The only good implementation of a 3D desktop effect (outside of straight-up window rendering) is Expose, which Apple demoed in 2002/2003 for 10.3.
I remember, circa 2005, there being compiz extensions that enabled something similar.
I remember, circa 2005, there being compiz extensions that enabled something similar.
Virtual desktops which I believe linux supported long before spaces acquired a nice visual metaphor with compiz which allowed you to zoom out to see them all and drag windows between one and the other.
Windows could be set to have a small amount of resistance when passing other windows to make it easy to stick them side be size.
The effects for windows creation and destruction were quite cool and super configurable.