"Burchers did discuss some issues that remain with
Linux, which even among younger users can be viewed as a 'toy.'
Perhaps it doesn't help that the popular Linux-based EeePC netbook
is sold at Toys'R'Us, but as I pointed out recently, the toy store
has the right idea in labeling the netbooks with 'Linux' (which is
more than I can say for Dell, which sticks to 'Ubuntu'). Still, I
think that Windows XP runs just as much risk of being viewed as 'my
parents' OS,' which would certainly be worse than a toy.
"While Linux may have a way to go in terms of education, mind
share and credibility, it is certainly appealing to manufacturers
based on its lower cost, which in turn helps it appeal to more
consumers with greater features at less cost."