Desktop Environment Showcase

[ikarus2k]

Please list any Desktop Environments, not just for Linux, you like and find inspiring. Maybe we can find some great ideas for Ubuntu.

Here's my pick:

http://cairoshell.com/downloadsmain/images/CairoConceptExplorer_thumb.jpg http://cairoshell.com/downloadsmain/images/CairoConceptStartReplacementAndTask_thumb.jpg
name: Cairo shell alternative (http://www.cairoshell.com) (for Windows Vista)

description: "Originally created to be a Samurize configuration with a floating task bar and hovering 'start' menu, Cairo has since evolved into a full desktop replacement for the Microsoft Windows operating system developed in WPF and C#. Cairo is currently under development and will be freeware, but is not open-source." (cairoshell.com)

personal opinion: it looks like a (successfull) mix between OSX and Vista. I especially like the new start bar concept, using as much space as possible without being obtrusive.

[the8thstar]

Wow. Beautiful. I hope they release it, and I hope it's stable too!!!

Personally, I like Gnome + Elegant Brit at the moment (gnome-look.org (http://gnome-look.org))

[Vadi]

Name: Compiz 0.7.6 from some Launchpad PPA I found.

Description: It has the cylinder & sphere plugins.

My view: The cube looks so old now...

In regards to Cairo, I saw that thing before. But in your screenshot the contrast of black and white applications don't make it a good combination on your eyes for long.

[the8thstar]

Ha, I'm in one one of your screenshots Vadi! I knew I'd make it to stardom one day. :)

[meborc]

has been around for a while and seems to be progressing slowly, but still...

ENLIGHTENMENT

some screens here (elivecd home) - http://www.elivecd.org/Main/Screenshots/

[ikarus2k]

the8thstar: yeah, I like Elegant Brit Desktop (http://code.google.com/p/elegant-brit-desktop/) allot too :D. Sadly, it's not really suited for general use (my 'ma would go "so where are the buttons, everything is grey"). BTW, it's more a theme, then a DE ;)

Vadi: those pictures aren't final. The second picture I think is a development shot of theirs (aka I agree with you). There is a GTK theme of Cairo (http://kims-area.com/?q=node/41), if you like.

[the8thstar]

the8thstar: yeah, I like Elegant Brit Desktop (http://code.google.com/p/elegant-brit-desktop/) allot too :D. Sadly, it's not really suited for general use (my 'ma would go "so where are the buttons, everything is grey"). BTW, it's more a theme, then a DE ;)

Hence the "Gnome + Elegant Brit".

I hope Cairo for Windows can happen. That would bring back some interest in using Vista.

[Mazza558]

I want Cairo for Linux :(

[acelin]

I want Cairo for Linux :(

Some have said the theme I am working on for Gnome in Ibex looks like Cairo, only not black.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Intrepid/Clear_Intrepid

[Vadi]

Oh I remember seeing your theme before. I think it's awesome, but is the "a bit too far ahead for most" to be in by default. I do hope it'll be easily accessible (read - preinstalled, we can drop some of the oooold themes) though :)

[pt123]

Cairo, why are they using that name considering it is a prominent graphics library on Linux.

I like Elegant Brit too the most origininal and prettiest Gnome theme.

[acelin]

Oh I remember seeing your theme before. I think it's awesome, but is the "a bit too far ahead for most" to be in by default. I do hope it'll be easily accessible (read - preinstalled, we can drop some of the oooold themes) though :)

I have removed transparency without compromising its advanced look. It is all possible now!

[ikarus2k]

Another addition. I use this on the Mac, I just can't emphasize enough how useful this is.

http://docs.blacktree.com/lib/exe/fetch.php?w=&h=&cache=cache&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blacktree.com%2Fquicksilver %2Fimages%2Fscreenshots%2FBezel.s.gif

Name: Quicksilver
Desscription:
"At first glance, Quicksilver is a launcher.
When opened, it will create a catalog of applications and some frequently used folders and documents. Activate it, and you can search for and open anything in its catalog instantly. The search is adaptive, so Quicksilver will recognize which items you are searching for based on previous experience. It also supports abbreviations, so you can type entire words, or just fragments of each. When not in use, Quicksilver vanishes, waiting for the next time you summon it." (blacktree.com)

This video on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBvFUhTqKK4) can better explain how this works.

Is there something similar for Ubuntu as well (aside from ALT+F2)?

[pt123]

Is there something similar for Ubuntu as well (aside from ALT+F2)?

Gnome-Do does something very similar(it is based on Quicksilver). I love Gnome-DO.

[cardinals_fan]

Is there something similar for Ubuntu as well (aside from ALT+F2)?
Katapult is almost identical.

I prefer dmenu - it works just as well and is very light.

[the8thstar]

Gnome-Do is a useless gadget.

I hope they'll release Cairo on the 29th as they promised.

EDIT: Well, they won't apparently. I guess they wanted to deliver too soon. Back to Aero for now...

[acelin]

Gnome-Do is a useless gadget.

I hope they'll release Cairo on the 29th as they promised.

EDIT: Well, they won't apparently. I guess they wanted to deliver too soon. Back to Aero for now...

It was an internal Alpha.

[the8thstar]

It was an internal Alpha.

It was misleading. I thought they meant to release to the public as an alpha. I guessed the 29th was just a milestone then.

[spupy]

name: Cairo shell alternative (http://www.cairoshell.com) (for Windows Vista)

description: "Originally created to be a Samurize configuration with a floating task bar and hovering 'start' menu, Cairo has since evolved into a full desktop replacement for the Microsoft Windows operating system developed in WPF and C#. Cairo is currently under development and will be freeware, but is not open-source." (cairoshell.com)

personal opinion: it looks like a (successfull) mix between OSX and Vista. I especially like the new start bar concept, using as much space as possible without being obtrusive.

Whoa, does it run in Wine? ;)

[etnlIcarus]

Blackbox 4 Win and it's various forks. I use BBLean on XP. It's a little dated now but it still beats the default Windows shell by a mile.