Even dedicated Ubuntu system providers like System76 run into hardware problems.
Ubuntu 10.04 removed (previously working) support for System76 Starling Netbook wireless cards. It was several months before they had a workaround, allowing their customers to finally upgrade to 10.04 just in time for 10.10. System76 then said they felt 10.10 was not ready for their Netbooks, and said their users should remain on 10.04 until further notice. That post was stickied until yesterday.
Ubuntu 10.04 removed (previously working) support for System76 Starling Netbook wireless cards. It was several months before they had a workaround, allowing their customers to finally upgrade to 10.04 just in time for 10.10. System76 then said they felt 10.10 was not ready for their Netbooks, and said their users should remain on 10.04 until further notice. That post was stickied until yesterday.