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I don't understand how XGL's '3D' virtual desktops would be any more difficult to understand then the 'flat' design for MacOSX... the way it's implemented in OSX has been done before also... I remember a particular Firefox extension which does about the same, but for tabs.

So yes, "Ctrl+Alt+Right/Left Arrow Key" might not be the most intuitive way for switching to another desktop... but you could use a pager or put an arrow icon to the right and left of the screen, right above the taskbar... just an example.

If you mean that Apple knows how to make these features *transparent* for everyone, then I agree.

But I don't think it would be much more difficult to make the 3D 'workspaces' accessible in the same way...

So my point is, it's not that it's easier or more difficult because it's 3D or not, but because easy access has been provided for this particular feature.

Saying that 'Novell did it wrong, Apple did it right' is a bit short-sighted IMO (I read that in one of the comments, probably not yours though). Each of these companies should be commended for trying to push the edge of a good User Interface Design.

"But that is the beauty of it and the Apple design. It is made for the majority of Mac users, which *don't* use virtual desktops or have never used them before. Apple has a flair for taking power features and making it work for everyday users.

So although it may not be good enough for you, it will be a boon for the rest of us..."