Hello,
The hda_intel driver is only marginally usable on my laptop. I described the problems in detail here:
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/alsa-driver/+bug/488103
In brief, one has to choose between two sets of problems:
1) model=mbp3: broken speakers or 2) model=mb5: working speakers, but noisy headphone output
Neither option provides headphone jack sense.
Neither option is able to access the headset-type microphone available under MacOS through 3-band jacks like this: http://img.tomshardware.com/us/2007/07/19/how_good_is_apples_wired_iphone_he... (MacOS automatically switches from the in-computer mic to the the headset mic -- I haven't been able to get any signal from it despite trying all permutations of alsamixer's capture settings)
I have attached the output of alsa-info.sh.
I'd be happy to help test patches, or other debugging support.
Thanks a lot!
~a