Ubuntu Linux can't adjust Acer / brightness with function (FN) keys

So my Acer uses the "Intel Corporation Mobile 4 Series Chipset Integrated Graphics Controller" aka Intel GMA 4500m.  Alas I can not adjust the brightness via the cool ass function (Fn) keys on the keyboard.  A little meter pops up and tells me the brightness is adjusting, yet it is not.  There are a few fixes out there for this, modifying your grub, etc etc.  But the one I like the most goes something like this.

max bright :

sudo setpci -s "00:02.0" F4.B=00

mediumish bright :

sudo setpci -s "00:02.0" F4.B=C1

screen off :

sudo setpci -s "00:02.0" F4.B=FF

Changing the last two numbers/letters (hex) gently scales the brightness up and down.