GMDesk: Desktop client for Gmail, Google Docs, Google Reader, etc

Filed under: Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Web services, Google, Freeware, web 2.0

GMDesk: Desktop client for Gmail, Google Docs, Google Reader, etc

by Brad Linder Aug 29th 2008

Some of the applications I use most often aren't desktop apps, they're web apps that I access through a web browser. Gmail, Google Reader, and Google Docs, for example. GMDesk is an Adobe AIR-based client for these and other Google-based services. It's based on the idea that you shouldn't have to fire up a web browser just to check your email.

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]

Tags: bubbles, gmail, gmdesk, google-apps, google-docs, google-reader, mozilla-prism, prism

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

sodium11 said 4:55PM on 8-29-2008

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.

sodium11 said 5:13PM on 8-29-2008

lziz said 5:13PM on 8-29-2008

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!

neo said 6:40PM on 8-29-2008

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....

archer said 7:45AM on 8-30-2008

still looking for an air app that actually works, so i'll try yet another.

hoping this is the exception to the rule

OneTheyCallGSK said 7:45AM on 8-30-2008

http://site.gameshowkid.com/?page_id=24

"GMLive". Under 2 MB. Simple Gmail app. Screenshot included.

Basically..designed for a flash drive.

archer said 7:46AM on 8-30-2008

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

edward said 7:46AM on 8-30-2008

I want local storage of email and some form of push email with detailed notifications and support for multiple accounts logged in simultaneously.

Rauz said 8:08AM on 8-30-2008

I'm a huge fan of Mailplane for the Mac.
http://mailplaneapp.com/

wperkins48 said 10:07AM on 8-30-2008

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...?

jfjb said 6:28PM on 9-03-2008

ditto, friend.
Sometimes people think too much, they forget they're reinventing the wheel.
Well, maybe I'm wrong.

jfjb said 6:30PM on 9-03-2008

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?

Unknown said 6:19PM on 8-30-2008

i dont think Adobe Air, Bubbles, Prizm and Google Gears are the same thing

Taylor Scott said 8:34AM on 8-31-2008

"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.

psygn said 4:33PM on 8-31-2008

"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 :-)

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