Re:Ask HN: Main reason that year of the Linux desktop hasn't...
by ironmagma on Saturday July 18, 2020 @03:35PM
(#23884153)
The freedom of choice for individual components is certainly a benefit of the platform, but I would argue that it also doesn't preclude having a default preset of components that form a cohesive vertical experience. In other words, the defaults should work. That most likely means forking select components, which is what Mint did with Cinnamon, to create a micro-ecosystem that is internally consistent, but they just haven't gone far enough yet.
In order to provide for a consistent, interoperable experience across the stack, you need control of its components. Apple's vertical integration (now making chips!) gives it the ability to make changes in order to provide the 'best' experience (best as in, profit; taking into account consumers express their opinion with their $).
The Linux desktop optimizes for freedom: you can choose what parts you want. That's not conducive to a consistent experience.
One could argue that's not the point. If you want 'the desktop' just buy a Mac. If you want 'the Linux desktop', it's been there for a while now, just go ahead and glue together the parts - that's the point!