Well... if your teen likes gadgets/computers, and does know what a word "Linux" means, then it should be a great gift.

Otherwise... there may be a 50/50 chance if the gift would be received as "wow..." or "oh man..." (But, if you can insist him/her try to use it and learn... I'm sure he/she will love it a week or so later.)

With OS2008 Youtube videos do play nice. Definitely you need to load the latest (released today) OS on it before passing on.