I use Linux 12.10 (Quantal Quetzal) on my netbook. No, I don't use Unity because it lags on netbooks, but I use Gnome Session fallback in order to have the Gnome desktop (little to no lag).

To install Gnome session fallback:

command line (CTRL + T): sudo apt-get install gnome-session-fallback

restart

click on the little icon in the corner of the user:

From there you can choose Gnome Classic(no effects) It doesn't have lag