It may not seem like it, but Linux keeps making strides on the desktop, particularly in the rising form factor of ultra-portable notebooks. The latest development is an online offering of the popular Asus Eee PC from U.S. retail giant Best Buy.

Now, of course, there are some typical limitations. We aren’t likely to see ads for these computers in the Sunday newspaper. They are only available from Best Buy’s Web site and the retailer may want to reconsider suggesting Windows anti-virus software with pre-installed Linux machines. However, considering where a retailer like Best Buy stood on desktop Linux just a few years ago, this is significant improvement.

Just as Dell’s progress in offering Linux as a real choice to consumers was a key step, so too is the increased supply and demand that has Wal-Mart, Best Buy and others offering more pre-installed Linux PCs. It’s also nice to see that there is a noticeable price advantage in these Linux computers compared to Windows machines. Hit Best Buy’s ‘Remove Linux’ option, and the prices jump up at least $250. Finally, they’re starting to leverage the advantages of Linux, rather than obfuscating them. That’s the path to mainstream adoption, and I believe we’re on it.