Linux distribution summary

Hi, I'm a pretty new Linux user. I am currently using SuSE 9.2 after trying Red Hat and Mandrake. One of them had a memory allocation problem with an ancient, unsupported program I was using (last updated 1998) and another seemed to have problems with my graphics card (Sapphire Radeon 9800 Pro, the image was compressed to 3-4 size in the bottom left of my CRT monitor).

Anyway, I googled around for a summary of Linux distributions, and found some info. However I would like to hear some feedback from you guys as well. Basically, what distribution is good for what?

I found a quick summary here:

I couldn't really find the info I was looking for as well. I'm looking for a Linux distro that is: 1) Very up-to-date with hardware drivers (at least will support my gfx card! I had lots of artifacts installing ATI drivers I downloaded from SuSE) 2) Has a small installation size (SuSE takes about 2-3 GB on my HDD ATM) 3) Is quick to run (I find SuSE a little slow, even on my average AMD XP 2500+, 1GB RAM computer) 4) Has lots of packages. 5) Is suitable for a Linux beginner, but not too dumbed down to the point of being condescending (like Windows...)

I have no idea how they do for 1-3.

Thanks.