I’ve never been an OpenSuse user. I would install it as a dual boot or in a virtual box but I’ve never really switched. I was very interested in the 10.X days but there were so many issues that kept me away.
I’ve been a Mandriva user for quite some time. I deviated to Kubuntu for a while but returned after Mandriva got its act together and became more stable. So when Mandriva 2010 spring was pushed back as a result of financial issues I thought it best to look around. In the end the latest Mandriva release made it out before OpenSuse 11.3. So of course I upgraded. But a few graphical bugs really put me out.
I’ve recently installed 11.3 on two different machines. My laptop, which had the graphical issues, and my poor excuse for an htpc. It is running very well on both machines. OpenSuse has a lot of great things going for it. On the other hand there are a few things that I think need some attention. I know this is no place to list all those out as developers don’t read forums.
But what it comes down to is that it is stable and runs well. More than other distributions can say. I’ll most likely be sticking around. The last time Mandriva had financial issues they went through a horrible period of instability. So I’m waiting this one out.
But thanks to anyone who reads this who may have had a hand in putting together this distribution.