Sony, Fujitsu Siemens, and BenQ have announced the availability of notebooks that let users dynamically switch between a discrete NVIDIA GeForce GPU and Intel Centrino 2 integrated graphics without rebooting.

To boost battery life, the hybrid graphics equipped notebooks allow users to select between the Nvidia GeForce GPU and the integrated graphics in the Intel chipset. Users can choose between the fast 3D performance or improved stamina using the integrated Intel graphics.

The hybrid graphics feature is currently available in the Sony VAIO Z series laptops (GeForce 9300M GS GPUs), the Fujitsu Siemens Amilo XI 3650 entertainment laptops (GeForce 9600M GT GPUs) and the BenQ Joybook S42 ultra-light laptops (GeForce 9600M GT GPUs).

For applications like word processing and email, which don?t require performance graphics, battery life can last more than five hours on the Sony Z series. And, most importantly, the switch can be made without rebooting the machine.

"Engineering hybrid graphics was a significant effort between all involved, but the end result was worth it," said Rene Haas, general manager of the notebook business at Nvidia.