I could not agree more. I also run Linux mint on about 8 year old hardware. Machine came with vista then put xp on it. Modern video would stutter but with mint 12 xfce it runs like lightening.
So many web apps these days all you really need is libre office and a browser I don't miss windows at all. It's also why iPad is great, you just don't need versatility of a pc anymore.
Only downside to mint was the driver support with that version was not great, I had to do a lot of manual workarounds but I have installed newer versions on other machines and wow! Everything works out of the box
RE: Why I Use Linux Despite The Occasional Frustration And Inconvenience