When comparing ArchLinux32 vs Ubuntu LTS, the Slant community recommends Ubuntu LTS for most people. In the question“What are the best Linux distros for old notebooks/laptops?” Ubuntu LTS is ranked 17th while ArchLinux32 is ranked 21st. The most important reason people chose Ubuntu LTS is:
Lots of support for hardware, lots of pre-installed software, and a smooth install process means less time downloading drivers, less time digging through configuration files, and less time deciding on software to use just to get up and running. It also means less time digging through forums looking for support.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Great Documentation
For the most part, documentation of ArchLinux can be applied to ArchLinux32.
Pro Arch User Repository
AUR still works here, and if package you desire still supports i386 architecture, you can have it on your installation.
Pro Just works out of the box
Lots of support for hardware, lots of pre-installed software, and a smooth install process means less time downloading drivers, less time digging through configuration files, and less time deciding on software to use just to get up and running. It also means less time digging through forums looking for support.
Pro Good PPA repositories available
PPA repositories allow you to install the latest version of your preferred software while keeping the rest of the operating system "stable".
Pro Lots of support
As the most popular Linux distribution, there's a wide range of sources for support online if you ever need help, including the Ubuntu Wiki, Ubuntu Forums and the Ask Ubuntu Stack Exchange site.
Pro Great Long Term Support release schedule (2 years)
This allows for users to always have a new supported release available without long unkown wait times in between.
Pro Most users are already familiar with it
Ubuntu is the go-to Linux distro for most people, so there is a sense of familiarity and comfort in using something they have used before.
Cons
Con Small communitry
Community behind ArchLinux32 is much smaller than behind ArchLinux. This makes problems occur more often, and solutions for those problems do take some time.
Con Had for non-patient people
Arch Linux 32, just like Arch Linux, requires careful studying documentation.
Con Relatively high system requirements
The default Unity desktop environment is a resource hog which requires hardware accelerated graphics rendering in order to run smoothly, making out of the box Ubuntu unsuitable for low end systems and older hardware. Even mildly aged hardware, you'll get far better performance out of a lighter desktop environment like LXDE or XFCE.