Intel 915: the Glass isn't half full, it's completely empty

Josh Bancroft gave a heads up on Twitter last night, but I didn't have time to dig deeper until now; sorry, nothing interferes with '24' on Monday nights. Josh has an under-four minute video with Chuck DeSylva from Intel and Chuck explains why the Intel 915 graphics chipset isn't capable of working with a WDDM driver, i.e.: why UMPCs and notebooks with this chipset can't (and won't ever) run the Aero Glass features of Vista.

I don't think folks are as upset about the lack of Aero Glass as they are about losing functions like Windows DVD Maker and such. While I don't use that function on a UMPC, I can certainly understand the frustration. Bear in mind the timing of the UMPC platform: conceptually, it was started while the coding and feature-set of Vista was still in flux. Additionally, the UMPC was always meant to be a companion device and while some of us push the envelope to make it a primary device, the intent was as a secondary device. Disappointing to be sure, but it's nearly impossible to make a device all things to all people. Anyway, there's plenty of good commentary and thoughts around the blogosphere after the jump.

• Steve gives a warning to new buyers
• Frank wants to use Windows Movie Maker on his UMPC under Vista, but can't
• The Origami Project forum is a-buzzin' on the topic.

Comments

[Matt]

I am just so angry that I can't run either Aero and DVD Maker. The 915 chipset does actually meet the minimium requirements that Aero needs to run, but Intel refuses to make a WDDM driver due to marketing purposes. Everyone that has the 915 chipset is now signing a petition. You can also sign by clicking on my name below. And to think how many people across the globe have the same chipset along with the same problem. It is shame.

WE WANT DRIVERS INTEL!!!!

[ozan]

i want intel to write a WDDM driver for i 915