Ubuntu 10.04 - The big ui-regression release
Before I start the rant I just want to note that I'm aware that user interface and colors are a matter of personal preference. So don't get me wrong, I'm all in favor of making the desktop look good, but please don't sacrifice productivity and user experience!
If the letter of this release had been 'R' I would have voted for naming it "Raging Regressions". Hell, from now on I'll refer to this release by this name.
The new theme
I know that a lot of people didn't like the old brownish theme. It didn't look particular nice, but it was very balanced and discreet. It didn't scream for attention like the new theme does.
Moving the window controls
Why, why, why would anyone do this? Moving these buttons completely breaks user expectations. You should think they had some good reasons for doing this, but no.. I have yet to see a single good reason! The nicest thing I've read about this change is that it's possible to get used to.
Ubuntu has finally given their reasons for doing this. Apparently they wan't to inspire the innovation of the right side of the window. I still think that this is a shitty decision.
Thankfully it's not difficult to revert.
Jagged edges
Take a look at the progress bar, nobody can seriously think that this looks good?
The dark theme doesn't work with a lot of Icons
A lot of applications ships with icons with a bright background color. This might not be the theme's fault, but still.. LastFM is one of these applications.
Firefox is really messed up
Seriously?! In what universe does this look nice? Again, I know that this is a matter of personal preference, but still..
Really!?
Simple fix:
Install the old human theme. Compared to the horrible new theme the old brownish one looks really, really nice!
sudo apt-get install human-theme
Other user interface regressions
You can no longer adjust the sound level by scrolling the sound icon
Earlier you could adjust the sound level by scrolling over the sound applet. I used to do this all the time, I found it to be even more convenient than using the sound level keys on my keyboard. So I'm really annoyed that this doesn't work anymore.
Update : This actually seems to be working! Nice!
Tiny window edges
The edges around the windows has become so tiny that it's almost impossible to resize windows.
KlavKalashj - 30. Apr 2010 20:14
For me, it works perfectly fine to scroll the sound applet to change the volume. No clicks, only hover and scroll. And about the theme, I would recommend using one called "Dichotomy" instead, it's kind of a remix of ambience, a little easier on the eye, and to me, better looking. http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2010/03/dichotomy-ubuntu-ambiance-theme-redux.html