This bug is caused by the new samsung_laptop kernel module which was introduced in kernel 2.6.39. I haven't found any documentation for it but it sems to be written for at least the netbooks. If the module is enabled, the flickering starts on desktop load and can be stopped by changing the baclight brigtness. However, the only available modes are 0%, 10%(estimate) and 100%. The two lowest values are too dark for my eyes and the full backlight uses too much battery power.
WORKAROUND: Disable the kernel module by adding: blacklist samsung_laptop to : /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf ** Summary changed: - samsung-laptop backlight flickering + The new (2.6.39+) samsung_laptop kernel module causes serious backlight flickering - makes the desktop unusable ** Tags added: bitesize hw-specific kernel-graphics usability -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/810093 Title: The new (2.6.39+) samsung_laptop kernel module causes serious backlight flickering - makes the desktop unusable To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/810093/+subscriptions -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs
