A Compaq research project has resulted in the development of a Linux-based handheld called Itsy. The tiny handheld is a shade smaller than PalmPilot and offers such features as a touch screen, PDA software, microphone, speaker, and infrared port. You can also play Doom on Itsy by using a kickin’ Rock ‘n’ Scroll input method. The Rock ‘n’ Scroll method enables you to manipulate your player by tilting the machine back and forth. If this sounds too good to be true, then you should be warned that Itsy is not intended for the retail market. The Itsy project is an attempt to address issues concerning handhelds. Such issues include power management, user interface issues, and networking. Even though only 75 prototypes of Itsy exist and there are no plans to release it to the public, the Itsy research could influence future products. For more information, check out the Itsy research project Web site.
