(obviously this is a pure opinion statement)
I just don't see the need to try and run linux on it -- don't get me wrong, I'm a linux nerd and all that, but sometimes you just use the right tool for the right job. I look at other projects in the same vein (putting linux on a Treo, e.g.) but beyond the intrinsic value of 'gee whiz!' it's just not that useful. Sometimes the whole "does it run linux?" goes just a little too far, IMHO.
But, when the device *was* designed to run linux that's a different story! I own a ROKR E2 (man I need to stop buying phones!) I bought it in Hong Kong solely with the purpose of playing with linux on my phone - and it's really cool. (see places like
Motorola ROKR E2 Modders - Home for more info) This is a case of where the device was meant to run linux and is actually still a useful device - I mean come on, I get Samba and BusyBox on my phone!
Even though I'm no lover of java I think RIM has done a great job with this J2ME-based device, and I don't see myself trying to run linux on it for any reason...but I bet eventually someone will just because.
$0.02 USD. ¡viva las penguinistas!