Which core duo Thinkpad Graphics card for hardware 3D?

[cozzykim]

Hi folks,

I've been running a T41p and subsequently a T42p as my Linux box (PCLinuxOS)

Neither of these machines has a hardware 3D graphics driver (Radeon 7500 and FireGL T2) and a 3D desktop is a no go.

I'm looking at buying a replacement machine, either a T400, T500 or W500 (times are hard, I don't think I can run to a T410)

Which graphics hardware is best supported by the Catalyst (fglrx) or proprietary NVidia drivers.

There's so much conflicting information about the drivers that I can't work out which machine is going to perform best for a 3D desktop.

I think some advice from personal experience is needed.

Does anyone have one of these machines running a KDE/Plasma desktop O.K.

Thanks

[cozzykim]

Okay, how about a more specific question;

Does the FireGl V5700 work with the current Catalyst/fglrx drivers, the information on Thinkwiki seems to be 2 yrs old?

I also found a site that said that the V5700 uses the r600 driver

[Brian10161]

I've run Linux (Mint/Fedora/Ubuntu) on my T60 and the ATi Radeon x1300 worked quite nicely with the graphics desktop. I can't remember if I was using the catalyst drivers under Linux or not, all I know is it pretty much worked out of the box.

Might be a cheaper option for you if your not specifically looking for a T400/500

[Jedicien]

I own a T400 laptop, without Ati graphics. I don't use KDE but Gnome 3 works great with the GMA 4500MHD and his open source driver.
I also have a T42 (which is really similar to the T42p), with the Ati Mobility 7500.
I'm nearly sure that the Radeon HD 3470 should work with Catalyst.