If you want to look at the ubuntu netbook remix interface, but do not want to install a special system assembly, then just install a couple of packages.
So, go to synaptic and add a new repository:
For Ubuntu 8.10
deb ppa.launchpad.net/netbook-remix-team/ubuntu intrepid main
For Ubuntu 8.04
deb ppa.launchpad.net/netbook-remix-team/ubuntu hardy main
Next, install all the packages from the newly added repository and restart the X - ctrl + alt + backspace.
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Login and see:

Unfortunately on my netbook (hp 2133) it worked correctly only in window mode, i.e. in the window. With the standard display on the desktop, for some reason, this applet was leaving up. True, this is beta.
But I hope everything will be fine with you;)