I've been following kernel development for a long time. An enhanced, bug fixed kernel is _very_ welcome. Thanks.

> 256 HZ timer: The diablo kernel has a slow 128 HZ timer,
> strongly related to the number of task switches the task
> scheduler can do. This kernel is configured with a 256 HZ
> timer, and additionally the SD scheduler allows a task switch
> within a much more shorter time (defined by the rr_interval
> tunable). This means that the device will be much more
> interactive.

Have you checked what changing to a higher HZ value does to power usage? I suspect it increases it a fair amount. If I remember correctly diablo uses the dyntick patchset to reduce this effect, but there are programs that disable dyntick and cause power to be eaten.

Its probably worth testing with the lower HZ value - suspect it will not make a great difference to response but should help power...

On the scheduler. Have you queried Con about SD vs BFS? A patchset porting a version of BFS to 2.6.21 exists. Depending on what Con suggests, it might be worth trying.

There is also a recent patch set from intel that improves the ondemand policy. On my desktop it gives a noticeable reduction in power usage (my UPS is good for longer). If this can be back ported it would be nice.

Would you happen to have a git tree with the kernel source you are using available?

Thanks Again,
Ed