> The difference wasn't really the linux desktop itself. There never was a "year of the linux desktop". It seems to be everything else. The webification of ever

> The difference wasn't really the linux desktop itself. There never was a "year of the linux desktop". It seems to be everything else. The webification of everything slew the desktop native app and the ubiquity of a gazillion different smartphones primed people to accept new UI experiences. Yes, I think the situation has changed now. I'm looking forward to good Linux-friendly ARM boxes being available for $100-$150, preinstalled with Ubuntu or Elementary OS. It won't be long until something like that would be satisfactory for most casual users. There are lots of people currently who are using XP or Vista, or old hardware which has worked fine up to now, but which periodically falls off the wagon. They have screens and keyboards, don't need perfect Office compatibility, mostly use the web, and don't particularly want to spend a lot of money for a replacement.