Here is the FAQ about Nethack on Palm computer, version 0.1A. To be posted monthly.

Q0

What is Palm?

A0

It is a pocket-size computer which works on batteries.

Q1

Does nethack for Palm exist?

A1

No.

Q2

I want to implement nethack on Palm. What are the main difficulties I'll encounter?

A2

Because Palm OS 3.0 gives to programs only  3.5K of stack memory and only  32K of global memory, you should rewrite all the code, storing almost all the data in files or databases.

Alternatively, you can write a program which parses C code and adds code which reads from/writes to databases.

The screen interface will also be different, but thats an easier part, IMO.

Q3

What are the closest things to Palm Nethack existing?

A3

• PocketRogue, by Takebayashi Tomoaki. A very nice small roguelike game which resembles early versions of Nethack, and uses only  71K. (Free with source)
• iRogue, by Half-Dead Spider Entertainment. Uses 110K, buggy.
• Nethack for WinCE. The Nethack 3.2 port.
• NetHackCE. Steve Moret's Nethack 3.3 port.
• WinHack. Alex Kompel's Nethack 3.3 port.
• PaleoHack. Bridget Spitznagel's Hack 1.0.3 port.

All of these are free with source.

There are also many good commercial roleplaying games for Palm OS, The best and the the most roguelike of them is Ackeron with 160 objects and 70 monsters.

Q4

Isn't there anything I can do to play Nethack on a PDA?

A4

• Buy a Psion Series 5 or 5mx and run Nethack 3.2.3 for Psion 5/5MX.
• Buy an Agenda VR3 and run NetHack 3.3.1 for Aganda VR3.

Q5

Is anybody working on porting NetHack to Palm?

A5

Funny you should ask! See The NetHack Palm Porting Project.