I have been using Ubuntu for a while now, but I tend to stay away from the 64bit versions. I had more problems with drivers and apps than I do with the 32bit versions. Plus there is no real reason to go 64bit unless you’re planning on running SQL servers or anything else that really needs 64bit.
In terms of eye candy then the compiz-fusion packages are amazing, I recently installed the beta version of Ubuntu 7.10 (gutsy gibbon) and compiz-fusion worked out of the box. (Very surprising considering the problems I have had with my graphic card)
I would also recommend using Automatix to install the common programs, it will install everything you are after and probably more.
VLC is a great player for nearly every type of multimedia format and will also support streaming (both ways), I have used it in the past to stream a movie to my Xbox
Amarok is a good MP3 player if you want to catalog your MP3 collection - similar to how iTunes works. I think it will sync to an iPod too.
If you want something more like Winamp then use
Audacious or XMMS. Both work in a similar way
As mentioned before, 64bit specific apps tend to be for server related stuff, even then you’re not likely to notice a huge speed difference. Most 64bit apps are nothing more than recompiled 32bit apps with no optimisation.
