Synex MATE Beta 1 is available for testing. This edition positions itself as a balanced alternative between full editions (GNOME/KDE) and ultra-lightweight ones (IceWM), offering a traditional desktop environment without sacrificing functionality.
MATE Desktop as foundation
MATE was chosen for representing the continuity of the classic desktop paradigm initiated with GNOME 2: conventional application menu, configurable panel, and workflow proven over decades. Unlike modern environments that prioritize design over function, MATE maintains efficiency and accessibility as central objectives.
Included applications
The set includes native MATE tools complemented with carefully selected applications:
Productivity
- Pluma (complete text editor)
- Atril (PDF/EPUB document viewer)
- MATE Calculator (calculator)
- MATE System Monitor (system monitor)
File management
- Caja (file manager with image preview)
- Engrampa (compressed files)
- Eye of MATE – eom (image viewer)
System
- MATE Terminal (terminal emulator)
- MATE Control Center (configuration center)
- NetworkManager (WiFi/Ethernet network management)
- Blueman (Bluetooth management)
- MATE Power Manager (power management)
Resource consumption
MATE positions itself as an intermediate solution: more complete than IceWM, significantly more efficient than GNOME/KDE. Ideal for systems with 2-4GB RAM where complete functionality is required without system overhead.
Beta status and next steps
First functional beta ready for testing in various usage scenarios. We collect feedback on performance, selection of included applications, and default visual configuration.
Synex MATE completes the desktop editions portfolio: GNOME (complete/modern), KDE (complete/customizable), MATE (classic/efficient), XFCE (lightweight/flexible), LXDE (lightweight/traditional), IceWM (minimal/recovery).
You can download Synex MATE 13 Beta 1 from here.