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GMDesk: Desktop client for Gmail, Google Docs, Google Reader, etc
The concept is sound, but the execution leaves a bit to be desired. We've seen other attempts at taking web apps away from the browser. Bubbles and Mozilla Prism are two examples. But as with those programs, GMDesk just doesn't seem to offer much functionality that you couldn't get from a browser. What's more, while Prism and Bubbles offer stripped-down browser-style windows that tend to be a little lighter on your computer's RAM usage than Firefox or Internet Explorer, GMDesk eats 100+ MB of RAM as soon as you launch it.
There are two other factors that make GMDesk a bit limiting. First, the fonts in Gmail are kind of small and awkward to read. And second, you can only have one window open at a time. So if you like to keep both Gmail and Google Reader open throughout the day, you're going to want to fire up a web browser.
That isn't to say that GMDesk is useless. If the developer can reduce the RAM usage, and/or allow you to open multiple windows or multiple tabs, it would be nice for Gmail addicts to keep a window open all day while resisting the temptation to do some web surfing when they should be working.
[via CyberNet]
Comments
15
Subscribe to commentssodium11Aug 29th 2008 5:13PM
Just tried this for 30 seconds and it falls short. Usually, I just keep a separate firefox window open with my Gmail / Reader / etc. open in tabs. I get the same ctrl-1 ctrl-2 functionality. The key thing that makes it worse than this option is that it doesn't keep each separate session going when you switch to a different app. Thus if I open up an email message in gmail, copy an address, switch to google maps, map the address, and then switch back to gmail, i'm back at my inbox.
The overhead of having a separate app open, and this switching delay, outweigh the "benefit" of not having to open your browser to check email. Firefox 3 doesn't take up that much in resources.
sodium11Aug 29th 2008 4:55PM
Just tried this for 30 seconds and it falls short. Usually, I just keep a separate firefox window open with my Gmail / Reader / etc. open in tabs. I get the same ctrl-1 ctrl-2 functionality. The key thing that makes it worse than this option is that it doesn't keep each separate session going when you switch to a different app. Thus if I open up an email message in gmail, copy an address, switch to google maps, map the address, and then switch back to gmail, i'm back at my inbox.
The overhead of having a separate app open, and this switching delay, outweigh the "benefit" of not having to open your browser to check email. Firefox 3 doesn't take up that much in resources.
lzizAug 29th 2008 5:13PM
google docs doesnt even work with it. try creating a new document to find out
cool idea though. I just created a little app in VB 2008 express has GMAIL in the browser window. 2mb of RAM!
neoAug 29th 2008 6:40PM
I've got a great idea... Let's take an app that's designed for the web and wrap it in a pseudo browser that installs on your desktop. Oh wait, it doesn't install, it's a "air" application. What's that mean? Now you have to bend over and take if from Adobe. "Waring: your adobe air runtime is out of date. Please update." Give me more please! I'm going to submit this to the failblog....
archerAug 30th 2008 7:45AM
still looking for an air app that actually works, so i'll try yet another.
hoping this is the exception to the rule
OneTheyCallGSKAug 30th 2008 7:45AM
http://site.gameshowkid.com/?page_id=24
"GMLive". Under 2 MB. Simple Gmail app. Screenshot included.
Basically..designed for a flash drive.
archerAug 30th 2008 7:46AM
unbelievable.
it's always something with air apps.
this time the function was actually quite good in that gmail loaded much quicker than in my browser. trouble is, once it loaded quickly, i could barely read it the font was so small, and with no way to adjust it.
too bad.
another fail for adobe air
edwardAug 30th 2008 7:46AM
I want local storage of email and some form of push email with detailed notifications and support for multiple accounts logged in simultaneously.
RauzAug 30th 2008 8:08AM
I'm a huge fan of Mailplane for the Mac.
http://mailplaneapp.com/
wperkins48Aug 30th 2008 10:07AM
I'm trying to understand the Adobe Air/Bubbles/Prizm/Google Gears appeal and it has eluded me. Can someone explain why people should use these programs for accessing web applications over using their web browser?
I have tried all four approaches mentioned above, and I just don't get it. It looks to me like you are trying to take a web application and make it act like a desktop application. Why? Where's the advantage over just accessing the web application via your web browser? For example, what can you do with Google Reader inside GMDesk that you *can't* do with Google Reader inside your web browser? And, assuming that there is something, just how important is it that you be able to do it...?
jfjbSep 3rd 2008 6:28PM
ditto, friend.
Sometimes people think too much, they forget they're reinventing the wheel.
Well, maybe I'm wrong.
jfjbSep 3rd 2008 6:30PM
I agree totally.
Sometimes people forget they are trying to re-invent the wheel.
Maybe I'm wrong.
P.S. Is my keyboard sending twice a or do I need to change my medications?
UnknownAug 30th 2008 6:19PM
i dont think Adobe Air, Bubbles, Prizm and Google Gears are the same thing
Taylor ScottAug 31st 2008 8:34AM
"And second, you can only have one window open at a time. So if you like to keep both Gmail and Google Reader open throughout the day, you're going to want to fire up a web browser." umm. thats not true. yeah, if you use the File menu to switch services yes, but click the actual link on the page, and it opens a new window. for example if you are on gmail, above gmail picture are links to all the other services. if you click calendar for example, it will open a new window.
psygnAug 31st 2008 4:33PM
"It's based on the idea that you shouldn't have to fire up a web browser just to check your email."
You can dress your salad any way you want.
But at the end of the day, it's still a salad. But hey, whatever makes you happy :-)