I once had some issues with GDE, but uninstalled and reinstalled. All was good. However, I'm in love with dxtop's 5-icon app dock, so I've been using it exclusively for the past few weeks. No issues. It helps to know my config when I say that. ( * = paid app)
Widgets in use:
-- * Executive Assistant+ : (4x3) tabbed~ shows SMS, GMail, upcoming cal events, incoming calls, 20 most recent gReader items
-- Audio Manager (large): shows ALL sound settings
-- * More Icons: smaller icons taking less space for more apps on screen
-- * Beautiful Widgets: Vibrate, WiFi, GPS
-- Data Counter Widget: keeps tabs on Wifi & Verizon data transfers
-- S2 Calendar Widget: twice, showing current and next month
-- * Weather Bug Elite
-- Brightness Level Widget: one tap dim/brightening of screen, by percentage
-- DailyBibleVerse Widget: auto refreshes daily (4x1) (sometimes slows screen redraws when returning to home)
Always running in background (stuff I added):
-- * PhoneLog: logs in/out calls to default gCalendar
-- * G-Backup Full: copies full text of SMS; pics, videos, call log items, MMS into respective gmail directories/labels you configure
-- * My BackUp Pro (for restore purposes, if ever necessary)
-- Missed Call Reminder: customizable sounds for successful app installs, low battery and more
-- * aFirewall: blacklist phone/SMS
-- Screebl Lite: keeps the screen on in an intelligent fashion
-- Google Voice
-- GDialer (to make GV calls thru carrier, when data connection is flaky)
-- Not Call Log: to return me to home screen immediately after each call terminates
-- SMS PopUp: only SMS app which relates to Google Voice (reply to phone # button auto-dumps you into GV for composing)
-- Date & Day Widget (by ch13fw)
-- Rings Extended: pick from ALL available sounds, regardless of app (does an FC sometimes, but I can live with it as it only happens from within sound picker screen)
-- Calendar Pad: configured to show one-week view of my Communications gCal only- great for weekly reviews
+ Sometimes running:
-- * Mobile Package Tracker
-- Asurion's AddressBook beta for Android 2
-- * Note Everything Pro (when I "sticky" a note to status bar, or create a status bar alarm)