I download the KDE live CD version (they also have a Gnome version, as well as a full install version) and booted it up on my main PC. I was a little disappointed to discover that the latest beta release had issues with auto-installing Nvidia 3D drivers. However, I soon learned that the fix had already been made and will be in the next release (RC1) later this week.
But I really wanted to try out this new Linux 3D desktop for myself. So I brought the CD in with me to the office this morning and tried it out on my PC (which has a ATI card).
I have to say, WOW, do I ever like the AIGLX environment. It booted up just fine off of the live CD and I've been playing with it for the past half hour.
I know, it's a bunch of fluff and eye-candy, but you know, I'm having fun with it and am looking forward to having this interface as my default on my home PC.
The 3D cube thing is cool, but what I really like are the minimize / maximize effects of the application windows, as well as the fade-in and out of the menus.
I think it's really slick and I think Mandriva has done a wonderful job implementing it into their system. To have all of this running off of a live CD... well that's just kick ass!
Vista, nothin'. The Linux desktop is where it's at! But you already knew that.
I guess I should stop and get some work done now. I'm certainly going to be demonstrating this at our next office LUG meeting next week.
