MeeGo Desktop/Changing Desktops

Background

At the 2010 MeeGo Conference in Dublin, the question of how to switch from the Netbook to the Handset desktop was asked during the MeeGo Handset UX Roadmap session. The context of the question had to do with using the Lenovo S10-3t Netbooks given away at the conference as platforms for MeeGo Handset development. Sabotage pipped up and offered up his experience as proof that it can be done, and some very basic instructions on how to do so. Since the question continues to come up in Mailing lists and IRC, the specifics on how to switch between desktops are being documented for ongoing reference.

If it proves useful and interesting to others, maybe these will spawn the development of a desktop "switcher" applet/tool... hint, hint ;)

Pre-work

Assumptions

1. Using a supported Netbook, such at the Lenovo S10-3t that was given away at the 2010 MeeGo Conference
2. You have root and/or sudo rights on the above device
3. You have an installed and running MeeGo 1.1 or later Netbook image (Daily images)

Install Handset Packages

1. Add the Handset repos

   Details to come...

2. Refresh the packages list

   Details to come...

3. Install the Handset Desktop packages

   Details to come...

How-To

Change uxlaunch.conf

1. Edit /etc/sysconfig/uxlaunch
   1. Comment out the following, existing, entry

      session=/usr/bin/mutter --sm-disable

   2. Add the following, new, entry

      session=/usr/bin/mcompositor

2. Restart user session
   1. $ reboot

      OR

   2. $ sudo telinit 3; sleep 3; sudo telinit 5;

TODO

• Development of a single, cross-MeeGo, desktop switcher?

  This would need to be Qt/Gnome agnostic or independent, since, today at least, the Netbook desktop is Gnome based, while the Handset one is Qt based.