[ltp] Perhaps some ATI-insider help on driver issues?

[FeRD]

All,

I've noticed (peripherally, since my ThinkPad is a T22 with S3 chip, not 
ATI) a bunch of threads on the list about ATI driver problems on some 
(all?) ATI-based ThinkPads under various Linux distributions. It also 
seems that no resolution has been reached on the issue yet. I wanted to 
offer a possible additional avenue of help.

I have a friend from my college days who works (still, to the best of my 
knowledge) at ATI. Despite the fact that we haven't been in touch in 
years, I believe he would be willing to look into any issues I could 
bring to his attention, and at least let us know if there's any 
assistance he can provide, or obtain from within ATI. (We were very 
close friends and are Fraternity brothers, and such is the bond of 
Brotherhood.) He's an electrical engineer by degree, so he may be able 
to be of some actual help -- it's not like I'm writing their janitor or 
anything. ;)

If those on the list who have been discussing these issues would be 
willing to come to consensus (or elect a representative) and pass on a 
SINGLE, TECHNICALLY-MINDED summary email of the issues you're facing, 
I'd be more than happy to pass it along to him, and see if he responds 
and what his take on the situation is. Don't go crazy with length or 
detail, I'm just looking for an opening salvo -- shot across the bow, if 
you will. If he comes back with a favorable response or any requests for 
more detail, I'll post them to the list or put him in touch with 
one/more of you, depending on what everyone thinks is the best method.

Assume that both he and I know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about the history so 
far or the issues currently being faced, which is true on at least my 
part. I didn't even read to the end of those threads, as they have 
nothing to do with my T22. I'm just trying to do my part here for the 
common good, as I wouldn't mind my NEXT laptop being a more recent 
ThinkPad. Might as well try and get my _future_ problems solved before I 
have them, for once! ;)

If you've already been in touch with the "right people" at ATI and 
there's no point in going this route, then I apologize for the wasted 
message. Although consider that even if ATI's come back with an 
"official response" that isn't favorable, having an insider on your/our 
side to push the right buttons -- or at least make our arguments heard 
-- could make all the difference.

Oh, and -- hopefully -- TEPs are TOPs!
   -FeRD