CNET Editors' review
Even if you're hard-pressed to care about standard desktop-enhancement software, 360desktop makes some intriguing promises. "Unlimited desktop space" is one, and the ability to save any part of the Web directly to your desktop is another.
Turns out, there's more than screen-saver snake-oil here. When you run 360desktop, you get a panoramic desktop with custom widgets. Quit, and you're back to basic Windows. Switching between the two didn't cause problems when tested, although quitting 360desktop completely required killing the process a few times.
A persistent "QuickNav" area in the upper right of your screen lets you scroll or drag your cursor around. The help guide suggests that arrow key navigation works, too, although it didn't for us. A handy Windows taskbar icon offers a context menu that lets you customize options, such as scrolling speed, how 360desktop focuses multi-window applications, and whether the location of running apps and widgets appear in the QuickNav.
Web widgets are simple to install and work well. Click "Add a widget" in the QuickNav and you'll see a bare-bones dialog with two tabs--Web Widget or Embed Code Widget. The first lets you enter a widget name and a URL, while the second lets you enter a name and a snippet of HTML code. A special 360desktop toolbar appears next a new widget from which you can drag and drop the widget, close it, or click the "i" button for more information.
360desktop runs like any of your other Windows programs and doesn't seem to affect any critical system files, although it does place a shortcut on your regular Windows desktop without asking. It's not essential software, but if you've got the RAM to handle it, 360desktop can be a lot of fun. Be sure to create a System Restore point in case it blows up your Windows installation--it's not a beta for nothing.
Publisher's Description
From 360desktop:
360desktop transforms your standard Windows desktop into a 360-degree panoramic workspace, giving you many times more desktop space. 360desktop also lets users make desktop widgets from favorite pieces of the Web and create and share 360-degree interactive wallpaper. 360desktop makes your desktop a more functional place with a 360-degree panoramic view. Always have the latest news, dynamic information, video content, family photos or anything else you like at your fingertips.
Slide around your new workspace quickly and easily between all your open applications, windows and widgets--it'll spin you out. See something that you like online? You can now clip it and put it right on the desktop. You can grab any part of any Web page or your favorite web widgets, RSS feeds, games, and videos. 360-degree wallpapers brings your desktop to life, with an endless selection of themes and designs that can be inspiring, entertaining, branded, useful or just plain fun.
What's new in this version: First public beta.
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All versions:
2.9 starsout of 71 votes
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Current version:
2.9 starsout of 71 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"This program could be made so much better"
Version: 360desktop public beta
Pros
Looks nice
Cons
Way to big and to slow
Summary
Back to the drawing table
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"Works soooo sloooowwwww"
Version: 360desktop public beta
Pros
Does what it does.
Cons
Makes my laptop soooooo slooooowwwww
Summary
give this a mis
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"360Desktop nowhere to go for support or forum"
Version: 360desktop public beta
Pros
The version that is available for download from CNET is not the latest version. I performed a Google Search and found version there is a version 8.5.2084 and it comes in 32bit and 64bit. It works excellently for multiple monitors
Cons
When something goes wrong there is nowhere to go for support. The Web Site doesn't exist any longer. I even tried to reach them via Twitter and Facebook to no avail.
Summary
Works good but will there ever be any updates. i do not think so since the Web Site has disappeared.
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"Why is still a "Beta"?"
Version: 360desktop public beta
Pros
I like how this product gives our "Desktop" back without having to "Delete" all the "Shortcuts" on our "Desktop". You can also view your other apps. very easily, add any part of a web page to your "Desktop" and it is really simple to add Widgets.
Cons
Although I like this product, it does have drawbacks such as not wanting to close and having to use the "Task Manager" in WindowsXP.
Summary
I also wonder why, after being distributed since July of 2008, it is still a "Beta" product that has not been updated, at least by this web site.
P.S. The web site "www.30desktop.com" is also down at this time. Kind of makes an individual wonder why.
If you want this product for fun and amusement then by all means download it. However, remember that it is a "Beta", and not a final version. Therefore, expect "BUGS".
I would also create a "Restore Point" on your computer before installing the product just in case the worse happens to your "System Files" creating havoc for your "OS".
dpitmanh
Updated on Jan 2, 2011 -
"Are they going to stay in beta forever?"
Version: 360desktop public beta
Pros
Does work.
Cons
Not efficient and buggy!
Summary
Wast of time: makes thing more complicated!
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"Slow and heavy"
Version: 360desktop public beta
Pros
Nice idea but works clunky.
Cons
To slow to be useful
Summary
Give it a mis.
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"Uses to many system resources"
Version: 360desktop public beta
Pros
Does kind of work.
Cons
To slow to use
Summary
Don't use it
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"Makes my system much slower"
Version: 360desktop public beta
Pros
Nice concept
Cons
To much load on my system.
Summary
Don't use it.
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"To heavy on my system."
Version: 360desktop public beta
Pros
Works ok, but not great.
Cons
slow and useless
Summary
Don't use it.
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"Awful waste of time"
Version: 360desktop public beta
Pros
There are no pros
Cons
Just terrible - you are turning your desktop into a billboard, for people to advertise. the desktop should be the one refuge from ads and intrusion - bit this allows ads to pop up on the desktop. the technology is outdated.
Summary
bottom line - it's outdated, a failure and totally irrelevant.
Also, a lot of the positive reviews here are probably posted by the company. Evan (owner) hires people to go through websites and post fake positive comments to promote the product.
Updated on Jul 10, 2010
