Comment 3 for bug 86191

The immediate problem of identifying CPU type and speed could be solved by packaging and shipping About Window <https://launchpad.net/about-window> as a replacement for the existing "About Ubuntu" menu item. (Disclosure: I designed About Window.)

The problem of Device Manager being difficult to use is a much more general one -- it is probably better addressed by a proper design process, including talking with the people involved in Ubuntu hardware certification (since they probably use it most).