extra VGA output on laptop

[Anaxagold]

Binary package hint: xserver-xorg-driver-i810

Using a Dell LATITUDE D400 laptop and Ubuntu Edgy-Eft. The extra VGA output has an amazing behaviour not solved by considering that the 855GM chipset is a dualhead chipset.

- at startup the builtin LCD gives a good desktop (neat and clear)
- hitting Fn+F8 the LCD becomes black (the awaited behaviour) and a neat and clear desktop is displayed on a CRT or a video-projector connected on the extra VGA output.
- hitting Fn+F8 once more time gives a neat and clear desktop on the builtin LCD but simultaneously a vibrating desktop displayed on the CRT (or video-projector) connected on the extra VGA output. I expected a neat and clear desktop on the two outputs (I have it with Windows).

This behaviour is gotten in the initial configuration of the xorg.conf file (single device, monitor and screen) and is exactly the same when the xorg.conf file describes a dualhead controller (double device, monitor and screen). Defining a clone display does not solve the problem and blocks the starting of the X server.

Is it a bug or a problem of xorg.conf. Someone can confirm ?

[blahyugi (blahyugi)]

I have had similar experiences on my Asus F3F and gma950. The image displayed on external display is definitely messed up. The only fix I found was an explicit Xinerama configuration that enables both. I'll attach a sample for you. The bad side on that solution is that the vga output gets never disabled and you will have to restart X to get rid of it.

I'd call the problem a X.org bug. Some automatic setting perhaps fails.

[blahyugi (blahyugi)]

... and the issue seems to be common.

[Anaxagold (jean-demartini)]

I have tested your xorg.conf file and it is a progress. But :

- I can see my desktop background image on the 2 screens, but the desktop (toolbars, icons ...) is displayed and active only on the builin LCD screen

- curiously the mouse cursor can be moved on the 2 screen (Xinerama effect). It is possible to move a windows on the 2 screens but only partly because the mouse is uncapable to clic and catch an objet on the extra screen.

- using the keyboard Fn+F8 to commute between the 2 screens freezes the desktop (the mouse has lost its position).

[blahyugi (blahyugi)]

It is afaik supposed to work like that the toolbars and icons are only on
the first desktop.

The second thing and third thing sound like bugs to me. I have not had such
experiences.