Slax is the best... the following reasons explain it all:
1. Live cd scripts (created by the makers of slax) allow you to make a live cd made off of any distribution install on your hard drive
2. Modularity (add all the software you need)
3. Small (it's only like 200MB and it has everything i need.
4. The Final and probably the most convincing it that's it's based off of SLACKWARE!!!!!.

been forever since i posted, but i think DSL wins this one

it just has so much software in a what? 50 mb download? i cant remember, its been a while

i know its less than 100mb, i like that tool that makes your HD contents look like the solar system

Tried a few of these, knoppix, slax, but have to vote for MEPIS in this category.

Knoppix

Knoppix +++n

I Know already that GoblinX will be one of the best of 2005, but I can't vote now, maybe it is because has just two months of life, so, if I can vote for GoblinX, I will vote for his cousin, Slax...

i voted knoppix, but i really prefer ubuntu's livecd, it works way better than knoppix... knoppix has always had hassles with my display... usually reverting to 640x480... yuk! ubuntu booted into 1024x768 straight off, and runs way faster too...

I haven't yet tried most of the abovementioned livecds (other than Knoppix), however I am a DamnSmallLinux addict (damnsmalllinux.org).

Many reasons. Some are:

1. It contains Firefox and a good base of useable software, all in 50mB! This means you can boot it all within RAM and it then runs like the blazes, even on older machines. It's ideal for ancient laptops and can be hd installed. You can also run it in emulation within Windows ("embedded"). This successful minimalist approach somewhat shames bloated distros.

2. There is an extensive package system of .dsl's using minimal RAM called "MyDSL" - most of the reviewers miss this facet, showing how little time they really spend playing around on the desktop. Or you can use the full Debian package management system for full automated control of dependencies etc, just like any full blown Debian distro. Most if not all .deb packages will run.

3. There is a highly dedicated and enthusiastic bunch of gurus, geeks and addicts in the support forum, who by and large are great. Condescension or bitchiness towards newbies is rare. Development and contributions by enthusiasts is ongoing and rapid.

4. It was my first distro and of necessity has forced me to learn bash scripting and some things about linux - it's all rather rewarding.

Highly recommended.

on the list, it has to be knoppix. overall, well its still knoppix

I like Knoppix and Feather but the one I use daily is Puppy. Very fast and plenty of useful programs.

Mepis. I love it, I'm a regular of the #mepis and #mepislovers channel on freenode.

I use SimplyMepis daily. Installed it a while back. MandrakeMove didn't work with my display. I couldn't connect to
the internet with Ubuntu LiveCD, and just tried PCLinuxOS today and it's like Mepis with all browser plugins installed,
plus in looks it blows the others away. So I voted for PCLinuxOS but I gotta hand it to Mepis!

knoppix

Knoppix STD or Helix, hands down.

Yes, ProMEPIS it's a beta2 ( you can found it for free at tuwien ftp://gd.tuwien.ac.at/opsys/linux/mepis/testing/ ) but it has a great live cd.

Also, i voted for it in the regular distro of the year.