I tried Mepis, but it did not install the ltmodem driver for the Winmodem, and there is a different version for every kernel.
Also, Kubuntu recognized my USR5410 wireless card out of the box, and I was able to install the driver for my backup RT2500 wireless card with a couple of clicks on Synaptic, and they both work.
Kubuntu uses the Adept package manager by default, but if you insall Synaptic it lets you connect to some unsupported repositories where you can install all kinds of cool stuff like eclipse. Plus it installs OpenGL drivers if you have a graphics card that supports them.
At this point, I'd say Ubuntu/Kubuntu beats XP in hardware suppport and ease of installation, especially now that Microsoft is making it such a pain in the @$$ to confirm that you are running a "genuine" version of XP.
There is a millionaire Russian cosmonaut who has funded Ubuntu, and his plan is to make Ubuntu the standard desktop throughout the world, and if Microsoft keeps cooperating he may just do it.
Well good for him, but I'll be rooting for American companies instead.
Actually, the guy's name is Mark Shuttleworth--he's South African, I believe.
The ltmodem driver is available in Mepis, you just have to install it with Synaptic.
For the record, most people who compare Mepis and Kubuntu head to head usually like Mepis more. I've used both and can say the same. Of course, if you like Kubuntu, then more power to ya.
Right now, I have Mepis 6 on my office computer, as well as my laptop, which is fully configured for network, wireless, and dialup. Pretty cool.