I must confess that I really like Linux Mint 7. It is one of the most promising distributions based on Ubuntu out there. However after repeated problems I have stopped using it. My problems included the mouse ceasing to function on install, and a fatal initramfs failure after I had it up and running. In all fairness my system is a older AMD, but I have not had the same problems with Ubuntu.
What I liked about Mint was it had one title bar at the bottom like Windows. It also put the Applications, Places, and System selections into one button labeled menu. It is just more intuitive and simple. I also was impressed with the graphics and artwork. I also liked that the version 7 included a getting started menu with a user guide for new users to read. I also like the rating system for the software. They used numbers to indicate the level of importance and stability. Oh, and I like that they included Adobe Flash and Sun Java out of the box. They are aiming for the power user and they are getting a lot right.
Just to clarify, because I know someone will ask. I downladed the iso directly from Linux Mint. I had run into worse poblems with the previos version. I will probably try them again on the next version. I was really impressed.