This time for sure on mobile Linux

You know, the bit where the Moose claims he can do magic, and keeps pulling everything out of his hat but a bunny.

Desktop Linux has been making the same promises for years, but like the moose said, "This time for sure."

Jim Zemlin, CEO of the Linux Foundation, admitted as much when we talked yesterday. "2008 will be the year of the Linux desktop. Don’t we say that every year?" he joked.

Actually we do. This is the third December I've gotten to predict "this will be the year" for mobile Linux and desktop Linux.

So why will this be the year?

"You finally have all the components in terms of features, functionality and device support coming together to make the Linux desktop similar to Windows Vista, and even the Mac OS X," Zemlin said.

The Wal-Mart Linux PC, priced at $198, is sold out. Zonbu seems to be gaining traction, with a notebook priced at $279.

"You’re seeing incredibly improved device drivers. We’ve got hundreds now. This is a phenomenal effort that plays to the strength of Linux, a volunteer community representing millions of dollars in free development.

"You’re seeing more manufacturers shipping Linux desktops, PCs and laptops but also mobile Internet devices from Acer, Motorola’s Razr, TiVo…there’s a slew of new devices coming out."

Not to mention Google's Android project, which Zemlin predicted will have Taiwanese OEMs salivating.

"These contract manufactuers want to move up the value chain, into higher value branded equipment. You do not wish to be a low margin contract manufacturer.

"I can’t imagine a single manufacturer out there who doesn’t want, someday, to be Apple. Linux, by sharing the innovation, has begun to be a platform anyone can use."

But is that someday now?