Ubuntu Linux works great on a desktop and on certain laptops, like Dell Latitude E6400. I agree: for most non-tech users it may be harder to use, but only because it’s not familiar and doesn’t have a commercial presence. The Linux operating system is superior to Windows.
The only computer people who you can resonable compare Apple Connoisseurs are Linux geeks. And face it if you aren’t a member of one group or the other you don’t understand them at all. Reminds me of a guy I knew who went around buying up BataMax tapes, because he was sure that it would comeback because it was a superior system and product. ;-)