After doing an update of everything, xkbmaps somehow were lost. I tried using previous kernels, and using rescue prompt. nothing worked - mostly because the backlight was off in the rescue consoles. I got rid of the operating system, so I won't be of much help here. T'least now 'tis known that this is a problem that effects the boot up process of linux, and gdm happened to turn it back on when you shut and open the lid.
** Package changed: gnome-power-manager (Ubuntu) => linux-kernel-headers (Ubuntu) -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/709994 Title: backlight turns off when gdm loads -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs