Comment 7 for bug 319152

The applet vs. tray icon issue seems to boil down the gnomeapplet module (python-gnome2-desktop package) vs. the egg.trayicon module (python-gnome2-extras package). Both of them have their pro's and cons.

For a proper ("official") Gnome applet, the gnomeapplet module should be used. The cons about using gnomeapplet is that it's a bit more difficult than egg.trayicon, but the (much) more important con is that it will unusable without having root access. It will also be more difficult to debug. These problems are because of the requirements of Bonobo activation server.

The egg.trayicon.TrayIcon class is simpler to use (just like any other widget) and no Bonobo issues. Cons:
* Adds a package dependency, python-gnome2-extras, if it's not required already
* Doesn't feel like the Right Way (tm) to do it. Lionel, just for interest sake, could you point me to the part of the HIG where the panel is define (if that's the right word)?

Come to think of it, they are completely different, aren't they? A Gnome applet can be placed anywhere on a panel, but the tray icon only lives in the Gnome notification area.

I would very much like to implement this, if you like.