Discussion threads are abuzz with the advantages and cons vis-a-vis Ubuntu Unity Vs Gnome 3 Shell. Being a Linux Mint 10 user, I was waiting for some news on what Linux Mint will chose for the next release (LM 11). I was a bit disappointed when LM 11 choose not to embrace either of them. For the time being Gnome 2 will be continued. I can live with that with my PC for some time, but meanwhile I thought about buying a new laptop. I would like to have the cutting edge Linux OS for the new laptop, and perhaps Linux Mint 11 would be a no go, though touted as very good otherwise.
Linux Mint 11 rejects both Gnome 3 and Unity for now
There has been a bit of bile venting on both sides, but Gnome 3 seemed to have weathered out pretty well. It has been refered to as 'simple to the extreme' with 'some new features, but not much'. Others call call Gnome 3 'evolutionary', but Unity a 'toy for netbooks'. Meanwhile, Ubuntustudio, one of the distros I breifly considered as a poosible laptop candidate moved in to quickly announce that they are adopting XFCE, rather that grapple with Unity or Gnome 3. Linux Mint project, the grape vine goes, is moving closer to Debian.
Linux Mint, as it turns out, might have a good point here. While Gnome 3 is quite stable, same it not the case with Unity. It seems to crash a lot or not work most of the time. Fedora 15 seems to run fine with Gnome 3 , whereas Ubuntu 11.04 with Unity is facing a tough time. Unity do have some support, especially the way its menu is bult. Others feel Unity is quite fine and well suited for newbie Linux users. Some feels that Gnome 3 is more responsive, logical and easy.
When it comes to Gnome 3 Vs KDE 4.6, users complain the lack of flexibility in Gnome 3. KDE still looks a lot like Windows 97 and may not appeal a lot for those who like a less Windowish experience. I was a long time user of KDE on SUSE, when I was trying to appeal to new converts from Windows. Now that era being behind me, I have to fight the Mac crowd now. Anything different appeals.
Unity is based on Gnome 2 as of now, but will switch over to Gnome 3 with the next release. I have a feeing that both will start look alike after a few months. So Ubuntu should have gone with Gnome 3, rather than creating a fork, which is not a lot different. It will be worthwhile to test all the DEs from live DVDs or USBs and see how things work for you.
There have been issues with performance and bugs with both the DEs. Unity seems to be a power drainer for the laptops. Both are moving into Windows Mac 'give-users no-flexibility pardigm' to keep them dump to the extent possible. The purported move towards touch interfaces motivates some of the new features, but only a few will like to type on glass as of now.
Best choice at the moment therfore seems to be to stick with Gnome 2 or shift to KDE 4.6. XFCE is also turning out to be a top contenter. Or else continue with Linux Mint, which will remain faithful to Gnome 2 atleast till the next release. By the end of the year hopefully Gnome 3 and Unity may improve its useability and performance.
Further reading:
Ubuntu 11.04 Natty Narwhal Reviewed: This is My Favorite Ubuntu EVER!
Ubuntu 11.04 Natty Narwhal - Reactions from Users
No comments:
Post a Comment