Before Brasero usurped it, GnomeBaker was the burner of choice for Gnome users, and the best bit about it was its interface. It may no longer be the project's burning poster boy, but that same interface is still a triumph.
Buttons for common tasks, such as creating data CDs, DVDs and audio CDs, are right there on the main screen while less commonly used options, such as erasing rewriteable discs and burning CD/DVD images, are grouped inside a menu.
You can drag and drop files from Nautilus to create a data disc and burn it with a single click. GnomeBaker can also work with dual-layer DVDs, and copy data and audio CDs on the fly.
In addition, the program has quite a few features for advanced users. It enables you to save your progress when working on complex projects with multiple directories, for example, and you can also create ISO images to burn later. If your writer supports it, GnomeBaker can enable burn free protection. It also has the dummy write option to simulate the burning process.
Unfortunately, despite its heap of positives, there's a lot that's wrong with GnomeBaker. Take its audio CD burning process, for example – GnomeBaker can copy audio CDs, but it can't rip them. Similarly, although it can import M3U and PLS playlists, GnomeBaker appends the user's home directory to the path, rendering the feature useless.
Another discrepancy is multisession burning, which is listed as a feature, but not in evidence. Add to that the state of the documentation – there's none on the website – and a help system based on version 0.2 and you get the feeling that this offering is floundering.
Verdict - GnomeBaker
The only app in the Roundup that crashed regularly. It's been outclassed and overshadowed by Brasero.
Version: 0.6.4
Website: http://sourceforge.net/projects/gnomebaker
Price: Free under GPL
Rating: 6/10
