Never played Half Life 2 but I like what I see. Whether digital distribution takes off more is really down to PS3 and 360. I doubt that will ever replace the physical media we use now.

I'd have to disagree, PS3 and 360 will have nothing to do with this... miniscule at best. The PC has always been the quiet one watching from the window as the youngins beat themself bloody on the road. PC will dictate the PC's future, whether or not that includes physical medium or not.

In the case of lazy CSers, I think this distro over the net is probably very convenient...