Pointers to Pen & Mobile Linux

Linux is a great operating system for experimenting with pen-based systems. The X Window System (XFree86 V3.2, X11R6) included with Linux contains loadable modules (X11 XInput drivers) for several pointer devices, including Wacom tablets. The latter driver has been developed by Frederic Lepied. We at NICI use a modified version of Lepied's driver to be able to handle older Wacom tablet formats. A problem with pen-based applications is that multi-button mouse interfaces must be converted to handle the single-switch pen. Using a pen's side switch as an additional button does not help much, because some X11 applications (xpaint, xterm) really require a three-button mouse. However, pen-based applications can be developed quickly using Java or Tcl/Tk under Linux.

Information on XF86Config
Example of XF86Config information for Wacom
In French

to the Pen Computing page

(Page maintained by the NICI Handwriting Recognition Group.

schomaker@nici.kun.nl