Color depth won't stay in 16-bit

Hi,
it's my first time here.

I just got an AAO 150, and I love it. It's running Windows XP.

The only thing I'm having an issue with is the desktop color depth. I want it in 16-bit mode because I get longer life from the battery. I have tried setting 16-bit in the graphics card display properties, and using the desktop display properties. This works until I reboot. Then it boots right back to 32-bit.

Having to reset it each and every time is really driving me nuts.

I see this question has been asked before, but not answered pertaining to XP instead of Linux.

I could really use some help.

Thanks in advance.

Candice in PA

 

Sorry I do not have an answer to your problem but could you give me a rough estimation of just how much this increases your battery life?

 

Kei,
depending on what else I'm doing with the machine- I find I am getting between 30-60 minutes of additional time while on battery. I consider that fairly significant. 16-bit color is also a bit easier on the processor as well.

You simply don't need 32-bit color on a machine this small unless you're doing graphics, which I'm not. This isn't really the type of computer one would want to do graphics on anyway... they call them "netbooks" for a reason... LOL

I really hope someone can answer this question. Having to reset the color every time I boot up is annoying.

Regards,
Candice in PA

 

While I do not have an answer to your question (I don't even have a One yet), I agree that lowering the color depth really helps. For some stupid reason my desktop computer came with a Intel GMA 950 which is the same as the One, and it has barely any power at all in 32-Bit. In 16-bit I get lots more FPS and can often even raise graphic quality settings higher on games, just in exchange for a little dithering on the screen, which IMO is worth it.

 

It's definitely worth it. The One isn't the fastest machine I've used, and every little bit helps. Who needs 32 bit just for web surfing?

I really like the computer though. I got the Fingerprint Magnet Blue color...

It really does collect fingerprints, but it doesn't really bother me.

The thing I can't understand is the reviewers on Amazon complaining about the fan noise- uh- *what* fan noise????? Mine is extremely quiet. I can't even hear the fan.

Be aware, that if you do get this, the wifi is flaky. You will need to update the wifi drivers right away. Links to the very latest version from Atheros can be found in the wifi forum. Mine was disconnecting constantly- since updating the drivers it's been working fine.

For the money I don't think any other netbook can top it. I really am enjoying it.

Candice in PA

 

On my AAO I can switch to 16 bit and reboot without a problem. I have however reformated the HDD and did a fresh install of XP. I suspect your problem may lay with Intel programs that automatically startup with XP. Look into it and remember they use up resources and we all know how meager they are in this case. You may want to disable them (you can use them as you need them from within Windows) select "run" then type 'msconfig' and take a look at the startup items.
Let us know if this helped and good luck.

PS Thanks for reminding me that lowering the color depth can affect battery life. I am switching to 16 bit when on battery power.

 

acron1,
I used msconfig and disabled whatever Intel graphics entries I found that were non-essential from the startup tab.

No joy. It's still going right back to 32 bit color after I reboot.

I don't know what else to try at this point. It doesn't affect the usability of the machine, it's just really annoying.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

Candice in PA

 

The launch manager program causes the color depth to automatically switch to 32-bit upon launch. I have removed mine from startup. You will lose the graphical indicators when pressing the "Fn" buttons, although, the buttons themselves will still work.

 

I disabled launch manager.

It boots up in 16 bit now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are a genius!

Thank you so much for the tip!

16 bit is much easier on the battery, and I don't really need the bells and whistles launch manager offers anyway. I've got my XP lean and mean, a minimum of stuff running in the background, and the interface is set to "classic"- you know- the Win 98 look instead of XP's default Fisher-Price scheme. Ugh.

It's a netbook- battery life is my first priority.

Thanks again for solving my problem!

Candice in PA