Mabox is a Manjaro-based rolling release distribution. Mabox Linux features the Openbox window manager as its default interface and provides a welcome screen with access to utilities which add additional software to the operating system.
To compare the software in this project to the software available in other distributions, please see our Compare Packages page.
Notes: In case where multiple versions of a package are shipped with a distribution, only the default version appears in the table. For indication about the GNOME version, please check the "nautilus" and "gnome-shell" packages. The Apache web server is listed as "httpd" and the Linux kernel is listed as "linux". The KDE desktop is represented by the "plasma-desktop" package and the Xfce desktop by the "xfdesktop" package.
Colour scheme:green text = latest stable version, red text = development or beta version. The function determining beta versions is not 100% reliable due to a wide variety of versioning schemes.
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Holy smokes. FAST boot up on a dual-core i7. Fast, insanely fast. I slapped this on an old ThinkPad X1 Carbon 5th Gen I plan to use for amateur radio stuff and it works wonderfully for that dang near right away (or maybe I just have enough experience across distros to set it up fast).
Did I mention how insanely fast it boots up? You should know how stupid fast it boots up.
Low RAM usage. Easy on the CPU and easy on storage. Openbox is a little busy and minimal looking, but draw your eyes to the big green M at the top bar and you'll find all your apps there, so it's only jarringly minimal at first. Using yay makes things easy. I found most of what I needed by just bashing yay -S whateverthehellineeded and there you go. You'll need to do that for Google Chrome.
Handed my laptop to my spouse who has virtually *no* Linux experience whatsoever and she was able to figure out Openbox and use it. Heck of a good OS.
I've been playing around with Mabox for a few years, but now I've found that I like it so much I'm making it a part of my regular distro line up. It's much more fun than Manjaro. I've always been a fan of the lightening fast Openbox desktop environment, even though it's not as efficient to use as XFCE, KDE, Mate, or Cinnamon. The Mabox desktop may be a bit busy, or confusing for beginners, however I like it because it is anything but boring. It's functional and makes me feel like a geek instead of an office worker. I'm hoping this version of Arch will be more stable than others I've tried. So far, Mabox is one of my favorite flavors of Linux, right behind Neptune, Mint, and Pop OS.
This is my second time around, so to speak, with Mabox. I first tried it a couple of years back and had a few issues which seem to have since been ironed out. I installed it on one of my secondary low spec laptops and so far, so good.
I'm a big Arch user and my daily driver is pure Arch. Generally I like to build my system from the ground up, which is what Arch offers but for this older laptop I could not see the point. Mabox is a nice compromise, it offers an Arch derivative based on Manjaro and it runs Openbox window manager, which keeps the on idle ram utilisation, under 500mb.
I'd characterise Mabox quirky, eccentric and retro, in a really good way. It has lots of fun tools you can tinker with to customise the look, feel and utility, of the operating system, so it suits your specific needs. I had as much fun playing with its features, as I did using it for various things. Well, in truth, I think I enjoyed the tinkering more, if I'm being honest.
Theme-ing in this distro is a stand out feature that needs to be mentioned. You can not only choose from a array of themes, you can tint and apply refined colours to different aspects of the desktop, to suit your very specified taste.
Manjaro's Pamac is on offer too, for those who don't want to use the command line. Now one word of warning, Pamac does not play well with the AUR in all instances, so unless absolutely necessary, I'd steer clear of enabling it. Stick to Pamacs curated packages instead.
Is there a downside? Well I would have liked a slider for volume control. I find the option they have in place a little fiddly if you are not using a mouse. It would be good to see a slider on offer, its just easier with a touch-pad.
Beyond that minor gripe this mostly an amazing distro from Poland and I do recommend it to those who like a more minimalist but stylish vibe or perhaps want something for an older system.