Dell E1505 + Dual Boot Windows MCE/Ubuntu 6.10

So I've recently bought a new Dell laptop, and have been dual booting Windows MCE/Ubuntu Edgy Eft. First, some specs on my laptop:

Core 2 Duo T7200
15.4 in UltraSharp Wide Screen with TrueLife
2 GB RAM
256MB X1400
8x CD/DVD Burner
120 GB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
Intel Pro Wireless
Bluetooth

All for ~$1100!! Pretty good deal eh? ;) ANYWAYS...

The last distribution I had tried out was Mandrake 8.0 way back in my sophomore year at Purdue. I felt another Linux itch due to using it on the job, and decided to try out what seems to be the best and easiest distribution out there. After tinkering around for a few days, I had finally gotten the computer up to an usable everyday machine. I am happy with how it is setup, and don't mind doing everyday tasks (web surfing, checking e-mail, etc.). I still feel Linux doesn't offer the user-friendliness Windows or Mac OS's do. The general feeling of using Ubuntu seems somewhat 'shaky'. I realize Linux is a lot more stable and the benefits of the open-source community, but the open-source community also thinks like a bunch of engineers. Here are some UI improvements I have thought of for Ubuntu.

• Add/Remove programs straight from the applications lists. A simple right click and 'Uninstall' or drag and drop into the trash bin for deleting a program, and a universal 'double click' installer package for programs. There might be a solution for the latter, but I know the former hasn't been implemented...
• A default application launcher akin to Mac OSX's launching dock (and kiba dock). Simplify it for the masses. Put EVERYDAY tasks in the launcher like browsing the internet, checking e-mail, listen to music, chat. These tasks can link to the preferred program of choice, but these general tasks are what EVERYONE uses these days.
• Let the user feel the power they have over the computer. Yes, we know Linux CLI is amazing and the user can do anything they want from it, but most everyone is overwhelmed at first! Have the distribution check installation issues and present the appropriate actions to the user (and not a simple 'go to the how-to page' link).
• Make things simpler right from installation. Why no network-manager? Why no beagle in the taskbar? K.I.S.S.!

I'll probably think of more, but these were just a few very general things... I'll leave you with a link I used quite a bit while playing with Ubuntu...

http://www.ubuntuguide.org