I switched to xubuntu for 9.04 or 9.10 to trial and then installed
10.04 on my main pc. It does everything perfectly without being
bloated - that's why i like it. Perhaps bloated is an unfair term to
use... i like the minimal install to which i add rather than with
ubuntu i would remove and add to get my setup as i liked. And i don't
want all the "bells & whistles".

couple of minor examples
e.g. Bulk rename - for all those photos... it's simpler and yet
quicker than Krename or the other one (can't remember what it's called
now).

e.g. I've just been trying to sort out a dot matrix printer today as i
had to get some urgent letters posted (wanted to send them recorded so
needed to get to the temporary village post office only open on a Tue
and Thu), inkjet cartridge died (only happens at the most inconvenient
times!) and lastly but not least [as the saying goes!] the car is off
the road. I was delighted that when the printer hung i could just go
into the menu and delete the spooled print jobs - in ubuntu i had to
do that on the command line i seem to recall but it was a while ago
now.

Xubuntu i have found is very stable, a great bunch on the xubuntu list
[not that this crowd aren't a helpful friendly lot] - but i haven't
needed much help! I did try Mint and it mucked up my memstick somehow.
Mint xfce is nice on eye candy... you'll miss that with xubuntu. I'm
always keen on "what's under the bonnet" - and that is where xubuntu
is better than others.

Stick xubuntu on a spare pc and have a good trial for a few weeks is
what i'd say - i think you'll be converted. I'm so keen on xubuntu
i've joined the documentation team.