How to tell if a distro installs using LVM
 

Is there any way to tell, before you download and burn, if a distro uses LVM?

Checking their website/docs i would imagine, you don't HAVE to use LVM (i didn't with Fedora Core) but you could if you want.

Most distro's that I have used that used lvm always made an extended driver. Instead of two primary partitions.

Edit: Got in a hurry and didn't read your post through. I would follow what ethics said and check through their faq, wiki, forums, or anyother documentation they provide.