> do the kids using these laptops work better with a Unity-style interface or a traditional desktop? Which one allows them to use their computers more effectively?
Hard to say. I personally think KDE is better for both purposes (experienced users and beginners). Unity style UI is too limiting and I don't like the direction it takes.
> Mint is popular, but it's popularity is largely because it's basically a skinned, traditional-desktop version of Ubuntu
It's more than that. Mint is also not managed by Canonical, and therefore they are distanced from related controversies. They are sticking to the global community in choices like Wayland and so on.
Hard to say. I personally think KDE is better for both purposes (experienced users and beginners). Unity style UI is too limiting and I don't like the direction it takes.
> Mint is popular, but it's popularity is largely because it's basically a skinned, traditional-desktop version of Ubuntu
It's more than that. Mint is also not managed by Canonical, and therefore they are distanced from related controversies. They are sticking to the global community in choices like Wayland and so on.