Early Ubuntu 10.10 Netbook Benchmarks

The 2D performance regressed between Ubuntu 10.04 Netbook and Ubuntu 10.10 Netbook from the early July snapshot, which is likely a regression within the updated Linux DRM code or the xf86-video-intel driver code. However, Maverick snapshots are using xf86-video-intel 2.11.0 where as the xf86-video-intel 2.12.0 driver that was released last month offers massive 2D performance improvements. Once Ubuntu 10.10 receives this new Intel X.Org driver the 2D performance should be better off than where it was at in Ubuntu 10.04.

Overall, Ubuntu 10.10 Netbook at this point in its development cycle is running faster than Ubuntu 10.04 Netbook. This Maverick Meerkat edition of Ubuntu Netbook also brings the new Unity desktop interface and other improvements, however, right now it does appear that Ubuntu 10.10 is consuming more power than its predecessor is particularly because the CPU usage is higher. Hopefully this issue will be resolved prior to the October release of Ubuntu 10.10. We will continue running benchmarks as the development progresses. We also continue to benchmark the latest Ubuntu daily packages at ubuntu-tracker.phoromatic.com.