One of the things that I always felt lacking in my dream of the “Linux Desktop” is the poor tools for photo-editing. Yes, I realize that several community options are available like, UFraw, RAWstudio, or the Raw plug-in for GIMP are available, but pro-level applications for digital photography are somewhat lacking. Taking a look in the space today, there are two packages that seem rather promising:

1. Bibble 4.x Pro ($150 USD) from Bibble Labs, is a professional RAW workflow and processing application available in Windows, Mac and Linux. There is a Lite version of the application for half the price, but it neglects “dual-core/dual-processor support” which i think is pretty important.
2. LiteZone for Linux (Free, Proprietary) from Light Crafts, is a Free version of their proprietary Windows/Mac flagship RAW converter. It takes its name from the zone system popularized by Ansel Adams
3. Picasa from Google offers RAW importing, but it’s ability to edit a photo is somewhat limited.

Jen laughs everytime I talk about the Linux desktop. I’ve predicted twice already that the Linux desktop will be a reality sooner, rather than later. I’ve been wrong twice.

Personally, looking at the state of Linux in the most recent Ubuntu build. I think maybe 2008.

-T