I've used a 1GB flash drive and because of the sheer volume of the ISO image compared to the space on the drive creating some persistent space is not only next to impossible it's also just not feasible because you'd have a VERY small amount of space for stuff to save off to.

So has anybody managed to create a working Ubuntu 11.04 Live USB disk with persistence? But as far as I know, this isn't very good, because /tmp and similar directories will then also be on the USB disk, which is a) slow, and b) not very good for the USB disk due to frequent overwriting. I know, that instead of creating a startup disk, I could install a full ubuntu system on the USB stick. It also doesn't seem to keep my keyboard settings. Clicking on 'Try ubuntu' takes me to the desktop - but only after waiting 5 minutes (every time!). But after booting, I get the screen 'Try ubuntu/install ubuntu'. Result: Actually works: Reserved space can be selected, installation works.Using Startup Disk Creator from my Kubuntu 10.10 installation, kde version (usb-creator-kde). Result: I can select the 'reserved extra space' option, but installation doesn't work (fails when installing the bootloader).Using Startup Disk Creator from my Kubuntu 10.10 installation, gnome version (usb-creator-gtk). But it doesn't work with Ubuntu 11.04 anymore (see also comment #14).

I know I know, there was bug 557775, and many people say that the workaround from comment #4 works for them.

Result: I cannot choose 'reserved extra space' at all.

Using Startup Disk Creator from my Ubuntu 11.04 installation.

(So I have to choose my keyboard layout, install programs I need, etc.

Result: Boots fine and very fast (doesn't even show the annoying dialog 'Try ubuntu/install ubuntu' at startup!), but has no persistence.

Using unetbootin on my Mac, choosing no such space.

Using unetbootin on my Mac, choosing some 'Space used to preserve files across reboots (Ubuntu only)'.

I've tried so many combinations - all I want is a fast Ubuntu Live USB disk with persistence that works.

Install ubuntu startup disk creator