Linux desktop, coming to a computer near you?

We have all read the announcements that Dell and Lenovo are starting to ship Linux desktop machines.  For more years than I care to remember, we have heard that this coming year could be the year that Linux makes the big push from the data center to the desktop.  However, it has just not happened.  Other than IT engineers and related geeks, you just don't see it.  In fact, if anything I see the Geeks now flocking to Apple.  So I was a bit surprised by John Halamka's article in ComputerWorld today saying that 2008 could be the year of Linux desktops.

John is right on about what Linux needs to be a viable alternative for desktops. John says Linux needs to:

1. Recognize video chip sets without any messing around
2. Recognize and connect with most wired/wireless networking hardware
3. Recognize and use most storage devices (including USB)
4. Include a browser, good email client, office productivity suite, photo editor and GUI tool for preferences.

I think this is a great list and by John's own admission he has not found anything that meets all of these criteria. John's view is that Linux desktop has to stop being a project and become a product. Where I don't agree is what makes him think 2008 is the year.  I still don't see any Linux tool that gets the plug-n-play config part right.  I would love to see it and would welcome the choice in the market, but I guess I am just not as optimistic as John is that the time has finally come.