The 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show is one of the ultimate tech-toy and gadget shows on the planet. There's something for nearly anyone, and while not quite a household word, Linux technology has gained rapid stature in the consumer-electronics industry, as demonstrated by vastly increased cognizance of both Linux users and Linux embedded technology.

When walking through the shows of prior CES shows, you could get the most amusing looks on people's faces when you asked the question, "Does it work with Linux?" Sometimes there would be the awkward stares, a pause, then the retort, "Excuse me? Linucks? What's that, please?"

Others would say, "Nah, why? Who uses it? Show me two users that aren't developers or cheapskate geeks, and I'll show you our new Linux product line." A few heads might nod if you substituted the brand "Mac" for Linux.

Now that's all changed. We found a number of both Linux-based products, as well as a raft of OS-agnostic products worth mentioning.