[PyOpenGL-Users] Writing portable programs

[Christian <chr...@ya...>]

Hi,

I want to write a new program which visualize some data with OpenGL. 
While reading the docs I am told everywhere to use the new OpenGL 3.x 
model and prevent using deprecated functions. Further I should write my 
own shaders and use VBOs. This sounds very exciting and I would 
immediately use the learned stuff. But I have some concerns regarding 
portability. The program doesn't require much render power and has to 
run on old or low-end hardware. If I would use the new model with GLSL 
1.30 and VBO the program would require very new hardware with OpenGL 3.x 
support (GF 8 series or better) and an updated driver, right? An 
alternative would be to use the old interface which would only require 
let's say OpenGL 1.x. But that's against anything I have been told to.

In which API should I write the program? What are the possibilities 
(extension library, Mesa)?

I appreciate your help!

Christian