"i bet when new stuff comes out, linux is the last to get a driver."
Well, I won't necessarily agree with you there, because I think more manufacturers are building with Linux in mind. But I really, really don't like worrying about installing all that piecemeal. I hate the idea that I'll suddenly realize I missed that PCMCIA card or that the third memory slot isn't reading. I know WinME sucks, but it runs, and I can't lose a shitty computer for an inoperable one when my wife really, really likes getting her email. 8)
like i said i haven't mes with linux in about 2-3 years and driver situation back then was horrible, have things changed? maybe.