D. Nathan Cookson wrote:
I recently contacted ATI regarding their "drivers" for X, because I am working on rebuilding my one machine and was deciding between the ATI 8500 and a Geforce Ti 4200 based card. According to ATI their drivers are 2d only, and not supported by ATI. They have no intentions of releasing anywhere near the support that NVIDIA has with the Detonator Linux Drivers. Even for the upcoming 9700 which they have stated will compete with NVIDIA on all levels. I guess just all levels except Linux.
I once heard of someone who would send certified letters to executives of manufacturers of hardware that woudn't support linux. In these letters he would state his dissatisfaction with the fact that he couldn't use their hardare with linux, and announced his intent to purchase a competitors product. I don't remember what the effect of these letter were, but I'm sure someone takes notice when a consumer takes the trouble to go to such lengths to make a point.
The Radeon 9700 Pro was on my wishlist for a gaming machine I am currently assembling. I would like very much to dual boot this box, but the fact that I might have to wait months, or even a year for even 2d support frustrates me. Maybe a letter to ATI is in ordrer. The machine will be used mostly to play Rogue Spear and the upcoming Raven Shield. The game will be using the UT2003 3d engine, and Ubisoft has announced there will be dedicated linux server software, but made no mention of porting the game itself, so maybe I could fire off a letter to them as well. With all the money I save using linux, I could spend some on USPS certified letters.
Comments or suggestions??