While efforts on the part of Ubuntu to compete for net-books/android is commendable but its unity desktop is inconvenient for laptop or desktop. Similarly the Gnome3 is also on similar lines. One may try XFce. Installation is very simple. Open Terminal and type “sudo apt-get install xfdesktop4” and press enter. Choose XFce on next login. To remove Unity altogether follow this link here.

If you want Gnome package, following is a Unity free Gnome package of Ubuntu 11.10:

The new Ubuntu-based operating system introduced here is called Ubuntu GNOME Shell Remix and it’s build on top of the Oneiric Ocelot release, but without the Unity shell.As a desktop environment, the Ubuntu GNOME Shell Remix 11.10 uses the GNOME Shell interface. However, Ubuntu 11.10 features the Unity interface, but on top of the new GNOME 3.2 desktop environment.Ubuntu GNOME Shell Remix 11.10 is an unofficial remix of the Ubuntu 11.10 Oneiric Ocelot operating system and it was created by Jan Hoffmann. The OS is available for both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures.Ubuntu GNOME Shell Remix 11.10 includes the following applications:· New boot splash screen;· Mozilla Firefox web browser;· Empathy instant messenger client;· LibreOffice open source office and productivity suite;· Shotwell photo manager;· Banshee music player and organizer;· Totem video player;· Evolution e-mail and calendar;· GNOME Contacts tool;· Cheese webcam viewer;· A collection of GNOME games including gbrainy, Tali, Aisleriot Solitaire and many more! (extracted from Introducing Ubuntu 11.10 Without Unity – Softpedia.

Enjoy the freedom of choice!