Recently I got a netbook (Lenovo IdeaPad S10-2) and I'm deciding which GNU/Linux distribution to use on it.
I've always liked Debian. But I tested that netbook with a live-usb Ubuntu (10.04) and worked really good out of the box. Even wi-fi.

I'd like to know if someone can give some pieces of advice:

1) Ubuntu netbook remix is just a GUI developped to fit the smaller screen of netbook. Is it worth giving a try or would be better to use simple Debian or Ubuntu?

2) Does any distribution or software package increase or optimize the performance in order to get more battery-time? Ex. reducing CPU load, hibernate, etc.

Thanks in advance,
Matías

It depends what you're looking for, I highly recommend eeebuntu or netbook remix for a functional netbook gui. If you're looking for a small footprint I'd say go with debian net install.

If you have high speed internet UBUNTU is good package and kernel is up to date;
but when you do not have high speed internet DEBIAN is great.

For increase battery -time you can use IPS or UPS.

Thanks for the responses folks.
As long as I'd prefer small footprint I think I'm installing Debian.
What is exactly "ips" or "ups"? Any software packages?

IPS, or integrated power systems, is simply a method of ensuring that the power supply needed to keep a place of business functional in the event of a problem with the primary source of energy. It is no wonder that the concept of IPS has gone from being a good idea to an essential.

Short for uninterruptible power supply, a power supply that includes a battery to maintain power in the event of a power outage. Typically, a UPS keeps a computer running for several minutes after a power outage, enabling you to save data that is in RAM and shut down the computer gracefully. Many UPSs now offer a software component that enables you to automate backup and shut down procedures in case there's a power failure while you're away from the computer.

Plus2Plus, thanks for your notes.
Yes, I knowed what UPS is, but as you had mentioned I thought you were talking about software, not hardware.

Regards,
Matías

Finally, I installed Debian (Squeezy).
Really everything works ok. For me is such a great distro.

Of course Ubuntu is more straight as long as almost everything comes already configured. With Ubuntu is just a matter of a few "clicks". With Debian a little of CLI works is necessary.

Thanks for the tips folks. Regards.