I know Linux doesn't support standbye or hibernate modes yet. After a time of inactivity, my HP goes into some sort of mode where it blacks out and doesn't respond to the keyboard. It only comes back after repeatedly pushing the power switch and I really haven't figured out a reliable routine for getting it back.
How has anyone else dealt with this?
Actually, Linux does support standby/suspend (with APM) and all functions (standby/suspend/hibernate) with ACPI. I don't think any of them are "on" with SuSE 9.x by default (I may be wrong, feel free to correct me anyone :) The /etc/powersaved file has to be edited to removed the 'disabled' functions - then the options can be accessed via the kpowersave taskbar applette. That being said, I'm not sure what would be causing the "black out." Any chance that your screen saver's set to be power-saving aware (checkbox on screen saver settings), and when it kicks in, it's crashing something? in SAX there's also a tab in the monitor setup that pertains to making the monitor use powersaving modes - another possible place to turn something on/off... In the Control Panels, there's also a display power management section that has 3 sliders for standy/suspend/power off for the monitor... AND, there's also regular power saving options in there too that may have some auto-suspend event enabled on battery power, etc. Hope this gives you something to check...