If they try to be on the most cutting edge process node as early as possible (that's available to them), that could make them quite competitive and appealing, especially as all-in-one solution for gamers. I'd certainly consider them myself, too, but not until 2015, and until they jump to 14/16nm FinFET.
I have been using Steam on Linux and once they get a few more titles final (like CS: GO, they already have DOTA) it removes any need for Windows (home life isn't very Office centric).
It's also annoying to have a full desktop PC in the living room. When game streaming lands in Steam I'll be able to move that entire box into my office and then just have a simple front end Steam Machine handling driving the TV. People keep posting pics of the streaming UI but they haven't turned it on yet.
For my "front end" machines I am using 2 Ubuntu laptops with background auto updating turned on, steam in big picture mode on boot, and either an Xbox controller or a Logitech 710. I am thinking those will hold me over until Valve starts publishing the case CAD files and I'll be able to build my own proper machine.