Maximizing the use of screen space on netbook computers is critical, and it really helps when the desktop environment correctly size window to fit the screen. While writing about the KDE, Unity, and Gnome 3 desktops for my Basic Linux course, I made some interesting discoveries.
For the KDE Project, I discovered the Plasma Netbook Workspace. For KDE SC 4.7, you just need to go to Configure Desktop -> Workspace Behavior -> Workspace and change the value from Desktop to Netbook. For the Plasma Netbook Workspace, the application launcher are on the Workspace, including Krunner, which is a great way to find applications. Windows open as maximized, and the task bar slide off the top of the screen. The title bar is part of the task bar, so the application window has the entire screen. To launch additional applications, or switch between applications, just press <Alt> and then tab the <Tab> key, and select the the workspace you want. With the Plasma Workspace, I have not found a window that does not size correctly to the screen. I knew I switched to openSUSE for a reason.
Ubuntu’s Unity desktop was original designed for netbooks. For maximized screens, the window’s title bar and menu bar are merged into the task bar. However, the task bar is always visible. With a maximized window, the application launcher slides off to the side of the screen. I found that some windows, such as the Preferences window for Shutter, extend below the screen. I discovered that it doesn’t just chop off the window, but just alides into the Workspace below the current Workspace. To access the missing portion, you need to slide the mouse to the left side of the screen to access the application launcher panel, open the Workspace icon, double click on the Workspace that has the missing portion, make the selections you want, and then repeat the process in again to go back to the original workspace.
Gnome 3 makes no attempt to optimize the desktop for netbooks. However, unlike Unity, windows that extend below the screen do not appear in the lower workspace. I have tried different themes, and still have the same problem. Gnome 3 definitely is not netbook friendly.
I am sticking with the Plasma Netbook Workspace, as it gives me more window space, does not have windows that extend below the screen, and makes application launching far easier. Plus, plasmoids are really cool, and have their own page.
5 comments ↓
So is it safe to say that Unity and Gnome 3 suck? (For Netbooks that is)… Agree 100%
Lubuntu and Xubuntu have the same problems with the window sizing for some windows. Since it also occurs on Fedora, I am beginning that it is a GTK+ issue. I have two distros installed (openSUSE and Mageia) that use the KDE Plasma Desktop, and neither one has screen sizing problems. With seven distros spread across two external drives and the internal drive, I have run out of disks for more tests.
I’ve had this kind of an issue with my 12″ laptop and Gnome since Gnome 2.x! Evolution was another application where the “OK” extends off the screen.
In Unity, instead of using the sidebar to get to the 2nd desktop, I would use Ctrl+Alt+[down arrow]. It’s a lot faster.
One thing that Unity helps with is the commands toolbar (File, Edit, etc…) are integrated in the top panel with a Global Menu so that shrinks the vertical aspect of the window slightly.
I haven’t tried the Plasma Netbook workspace in a while so I wonder if it is better than when I last tried it (probably,.. KDE seems to be doing a good job lately).
Gnome 3 may be slightly better if you use a theme that shrinks the title bar. That thing is HUGE in the default Gnome-shell themes! What were they thinking?
Between Gnome-shell and Unity, I’d say Unity is a bit ahead in design respect (and for netbooks), while KDE Plasma Netbook was pretty good when I last fooled around with it.
[...] Desktops for Netbooks – KDE, Unity, or Gnome Maximizing the use of screen space on netbook computers is critical, and it really helps when the desktop environment correctly size window to fit the screen. While writing about the KDE, Unity, and Gnome 3 desktops for my Basic Linux course, I made some interesting discoveries. [...]
Thanks for the Unity hint, it is definitely a lot easier.
I have tried several Gnome 3 themes. While some reduce the number of problems, they are still there. The big problem for me is when the font get so small that I cannot read it.
The Plasma Netbook Workspace for the KDE Project (I am trying to get used to the correct name) has improved. It gives full use of the screen space, as the task panel slides out of view. Launching applications is really easy. You might want to check it out again. Plus, I can read the screen without having to put on my reading glasses. Besides, I really like Krunner. I just type yt in the krunner box, and it launches the browser to YouTube. I use as a calculator, unit converter, power manager, and keep finding more things that I can do.
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