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NOTE: Click the image for larger pictures of each desktop and the original description, complete with more details on how each desktop was accomplished.
The Enigma Desktop
[IMG]http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2008/12/Preview_01.jpg[/IMG]This killer desktop setup includes a detailed how-to guide for creating your own Enigma desktop, complete with a download full of customization goodies. It features an embedded to-do list, system stats, a few attractive clocks, a now-playing section, and oh-so-much more. It even inspired a handful of incredible spin-off desktops.
The Mac Meets Windows Dual-Desktop
[IMG]http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2008/12/mac-meets-windows.jpg[/IMG]The Mac Meets Windows Dual-Desktop seamlessly fuses desktops from Mac OS X and Windows (running in a virtual machine). It even won our battle of the tricked out desktops.
Lightning at Sunset
[IMG]http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2008/12/lightning-at-sunset_01.png[/IMG]The Lightning at Sunset desktop—brought to us by the same reader who created the Enigma desktop above—features a saucy HUD and several nice little Windows tweak. Like with the Enigma desktop, Kaelri was kind enough to detail how to roll your own Lightning at Sunset desktop.
Two-Faced Mac-like Windows Desktop
[IMG]http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2008/12/mac-like-win_01.jpg[/IMG]The Two-Faced Mac-like Windows desktop may look very much like a Mac, but looks can be deceiving. What you're actually looking at is an artfully tweaked installation of Windows XP.
All About the Icons
[IMG]http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2008/12/beautiful-icons_01.png[/IMG]This All About the Icons desktop demonstrates that you don't need to run a fancy launcher and eat up system resources to create an attractive, dock-like set of launchable icons.
Vista Transblack Head Up Display
[IMG]http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2008/12/transblackvistahud_01.jpg[/IMG]The Vista Transblack Head Up Display desktop's dark look is easy on the eyes but chock full of information.
Who Needs Icons?
[IMG]http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2008/12/skarhead187_01.jpg[/IMG]Who Needs Icons serves as a counterpoint to the All About the Icons desktop above, illustrating that a minimal desktop clear of cluttering desktop icons can be a beautiful thing.
Windows Desktop in Monochrome
[IMG]http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2008/12/monochrome-desktop_01.jpg[/IMG]The Windows Desktop in Monochrome posits that you don't need color in your killer desktop.
A Transparent Vista
[IMG]http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2008/12/transparentvista_02.jpg[/IMG]Don't adjust your monitors! This Transparent Vista Desktop is full of chrome you can see right through.
The Icon Tray Wallpaper
[IMG]http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2008/12/icon-tray_01.png[/IMG]The Icon Tray Wallpaper desktop creates the illusion of a dock/application tray with a well chosen wallpaper and some custom icons.
A More Productive Vista Desktop
[IMG]http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2008/12/productive-vista_03.jpg[/IMG]The More Productive Vista Desktop features a few great productivity enhancers for your Vista desktop, including the very cool to-do list app, Doomi.
Music, Stats, and Docks
[IMG]http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2008/12/msi_wind_desktop.jpg[/IMG]Music, Stats, and Docks puts music and system stats at the forefront, with huge desktop-embedded album art, metadata, and lyrics.
Windows Vista with a Live Thumbnail Slider
[IMG]http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2008/12/merscdesktop.jpg[/IMG]Windows Vista with a Live Thumbnail Slider offers live previews of minimized applications in an attractive sidebar along with an embedded to-do list pinned to another sidebar.
Which of these featured desktops is your favorite?
( polls)
Since this is all about popularity, let's hear more about the desktop you like best in the comments.
[IMG]http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?p=1[/IMG]