I used my laptop for general purpose and development. In past 2 year or so, I have been using Mandriva. Recently, Mandriva 2009 broke on my laptop and I haven't figured out how to fix it. I decided to switch to Ubuntu to save time because it was the only distro that seems to work out of the box on my laptop.

Now, I am wondering if I should just go with Linux Mint instead. I am not so concern with proprietary vs open source. I just want stuff to work so I can get my work done. In the past, when I use Ubuntu, the automatic codec download doesn't always work while Mint always seemed to. In fact, I even had a Linux Mint VM in a windows host to play videos that windows media player can't play.

My question is, what am I losing here. What's the disadvantage of using Linux Mint instead of Ubuntu.

Paul

If Mint works well for you, then use it. When it comes to operating systems and Linux distros, you need to choose the best tool for the job and if Mandriva and Ubuntu are not working as good as Mint and you are already happy with Mint, I don't see why you can use it as your main distro.

Well, I was trying to get the pros and cons of using Mint vs Ubuntu? There appears to be no cons?

When it really boils down to it, the only thing separating Mint from Ubuntu is its inclusion of proprietary codecs and drivers, and the artsy aesthetics that govern the project. Since it's more Ubuntu than original work, it's really a matter of personal preference.

Only "con" I can think of..., is when a new release of Ubuntu comes out, the corresponding version of Mint, comes just a bit later. This is really a non-issue though (to me)

There's really no pros or cons to using Mint. Ubuntu, the codecs that come w/ Mint, can be installed in about 1min and little to no effort. Mint, they take that 1min off your hands during the install.

If you're happy with Mint, I say use it.

IGF

Whichever you choose is going to be a good choice because Mint is more or less the same as Ubuntu, so they have the same pros and cons. IMHO, Mint is a polished version of Ubuntu that includes proprietary codecs and some custom tools.