Updating from Ubuntu 8.04 LTS?

A Phoronix article suggests that Dell should update the Ubuntu on its Inspiron netbook. Michael Larabel wrote:
Besides running faster, the newer Ubuntu releases have better hardware support, various package updates, many improvements to GNOME, and all sorts of other features. Ubuntu 8.04 is nice for its Long-Term Support with Canonical continuing to [...]

Removed shutdown in Ubuntu Jauntys system menu

I have talked about this in my first impressions and now have found more about it:
See “Why missing shutdown and user logout menus in system menu with 9.04 Alpha 5?“:
“Yes, this is a stupid UI decision made by people in Ubuntu who haven’t thought about accessibility. Luckily, getting the menu options back is simply a matter [...]

First impressions of Ubuntu 9.04 beta

I have just updated to newest Ubuntu. Here are some points of interest:

Thes removed the shutdown option from system menu. You now HAVE to use the stupid applet. IS this a GNOME or an Ubuntu decision. Personally i dont like this applet for shutting down. I always used the system menu. The applet looks so [...]