The problem is in the via x11 driver, not Google Earth. This is why no complex 3D application works on the VIA Unichrome. Have also tried Beryl on it and got an error related to the driver of not supporting dual extensions.
The bug report should be reopened. Check UbuntuForums if you don't thrust me. ** Also affects: xserver-xorg-video-via (Ubuntu) Importance: Undecided Status: Unconfirmed -- Google Earth Beta 4 does not display properly https://launchpad.net/bugs/49782 -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs