Well, as you probably know from the other thread, I just ordered the USB kit, but I think I may partially answer your question.
Of course Linux is more efficient than Windows, so it'd be the best solution for a small computer; if you are a Linux-geek you may well configure your Linux installation to have what you get with the Id; the problem is: are you a Linux-geek?
I'm not, and with almost 30 years experience with computers I feel safe saying that one of the most frustrating situation I had is trying to be a part-time Unix/Linux user...
No way, as far as I'm concerned; for the record, last week I made another try: I installed a Mint Debian distribution and I fall in the same problems I've seen for years: documents always referring to an obsolete version, (and of course they have just changed what you're looking for), you try to install a package, you get an error msg, so you dig again in the net since, few hours later, finally you find another doc explaining the package as changed name, etc, etc...
Bottom line: I have a life, I've no reason to become a full-time Linux user (and more likely I'm to old, too
), soooo: I ordered the Id USB kit.