The benefits of SUSE Linux and Ubuntu

What are the benefits of SUSE Linux and Ubuntu? Which is better for Linux newbies to start with?

They are both great distributions. A major problem with Suse is that it's using Yast as a package management, which for newbies it's really annoying to configure software with it. But then again, this happens to all *.rpm based distributions, including Fedora.
Ubuntu on the other hand uses Synaptic for package management, which is extremely easy to use and configure. No issues whatsoever.
Ubuntu comes only on one CD, and after installing it you can add as many software as you like. The ubuntu community is the best, meaning you'll find your answers quick.
On the other hand Suse comes on 6 CD's (including the add-on), or a mini-CD version, in case you prefer a network install (which i don't recommend for beginners). There is also a suse comunity but i wouldn't say it's that great...
You can try them both and then choose with which one you feel comfortable. Remeber not to change distributions every single time... If you want to learn Linux choose one distro and stick with it until you get the hang of it.