Ubuntu 8.10, with 3G Support, Available Oct. 30

But really keep your eyes on Ubuntu 8.10.

According to this press release:

Creation of a "guest account" in Ubuntu 8.10 takes exactly one click. Configuration of a 3G account in a wireless deployment of Ubuntu 8.10 appears to be incredibly simplified. First appearances show that there are enough new features in this version of Ubuntu to make it worth a good, long look.

The release candidate of version 8.10 is already available to download and check out. An installation of that version in our lab, on an virtual machine, went very smoothly - - incredibly smoothly, actually - - and it will be interesting to kick the tires over the next few days. So far, so good.

So while Microsoft news may consume a lot of oxygen throughout the technology industry this week at its developers conference, a nice bit of action could very come from the Ubuntu 8.10 launch.