Ubuntu is no longer the Linux distro. that others aspire to. Canonical have become arrogant and ignored users needs however well voiced across the many Forums that make reference to Ubuntu. For example Ubuntu 11.10 will not offer the classic GNOME Desktop and it will not include the Synaptic Package Manager despite the fact many users do not want these changes. I used to have much time for Ubuntu starting with Ubuntu 6.10 finishing with the last decent release which was Ubuntu 10.04 LTS
The Linux Mint team have now tamed Pure Debian to the extent that its as easy to use as the Standard Ubuntu based Edition. It would seem Linux Mint Debian Edition is the way forward for the distro. however for the time being it would seem the two will coexist
http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=1818
I am currently Dual Booting Linux Mint 11 and Linux Mint Debian Edition therefore I can carry out a direct comparison and I have concluded Linux Mint 11 will be the last Ubuntu based release I shall be working with
I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint Debian Edition Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled.
Linux Mint Debian Edition Download
http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=88
Manual partitioning guide for Linux Mint Debian Edition
http://www.linuxbsdos.com/2010/12/28/manual-disk-partitioning-guide-for-linux-mint-debian-edition/
You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint Debian Edition then you need to create a Bootable LiveDVD
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto
Linux Mint Debian Edition can also be run straight from the LiveDVD from Boot without touching your Hard Drive
LUg.