Correct. Precise Pangolin is the latest LTS release.
Dug back through my cds, it looks like 12.10 was the Ubuntu that I looked at. Mint is basically Ubuntu with a different desktop (they call it 'Cinnamon' instead of 'Unity'.. big whoop.) Mint is now at version 15 or so, not sure which Ubuntu version is their base..
Like I said, I noted only minor differences between them so it was more 'grab what's on top' as opposed to a 'real' side/side comparison before install.
Accomplished the main purpose of having a fall-back box in case the windoze box bricks...
You have great wisdom, Master.
Linux Mint 15 is based on Ubuntu 13.04.