Hello List,

I have downloaded the Ubuntu 10.10 Desktop and alternate install ISO images last night. I'm posting this from a bootable USB pendrive installation (with persistence) of Maverick while on the road.

I have two broadband datacards - Huawei EC1262 from Reliance Netconnect and ZTE AC2766 from MTS MBlaze. Both have started working 'out-of-the-box' through network manager. Earlier (10.04 Lucid), I had to run through a lot of trial-and-error, even after compiling and installing the latest usb_modeswitch version, in order to connect to the internet.

I have earlier posted about only the ZTE AC2766 working with network manager, while the Huawei EC1262 only worked with wvdial, and that too, after frequent attempts. Now, all I have to do is plug the card in the USB slot, (wait for a few seconds to see the appropriate LED start flashing), and then launch network manager on the Gnome panel, as usb_modeswitch is included by default.

What is more, without having to wait for the appropriate connection option to appear, I have to just 'Add' a connection to the 'Mobile Broadband' tab under the 'Edit connections' option. The resulting dialog droid does not show you your modem brand / model initially, but you have to just click 'Next' and select India from the list of countries. Thereafter, you are presented with a list of service providers using your specific brand and model of modem.

Next step, just enter the default username and password supplied by your provider, and you're ready to go. You sometimes also get a confirmation of your provider and model on the Finish page of the dialog.

In terms of operating experience, the MTS connection drops off suddenly and in a short time, while the Reliance one has been steady for a while now. I must also mention that I downloaded the ISO torrents on my Reliance connection with an average download speed better 180 kpbs.

My first impression of Maverick is that the performance seems snappier. The System>Appearance dialog now has the Visual Effects tab included by default, so you can go and choose your compiz effects level immediately.

That is all I have time for right now, and obviously many of the early adopters among you will have something to add by way of comments.