Paul Thurrot, writer for Windows Magazine and the Windows IT Pro site has had a look at Ubuntu and honest as he is, he dares to say that he likes it!
In the small review, he acknowledges the slick interface of Gnome and mentions that:Quote:

Because Ubuntu is based on the well-regarded Debian Linux distribution, it uses [...]

Yet another positive review of Ubuntu Linux – “The biggest feature that sticks out in this release of Ubuntu is ease of use and simplicity.”
The short review focus on the benefits for laptop users:Quote:

After reviewing Ubuntu 5.04, I am very impressed by the simplicity of the installation process and the default desktop. Not only does [...]

TheAge.com.au has a non-technical page about trying Ubuntu LiveCD and discovering that you can use it to rescue data that even WinXP can't access! Impressive
During the test to try something new, this happened – Quote:

The package arrived at just the right time. The night it was delivered a friend rang with the news that [...]

ReviewLinux – a new website with the purpose of providing lots of reviews for different Linux distributions, has had their hands at Ubuntu 5.04, calling it “Ubuntu – A New Approach to Desktop Linux” and gives it a 10 out of 10 and recommends it to anyone!
The 4-page review can be read here, but the [...]

Tom Adelstein at LX'er has reviewed Ubuntu and made a lot of comments about what Ubuntu is based on and some of the thoughts behind it.
The review concludes that:Quote:

“Some other interesting factoids I found about Ubuntu include:
Ubuntu was developed over six months, with Shuttleworth's personal OSS involvement totaling 10 years.
It will always be free [...]