The main problem with Linux adoption is not a lack of user friendliness or usability.  The problem is that many early adopters are tech people coming from a Windows background.  While tech people like the idea of Linux and want to give it a try, they also get easily frustrated when something they want to do isn't immediately obvious.  The tech user then complains that Linux isn't ready for primetime, or it needs to be easier to install software in Linux, or Linux wouldn't run on my hardware, or Linux requires use of the command line, etc.

None of the above complaints are true, but they are common among people who don't understand how to use Linux.  When average computer users see tech people make such statements they immediately think, "Well, if he couldn't make it work I doubt I'll be able to."  And they stay away from Linux.

The low-cost Linux PC will change all that.  Getting Linux into the hands of the masses will prove that the masses can use Linux without problems.  It will prove that it's easier to install software in Linux than it is in Windows, that you don't need to use the command line, and that it runs great on any hardware.

No one is going to believe the so-called expert when he points to Grandma happily clicking away on her $200 Linux desktop and says, "See Linux still has a long way to go before it's ready for prime time."