Gershwix - February 11, 2004
Author: Mintar
Version: 2.0
Reviewed by: Phillip Ryu
User Rating: 
66%
Ports and refinements of system default skins guarantee a level of usability and aesthetics that innovative and new themes sometimes can not. Gershwix is one of these. Gershwix is a fairly accurate and complete port of OS 9's Platinum, and the result is a fun experience tinged with a bit of nostalgia.
Aesthetics
In terms of aesthetics, Gershwix seems to hit Platinum pretty much on the nose. Not much is changed, though what has been is rather questionable. Specifically, the system menu now has a bevel that looks rather strange, especially when selected, and the Apple menu icon is a flat dark gray. In this case, why not go full out and have the classic rainbow apple instead?
Other than that, the aesthetics are clean and crisp. After all, Apple used this basic look for over a decade with success. Gershwix in brightness is similar to Aqua, but with much more toned down color, straight lines and sharp edges. The small patches of color that do appear are pretty much limited to selected menus and scrollbars. One suggestion: brushed metal was implemented before OS X, why not keep the basic look here? Perhaps this would work as a variant, as the current textureless "brushed metal", while pleasant in its own way, is not entirely accurate to its source material.
Usability
One thing that can be said for Platinum and Gershwix is that the look is easy on the eyes, even more so than Aqua. There are no harsh colors or pure whites in Gershwix, and these toned down colors are very rarely used. Generally, there are no glaring usability problems. The one minor issue I found was that window titlebar text is somewhat difficult to comprehend due to the stripes below, which is actually a very noticeable problem. (Text appears a bit warped with the lines behind it.) Perhaps area behind text should be flat.
Extras
Gershwix's extras are commendable. The author has included a Safari skin that replicates the smooth, gray button style found elsewhere, and a system icon replacement set that does its job well. (The icon set is available here in Candybar format.) However, the icon replacement set is no where near complete. Sharper, Platinum style icons for documents and devices would be great. Even so, the icons really help emulate that retro feel, and add a lot to the experience. Of course, another great extra that the author included is the set of color variations, which allows users to pick among several muted flavors.
Is Gershwix a perfect emulation of Platinum? No, but it comes pretty close, and the port is very nearly complete. Is such an old interface still relevant and useful today? Yes, Platinum is still aesthetically pleasing in its own way, and very usable. I am looking forward to future updates, and Max's upcoming Rhapsody for Panther.
Comments
Posted by Dave Thomson at February 11, 2004 04:48 PM | Edit | Delete
Somehow I almost always forget about Mac Classic as a theme for my machine. I've run OS X exclusively since it was released and really like Aqua, but this theme was a great reminder that Platinum was a great looking interface and worked extremely well.
While this isn't a straight port of Platinum, it's certainly close. I like the author's modern interpretation of it, and would have to disagree with the review's advice to make it more accurate. I feel this is a more attractive version of Platinum and well worth a look. Leave the accurate port of Platinum to Max; this theme stands on its own.
Other than the advice, this was a great review. The 9.0 rating on usability was spot on. Nicely done.
Posted by Phillip Ryu at February 11, 2004 06:05 PM | Edit | Delete
This not quite accurate port of Platinum I think could be better either if the author added more of his own elements (look at Max's Rhapsodized) or made it truer to the original source. The few elements he tweaked are hardly noticeable, and when they are, IMO, there is a drop in quality. For example, I'd recommend making the more modern grey Apple menu icon smaller, and adding back Platinum's flat area behind text in its title bars. It's flaws like these that made me request a closer port rather than a more original theme, but of course, it's totally up to the author, and users like you ;)
Posted by Comie Prevette at February 11, 2004 06:24 PM | Edit | Delete
I prefer Max's Classic Platinum. Gershwix bothers me in that when you click the buttons, instead of depressing like a button, it just dims a bit. That is my biggest pet peeve in themes. These widgets are supposed to be like you could touch them yourself. Like a real button. Real buttons depress.
Posted by Daniel Grenell at February 11, 2004 06:38 PM | Edit | Delete
i prefer classic platinum, more true to life. but if you want the colored look, rhapsodized does a much better job than this theme. besides, classic platinum will e updated soon.
Posted by synotic at February 12, 2004 03:49 PM | Edit | Delete
I thought Gershwix was supposed to represent System 7?... Am I totally wrong?
Posted by Phillip Ryu at February 13, 2004 02:10 PM | Edit | Delete
Synotic, if it is, I apologize for the mistake. All I can tell from the theme description is that it is a take on "Classic Platinum", but no mention of system versions.
Posted by Brian at February 13, 2004 09:20 PM | Edit | Delete
Actually the "Gershwix" refers to Rhapsody, the codename for OS X Server, which used a very similar variant of Platinum. Gerswhix also has a very strong BeOS feel, particularly in the buttons.
I like the theme a lot, and agree that aside from the titlebars, it's excellently usable.
Posted by Damon Bransom at April 19, 2004 03:00 AM | Edit | Delete
I really love this one, I use it all the time. Would be nice if the icons were a bit better but I fixed that with 'Candy Bar'.
I prefer this to Aqua any day (Maybe I'm just getting old ^_^ ) Would recomend this to anyone. Nice & simple, easy on the eyes, I really love it.
Posted by Heiesuke at April 30, 2004 10:12 AM | Edit | Delete
i think i need to give this a try, then come back with a review. i'm not into retro lookin themes too much but Classix is giving me a change of heart.
Posted by Crispy at July 15, 2004 06:10 PM | Edit | Delete
I love this theme! It's the coolest. I've always been looking for an accurate Theme of the Mac OS 9 Environment. Although there are somethings that aren't very accurate. Such as the apple menu, it should be like a rainbow. Also the scrollbar, buttons, and especially the title bar are a little off. I'l wait a month or so until you make some changes.
Go look at an app in the classic environment, you'll see what I'm talking about.
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Posted by solo at June 2, 2005 02:22 AM | Edit | Delete
I don't think that this skin needs to slavishly imitate Classic, it just needs to BE classic, which it is. I like that it works well with Windowshade, most skins follow the default Aqua and have toolbars that "windowshade" crumbily.
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