CNET Editors' review
A static desktop image, although pretty, often loses its luster in a short time. EarthDesk, with multiple, real-time updated views of Earth, presents the perfect replacement for the stale, static image on your screen. In addition to the stunning views of Earth, the program features numerous options for configuring map images, giving you complete control over the maps on your screen. We like the variety of views and 3D renderings of the globe as seen from space. Maps also can be centered on a particular city. You can watch as the map remains stationary while the sun and moon move about your home location as the center point, for example. EarthDesk's customization options and ease of use make it not only educational, but fun for anyone with an interest in our planet.
Publisher's Description
From Xeric Design:
EarthDesk replaces your desktop picture with a high-resolution image of Earth, complete with accurate current lighting conditions (sun, moon, city lights, and real-time clouds). This image will change throughout the day to reflect the movement of the sun, moon, and clouds in real time. Tons of features like city lights at night, zoom capabilities, and political and satellite maps make this a top-notch earth viewer.
What's new in this version: This update fixes a bug that could cause the clouds to stop updating.
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All versions:
3.3 starsout of 23 votes
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Current version:
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"Watch out for subscription fees!"
Version: EarthDesk 5.7.3
Pros
Beautiful desktop in high resolution
Cons
Until very recently, clouds were displayed in HD, but they are now in SD and it look terrible. Apparently the person that used to make the HD clouds for free now wants to be paid, and Xeric plan to charge you $12 per year for the clouds.
Summary
Expect to pay much more than the advertised $25 for this product.
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"Best desktop ever"
Version: EarthDesk 5.7.2
Pros
I can check on what's in store for us weatherise
Cons
none that I can think of
Summary
Great application
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"Easy on the eye"
Version: EarthDesk 5.7.1
Pros
Works very well.
Cons
A little slow to load
Summary
Very good response when I had a problem
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"New version 5.7, doesn't have clouds but the 5.6.2 did!"
Version: EarthDesk 5.7
Pros
The older version, 5.6.2, worked well and I enjoyed it. It had no trouble. It, most importantly, had clouds. The upgrade doesn't. Their support told me that they would try to figure out why the 5.7 version doesn't have clouds - the whole point of it?
Cons
The newer version 5.7 does not work. The support for this company, after 4 plus tries has told me to give up and use the older version. So if you don't mind that there is no clouds on the 5.7 version then you will find it to be ok. Stick with 5.6.2!
Summary
The 5.6.2 version for Mac works like a charm! The upgrade 5.7, as admitted by Karen from Xeric Design's support department does not work as far as providing clouds, the reason for the desktop. They are still working out the bugs. So, bottom-line, stick with the older version and you will have a nice desktop but if you try to upgrade to the 5.7 you will be in for frustration (a week's worth for me). Their support team did get back to me and tried 4 plus times to solve the issue, mainly by having me uninstall and re-install the program many many times. So now I have the older version, the 5.6.2 back on and it works fine. I believe that in the future there will be a working 5.7 program. But not as of this writing, 4 April 11.
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"Very nice graphics. I really enjoy this app."
Version: EarthDesk 5.7
Pros
Realistic cloud cover and the moon phases are awesome!
Cons
No problems so far.
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"very good to have an idea what's around"
Version: EarthDesk 5.7
Pros
it changes quite quickly
Cons
I cannot see any
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"Suspicious"
Version: EarthDesk 5.5.1
Pros
Can't say I have one.
Cons
I like the person who said they did not like the way it acted like a virus, found the way this could not just be trashed was a little suspicious. Had to go to System Preferences... and find it in Other.. and then delete it.
Summary
I would like to read more postings on this product, as my security system and the Mac security system found this product a bit suspicious.
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"it is like a virus, I cannot get rid of it"
Version: EarthDesk 5.5.1
Pros
I cannot write anything good this time
Cons
I downloaded for a try, then tried to trash it but it keeps popping as desktop background and the folder never gets deleted. It has done something to the system, I don't know what it is. I would appreciate if somebody could help me with this.
Summary
it is like a virus, and I would appreciate if somebody could help me get rid of it. My e-mail is calcofluor@hotmail.com. Thanks!
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"recommend for keeping aware of weather and clouds"
Version: EarthDesk 5.5.1
Pros
easy to install
Cons
time taken to reach calibration
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"Very intriguing application."
Version: EarthDesk 5.5.1
Pros
The cloud coverage makes the product realistic.
Cons
The cost is prohibited.
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