I don't think anyone is pushing the idea that tablets can fulfill every need of every computer user. I'm not sure what you are responding to.
You're exactly right, no one is pushing that idea. However, the fact that this is posted on Slashdot (where a disproportionate number of users are software developers, engineers, and other professions that require high powered computing) kinda implies that some of us can replace our desktops with a tablet. We know we can't and never will (unless the conditions laid out by the GP are satisfied), so this is just another one of those articles that are completely irrelevant to this demographic. What's next, links to Cosmopolitan articles?
On the other hand, we don't seem to be suffering from the lack of dinosaurs.
I think that's why we're here to begin with, or at least why we're not all a bunch of tiny shrews.
Ubuntu's gain in popularity probably had a lot more to do with the fact that it bundled proprietary software, non-free drivers, etc. by default, since it was basically Debian with different themes in the beginning.
FTFY
I think Mint and Ubuntu are gaining popularity in very much the same way. JMHO. And yes, a large and healthy ecosystem is a very good thing!
Canonical wasn't listening to the Linux users of the time when it started. It recruited a new group of users and created its own niches. My guess is you started with Canonical
Actually no, I didn't start with Ubuntu. Nice attempt to make yourself sound intelligent with a sweeping generalization, although you really do come off as elitist. When I said "listen to users" I meant that they addressed the issues that prevented most people from doing day to day tasks on a Linux distro with minimal hassle. I like tweaking an OS and using the command line as much as the next guy, but when I've got stuff to do, I like to get it done quickly and only focus on the task at hand. I like being able to install an OS on any random desktop or laptop and have most of the important bits reasonably work. I've played around with Ubuntu for quite a while, but only switched my main OS to that when I felt it was reliable enough (8.04) to use it for that purpose. Before that, I've played with Mandrake, and even used Suse through part of university until playing around with Ubuntu.
Love it or hate it, there's a reason why Ubuntu is still on the top spot. If you don't like it, you don't have to use it, and you definitely don't have to condescend anyone who does. And as much as I hate Unity, I definitely won't insult anyone who chooses to use it, especially if it works for them. Those insults are better left to the companies and developers that alienate their main userbase.
What ever you want is going to cost a little more than it is worth. -- The Second Law Of Thermodynamics