Linux Mint 12 to Blend GNOMEs 2 & 3

dartttt writes "Linux Mint 12 'Lisa' will come with its own customized desktop and it will be based on Gnome 3. The core desktop will be based on a series of Gnome Shell extensions called 'MGSE' (Mint Gnome Shell Extensions) that will provide a layer on top of Gnome 3. MGSE also includes additional extensions such as a media player indicator, and multiple enhancements to Gnome 3. Thus Linux Mint 12 will be more like a hybrid desktop balancing traditional desktop and new modern technologies."

Netbooks

[Xanny]

Why don't they just fork the GNOME project into small and large form factors? That might be a misnomer - its more like close and far displays, because you would probably like a Gnome 3 style interface when you are 10 - 15' away from the screen. Hopefully the devs working on Unity and Gnome realize that end users just want customization. Nothing wrong with introducing start menu search and OSX style docks but let the user decide how they want their desktop configured, because you never know what they want. I use XFCE right now, but the lack of a built in global application search drives me insane, and the inability to get a Windows 7 / Unity esque task bar where I can pin applications rather than have duplicate quick launch / active windows buttons is a feature I miss. The inability to drag / drop apps to a panel is also extremely cumbersome. Then again, you can't really complain about all of the X desktop environments because you could just go fork the project and fix them yourselves if you didn't like something.

Re:Netbooks

[Sancho]

Then why is iOS so popular?

Many on Slashdot would say that it's because iOS devices are status symbols. That real, discerning users use Android.

It's because the interface is pleasing to use and doesn't require a lot of customization.

Right. It is a sane set of defaults that work well for most people.

While GNOME's audience right now might be configuration-obsessed Linux users, they're trying to branch out into the audience that includes grandmas and teenagers with this new interface by making it simpler (in the long run, I mean, when people get used to it). I think that's as good of a goal as any, and it's only going to make GNOME more popular in the long run.

Only if they provide good, useful defaults. Low-configuration plus low-usability doesn't usually make something popular.

As ever

[AdmV0rl0n]

Mint and its devs have had a bit of thought, and unlike some others I could mention actually have a core idea on what to give users. But then Mint has for quite a long time been a very good distro specifically for end users. And frankly, Linux needs at least one to be so.

So, in the next round of new Distro updates, Mint will again top the distrowatch charts, and deservedly so. The other distro's need to start taking note, becasue they think they are leading and others will follow. In truth, Mint is leading because Mint's process and view on users is ballpark correct, and many of distro's are off target.

As for Ubuntu and Unity. Well. Not much to be said there. They need to learn the lesson but seem to be determined to drop themselves down the distrowatch chart.

Re:Why the GNOME 3 hate?

[rubycodez]

no, that's brilliantly adding unnecessary steps to what should be a *single fucking click*, which is of course very dim-witted.

W00t! Gnome looks like Win95 again

[halfdan the black]

What is the obsession with Windows 95 being the gold standard on which all desktop environments need to be based???

I for one really like Gnome 3 because it is finally no longer a Windows 95 clone like Gnome 2. I'm sorry to people whose first computer used Windows 95 or any of the other Windows 95 based desktops (like Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, KDE or Gnome 2.x), folks there are other ways to use a computer.

So, Mint took Gnome 3, and made it look like Windows 95 again, freaking great!.

Re:Netbooks

[jbolden]

Maybe not. A computer is a device someone interacts with for complex tasks 8+ hrs a day. A phone is a device someone interacts with for ad-hoc tasks possibly as little as 10 minutes a day (excluding time actually talking on the phone).

I could see those two interfaces never converging.