Why turning Ubuntu into a touchscreen tablet OS?

[parkland]

I've been using ubuntu for awhile now... since 7.xx ish.
I do not understand why this is turning into a touchscreen tablet operating system?

The default current features and set up, seem like they should be an add-on rather than the integral function. I realise that things change and being an upbeat OS, decisions needed to be made to keep up to date, but where is it going now?
I know I could go download linux mint, install it on all our computers, but I was really hoping it wouldn't come down to that- but that's also not the point.
Ubuntu has evolved as a desktop OS, why the sudden push to make it act like a smart phone?

I realise there are issues that prevent using gnome 2, but is that it? all out of options? I am probably one of many people, who have used and promoted ubuntu for a long time, and now I am strongly considering jumping ship to another distro. I know it's no hair off anyones back, but still I feel confused as to why this move was done.

Why couldn't there have been a "tablet" version of ubuntu, leaving the main OS version as a normal desktop with familiar functionality and navigation?

I keep reading threads all over the internet about people whining about unity, and then there's always tricks and solutions to avoid unity : I tried most of them, and got nothing but weird issues.... seems like theres always just that one more thing to get right. And then I did updates, and unity repaired and re-installed itself. After me trying every command line to get the scrollbars the normal way, title bars the normal way, etc, etc....

I just feel like its a real pity, ubuntu was doing SOOOOO great, and so many people were so comfortable with it, then this radical change that was just to much for some people.
I can't understand why they didn't just keep improving the wonderful product they had, instead, they basically said "ah **** it, let's just go wild here and do whatever. Skies the limit boys!! Ya think we can shrink the install image enough to fit on an SD card for a tablet???"

And I do feel bad complaining about a product which costs me nothing, especially considering all the work that gets put into these works of art, but I just don't feel like these newer releases are going to appeal to as many users, myself included.

I really think the main goal within the community right now should be to get the desktop running in the previous manner, providing a sense of security and familiarity to the user. If I want a sidebar, I'll look around in the software downloads for one. If I want my menu's to run like a mac computer, I'll go read how to do it. Just make sure the default session is something useable and familiar, and stable.

The default ubuntu version should ALWAYS be the familiar desktop environment!!!!!!!!!

Not everyone has a touchscreen!!!!!!!

[Version Dependency]

I know I could go download linux mint, install it on all our computers, but I was really hoping it wouldn't come down to that-

You won't find any desktop available on Mint or Fedora or any other distro that isn't available on Ubuntu. Nothing wrong with distro hopping...but it's probably not a good idea to distro hop expecting to find a new DE you like.

I realise there are issues that prevent using gnome 2, but is that it? all out of options?

You have plenty of options...in fact, you have MORE options now than you did previously. If you loved Gnome 2 and just can't live without, the next LTS (12.04) will have a Gnome Classic session available in the Software Center that is very much like the old Gnome 2 desktop experience. Read about it here. I recently tested it out on 12.04 and found it to work fantastic.

Other (probably less satisfactory solutions) include installing XFCE, MATE, or Cinnamon and seeing how you like those desktops. You could also install a Compiz standalone session (read about it here) but that's a bit more advanced. Heck, install 12.04 in a virtual machine and install all of the above and see how you like them.

I can't understand why they didn't just keep improving the wonderful product they had, instead, they basically said "ah **** it

The Gnome people ended Gnome 2...not Ubuntu. And there is no point in continuing to support a desktop that isn't developed or maintained.

[parkland]

I may try just what you said.

However I still feel like so many people will be frustrated and not bother. Ultimately it is their loss, but it is just too bad.

There was a moment in time... when windows XP was really popular... that everyone was so familiar with that interface. It had the same basic layout, yet features for almost anything, and still today loved to death by many.

I feel like ubuntu was at that stage, right before unity.

[click4851]

Dude...Simple, its that way cuz Mark wants it that way...no point in asking why.

[Tamlynmac]

parkland

Your story is very similar to mine, I even started with 7.04. My family & I have been Ubuntu "only" since that time (3 desktops and numerous laptops - fluctuates). We also became frustrated with the new releases, finding them undesirable for our use. Like you, I've been a proponent of Ubuntu for quite some time. Convincing family, friends and associates to try it and then helping them to negotiate with the learning curve.

As a user, I appear to be in the minority as many others find the new releases totally acceptable. Which is primarily why I refuse to invest in bashing it. Instead, I've turned to Xubuntu and found that it's something we can live with. As a desktop/laptop OS, it fits our needs and is easily configurable. When support runs out for 10.04 in 2013, we will switch all our systems over to Xubuntu. Regardless of what we think, we're only a few users and obviously we don't represent the majority of present Ubuntu users.

Ubuntu has been our OS of choice for quite some time. Simply because we no longer find it acceptable, doesn't equate to impacting how it may be perceived by others. With all the available choices under the Canonical umbrella, I see no benefit in complaining with respect to the decisions of Canonical regarding Ubuntu's future. My only recommendation for those users who find the new Ubuntu releases lacking, is to investigate alternative distros and identify which one best meets their needs and expectations.

I've read it here for years - "Just Use What Works For You".
Good Luck

[Handssolow]

Dude...Simple, its that way cuz Mark wants it that way...no point in asking why.

Wonderful comments, short and full of insight.

[rmil]

The solution is just very simple Ubuntu guys should make things more adjustable. Means that user should be able to customize surrounding in the way he likes.

For example even you are using Unity you should be able to easy put Application button in the middle of the screen if you like that.

[mastablasta]

There was a moment in time... when windows XP was really popular... that everyone was so familiar with that interface. It had the same basic layout, yet features for almost anything, and still today loved to death by many.

wait till windows 8 metro comes out then start talking about windows

anyway as explained Gnome dropped gnome 2 and made gnome 3. since everyhitng was reworked anyway Ubuntu went on to design their Unity interface. The idea was that the interface would/could be the same wheather you used Ubuntu on a PC, Tablet, Phone or TV. and as i know they succeded in that. however the project just began and more improvements are to come that will make life easier for those that continue to use Gnome. I suspect thta in time we will also see more themes for gnome which are now as i understand quite limted in numbers. And i believe Unity keeps the Gnome "charm" in that it is very easy for beginners to understand. they might make it even easier in the future.

That said, ther ei snothing else in using any other interface you might like such as KDE (if you like windows style desktop) or XFCE (if you like old gnome look).

[parkland]

The idea was that the interface would/could be the same wheather you used Ubuntu on a PC, Tablet, Phone or TV. and as i know they succeded in that.

Regrdless of how successful that idea is, would it not be yet more effective so stick to the desktop style OS for the main release?

[wolfen69]

Regrdless of how successful that idea is, would it not be yet more effective so stick to the desktop style OS for the main release?

Unity IS a desktop style user interface. If you don't like it, there is xfce, kde, and other windows-like interfaces. You have more choices now than before, isn't that good?

Did you know that a gnome 2-like DE is available? See gnome classic in 12.04, like nothing ever changed.

Very easy to have what you had before.