be upgraded when needed. The video cards control the level and details of the image. The varying quality of laptop video cards determines what level of graphics are possible by the computer, whether the laptop can only play videos or if gaming and animation are possible.
Many laptop video cards are capable of enhanced functions beyond mere screen display. Some offer the power to capture video with cameras, MPEG-4 decoding, FireWire plugs and light pen adapters. The most advanced cards feature TV tuners which permit the viewing of television on a laptop. A feature of most modern laptops is the ability to link up to multiple monitors. Many individual users travel with their laptop doing work and then return to their home or office and plug the laptop into a larger monitor, in essence creating a desktop. Some can even create multiple monitor settings, which enable users to view two different components simultaneously on two screens.
Laptop video cards are not exclusively used for video gamers, though advanced cards allow for improved graphic acceleration. They have a more comprehensive ability to improve what is viewed on a computer monitor for the average user as well as the professional. Many users have transformed their laptop into their entire working and entertainment life, using the computer for business and then for watching television and movies and listening to music.
The Ability To Handle Demanding Graphics
Possibly the most substantial use for video cards professionally is by graphic designers and 3D animators. Because of the intense resolutions and optimum display settings demanded for their work, laptop video cards generally must be state-of-the-art. Most graphics cards support a pixel count of 1024 x 768 and 256 different colors. They also have onboard memory in order to aid in the processing of images and graphics. This most frequently ranges in size from 128MB to 4GB. This allows professionals to generate their work with more speed and better image resolution.
Some new high performance laptop and portable computer manufacturers are coming out with models that enable users to upgrade the video card or video accelerator it came shipped with. Unless you're one of the fortunate few who have one of these types of laptops or portable computer you will not be able to upgrade your video card. If you are uncertain if your laptop or portable computer is this type of computer it is recommended that you contact the laptop manufacturer for additional information.
Choosing Between ATI & NVIDIA Video Cards
The two major suppliers of graphics processors for laptops are ATI and NVIDIA. ATI has been supplying graphics processors for laptops for many years and they have a proven track record when it comes to supplying powerful yet energy efficient graphics chips. NVIDIA is the desktop graphics powerhouse when it comes to 3D graphics acceleration and they were the first to bring many of these same features to the laptop realm.
Whether you use ATI Radeon or NVIDIA, always use your Internet Service to check for the latest video card drivers. Many computer users don't the best performance out of their video cards because they continue to use outdated drivers.
While it’s true that there are a modest number of laptops out there with an upgradeable video chipset solution, such as MXM, Axiom, or Dell’s proprietary slot, these are far and away the minority. For most laptops, upgrading the internal video chipset is just not an option. Can't upgrade your video card internally? There still may be a solution...um, on the horizon.
ATI made and exibited external graphic card boxes at Computex in Taiwan late last year, however the idea really hasn't energized anyone to undertake manufacturing. Called the XGP (external graphics platform), the technology is basically at a stand still and not available as of yet.
Finally, ASUS has the XG Station, which is an external device equipped with Express Card interface, USB 2.0, and Dolby sound output. The XG Station will come equipped with an ASUS EN7900GS graphics card (which is an existing high-end desktop card) that will be connected through the XG Station to any notebook equipped with an Express Card interface. This looks like your best bet for something actually materializing in the very near future.