Arch Linux vs Ubuntu
Ubuntu is the most popular Debian-based Linux distribution. Arch Linux is known for providing the newest software, in "vanilla" versions (meaning that the software rarely includes special Arch Linux patches).
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[edit] Preinstalled Software
Arch Linux expects the user to install software as desired (including Desktop Environment / graphical user interface). Ubuntu comes with software preinstalled to cover the most common needs.
[edit] Release Cycle
A new version of Ubuntu is released once every six months. Normal Ubuntu releases are supported for 18 months after release - during that time the the software stays essentially the same, except that updates will provide bug fixes and increased security. Arch Linux is designed to be updated continuously - there is no need to switch to a new version because normal software updates will always give you new versions of the software you are using.
[edit] Newer Software
Ubuntu puts software through a testing process that takes a substantial amount of time. So a new "stable" release of Ubuntu usually avoids new versions of the software that have been released in the last several months. Keeping the same version of Ubuntu for a year is not a problem, but it often means you don't have new software features that have been released in the last year and a half.
If you keep Arch Linux updated, you will usually have the very latest release of each software package.
[edit] Reliability and Ease of Use
Ubuntu is suitable for people who don't want to troubleshoot their software on a regular basis. Arch Linux's software updates sometimes cause things to quit working, and Arch Linux is usually recommended for people who don't mind fixing problems as they crop up. However, Arch Linux is easier to trouble shoot and fix when there is an issue because it use a standard philosophy of develop used commonly by his crew. Ubuntu has a larger user base and is easier to troubleshoot from the larger resources it creates.
