People who say linux isn't ready for the desktop are, largely, misinformed.
I just recently deployed Ubuntu on a laptop for my uncle (who is about as technologically stunted as they come). He is loving it.
Well, I do agree that linux is ready for the desktop. Thats all I run at the house, I do have a winxp box for games though.
My wife prefers linux over windows, she says it looks cleaner. Whatever that means.
The problem for desktop linux now is the lack of applications that most people are used to. I have friends that use photoshop, dreamweaver, visio etc....
My laptop at work runs xp, I have room to dual boot linux but don't. I program phone switches for a living and all of my apps are windows only. It is highly unlikely that the our pbx vendor will release a native linux app.
I can hope though......
I think xp is awful to look at and I truly hate having to use it. Just wanted to get my bias way out there so there is no confusion : ) The whole microsoft experience leaves me cold.