Help on choosing and installing the right Ubuntu

[Ideka]

I recently bought a laptop and I want to install Ubuntu on it, but I don't know which one to choose.
First off, should I install Lucid or the beta of Maverick?
Second, it has a Core i3 processor, does that mean I have to install the "AMD64" version even tough it's not an AMD processor?

And lastly, I've heard of people keeping the home directory in a different partition to keep the data while changing to other distributions... how is this done?

Thanks.

[oldos2er]

I would install 64-bit on your i3; it is appropriate for both Intel and AMD processors.

To setup /home on its own partition, choose manual installation when the partitioner runs during install. See http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/separatehome

[mörgæs]

Begin with a live boot of 10.04. If it works well, this will be the best choice.

[Ideka]

Thanks, I'll do as you say.