Reader MERSC tricked out a Windows desktop with ObjectDock's full-sized taskbar thumbnails, which previews open documents (including live video) on the dock. Above the left-docked taskbar, MERSC has an embedded to-do list pinned to the desktop, always in view, along with system monitoring tools and the current time using Samurize. When MERSC maximizes a window, the Emerge Shell Replacement keeps the dock and to-do list visible at all times. Here's the rundown of what's on this desktop, and a look at it with a maximized window.

MERSC lists what's running on this desktop and what it does:

Emerge Shell Replacement
-Kills taskbar
-System Tray available (autohide)
-Desktop Border
a) Allows sidebar with maximized windows (-150px on left side)
b) Placed on left side: allows move-to-right-edge scrolling and top right application closing.

Samurize
-Side Taskbar: Always shown
a) Date/Time
b) Dual Core Cpu guage
c) Used RAM indicator (Mb)
d) Todo.txt
-Right notes area - Always on bottom. Perfect mix of transparency vs functionality- even on landscape wallpapers

Launchy
-Balance: catalog size/RAM (30Mb)
-Allows removal of shortcuts on desktop and dock.

Objectdock
-Shortcuts removed
-Shows active tasks as large, live thumbnails (Vista's dwm.exe required). Even shows live video.

Wallpaper: Early Bloom by MattLanham

Changeable Zune Backgrounds
Custom Background 2.0
by Berden@zuneboards.com

Google Chrome
Bottom of websites look great with
Chrome's autohidden statusbar and
lack of Windows' taskbar

Check out how the dock and to-do list stay visible even when there's a maximized window:

Hit the links to the images on Flickr below to rollover areas on the desktop and see what's what.

Nice job, MERSC! Want to show off your desktop tweaks, customizations, and productivity tricks? Submit it to Lifehacker's Desktop Show and Tell Flickr group.