Ubuntu Installation :: Partitioner Lack Slide Control?

i remember back a few years ago you could partition the drive by simply sliding a slider, and now trying to install ubuntu next to xp my dad was unable to set it up. This is a big step back for the design of the partitioner. He was able to set up ubuntu 7.04 on his old computer many years ago when i was not there. He tried to set up 10.04 today and got so frustrated with ubuntu wanting to take most of his drive, that he gave up. why was the "simple slide to set space you where going to give ubuntu" taken away. he just wants to set up the space he didn't want to deal with root, swap space, and so on. he just wanted to set up a block of space that ubuntu can use however it wants. but the partitioner will not let him. this needs to be fixed. the install process must be simple to use by everyone. i do not want my friends and family getting frustrated with installing it. he was excited to try the new ubuntu till he got to dealing with the partitioner and after that he wanted nothing to do with ubuntu. the installer is the first thing they see make that the primary focus of "easy of use".