Testing Gnome 3.10.1 on openSUSE 13.1
openSUSE and Gnome users have something to rejoice. Gnome 3.10.1 is available for testing with the RC release of openSUSE 13.1. Unlike Ubuntu you don’t have to mess with any PPAs of worry about breaking your system or getting half-baked Gnome experience. Ubuntu Gnome will be a better choice to simply go with Gnome instead of trying to install Gnome on top of Unity.
Under openSUSE it’s extremely easy to install multiple Desktop Environments (aka Des) without having to do too much work. Just open Yast Install/Remove software and look for pattern. There select both Gnome options. If you are using KDE if may ask to deinstall KDE pattern. Once Gnome is installed log out and choose Gnome from the beautiful login screen.
Gnome vs KDE
There is no point in discussing which one is better. People use what works for them. I can speak from my own experience and use case. I used to be Gnome+Ubuntu user before Unity and Gnome 3 happened. I tried both – for almost an year before moving to openSUSE with KDE.
Gnome 3 is extremely polished (to some extent more than Ubuntu – the padding in notifications under Ubuntu is haphazard and there are so many in consistencies with different elements – for example even the free apps in Ubuntu Software Center has the button buy and you have to log in to your Ubuntu One account even to install free apps such as plex media center). Privacy is yet another serious issue in Ubtuntu. Gnome stays clears of musicall such inconsistencies and offers a quite pleasant experience.
However, it has also limited what one can do with system. So while KDE allows me to use my PC as a PC – and be able to tweak, twist and re-fine knobs and make the PC personal again, Gnome is a bit rigid and doesn’t offer many features and functionaries.
It’s fine, not everyone may need such features. I miss them 
There are many new features in Gnome, here are a few which I think need improvement or the one I love.
Music
The problem with Music is that it doesn’t let me select the folder where my music files are. It wants you to move all your music files in the HOME music folder. I have my music on external drive so this app is pretty useless for me unless they add the feature to select a drive of your choice. Until then you can use Rhythmbox.
On the contrary Amarok of KDE is one of the best music players around with a lot of features including the ability to purchase songs from Amazon.com (no it doesn’t track my local search)
