One piece of feedback suggested that I was dismissing Linux as thin client only, which is not intended. I simply expect the Linux desktop to gain more traction where the market is for a thin device. Another feedback posting drew attention to the 3rd world market. Well, yes, this is exactly the point and ultimately it is the reason that the Linux desktop will not be stopped—only delayed.
Possibly the most interesting development in this area (earlier this year) is the MIT Media Lab research initiative (announced by Nicholas Negraponte) to develop the $100 laptop. Follow this link for greater detail, but the idea is to wire the world wirelessly at a price that the 3rd World can afford using a grab bag of Open Source, mesh networks, Skype and a purpose designed laptop.
