When comparing Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) vs PCLinuxOS, the Slant community recommends Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) for most people. In the question“What are the best Linux distributions for desktops?” Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) is ranked 17th while PCLinuxOS is ranked 38th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro It’s faster and more responsive than Ubuntu-based editions
Pro Feature rich
Incredibly lightweight yet feature rich and familiar desktop. Low CPU usage. Low memory usage. Runs VMs super smoothly. Native apps are universally best in class stable open source tools.
Pro Rolling release
The distribution is continually updated, so there's no need to install OS upgrades by hand.
Pro Stable
PCLinuxOS is designed around stability.
Pro Multiple desktops available
Mate, LXDE, and KDE desktops are available.
Pro Can remaster the boot DVD
PCLinuxOS has built in tools for remastering bootable DVD into a copy of current install.
Pro Excellent hardware compatibility
Comes with nVidia drivers out of the box. Important if the PC has an nVidia chipset. Most Debian based distros don't have nVidia drivers available at install time.
LXDE version works well with older hardware.
Cons
Con May not work with newer packages from Ubuntu
LMDE is Debian based and while Ubuntu is also Debian based, Ubuntu uses newer packages than the version LMDE is based on, which can lead to some Ubuntu apps not being able to be installed.
Con Installation fails most of the time, error messages, and hard to go to full screen in virtual box
Con Uses RPM packaging system
Uses the RPM packaging system with APT, rather than the more popular DEB packages.