For those who are “resource intensive” application users, I think the Cloud concept will not be fast enough. I am speaking from experience using database publishing software. (also CAD software)
For those who have “security concerns”, I am not sure we should trust the Cloud. For that reason I think I will be using a Desktop PC for a long time to come. (and I built my first PC in 1982)
I am also a strong proponent of Open Source software, have been a Linux user for over 10 years. There are only a few applications in the Windows environment that I cannot find a corresponding Linux app for.
They’ll have to pry my Linux desktop from my cold dead hands. I don’t like using ‘the cloud’ for applications myself, though I do use Evernote and RTM. But as a substitute for local apps? Not any time soon for me.
However, the things that are going on with virtualization and ‘cloud servers’ in the hosting arena are really exciting even if the buzz words are annoying.