I've never been a fan of Ubuntu myself. Try Mepis 6.
This week, we helped a guy on here install it on his laptop...he got everything working with Mepis right out of the box, including wireless.
And, if you want to install new software in Mepis, just click Start>System>Synaptic Package Manager. After entering your password, you can search for software and install it point-and-click.
IIRC, the nVidia drivers are included with Mepis too, so you just go to the Mepis OS center, click on Mouse and Display, click the "Nvidia" tab and make sure "Official Nvidia Driver" is checked (you might have to restart your computer afterward). But, chances are, Mepis will detect and configure your video automatically and you will have to do nothing. Regardless, it is a live CD, so you can try it out before you install.
Mepis is way easier than most distributions, in my opinion.
If you need help, ping me. I'll let N3WBi3 or somebody know and we'll get a Tech Help thread going.
I'm a glutton for punishment. Today I downloaded the mini-install of Mandriva 2006. Very quick installation. This is not a live CD. I can tell it got my screen resolution correct. Only problem is i can't log on. I'll look at Mephis6. Thanks
Here's another computer savvy guy frustrated by Linux --->
http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/linux-newbie/59661-incredibly-frustrated-noob.html?highlight=mandriva