I ran across this app-note which, among other things, compares and contrasts switching and linear power supplies.

It gives a quantitative comparison of such factors as line regulation, load regulation, output ripple, etc. along with the usual matters of size and efficiency. Too bad it doesn't compare cost as well.

For those who find such things interesting, it's available here:

http://www.national.com/an/AN/AN-556.pdf

RE