Debian

I compiled the Linux 3.0.0+ kernel with some USB Wifi drivers. This should allow for some interesting things on the Zipit (hostap, wifi bridging, monitor mode, etc). Here's a list of the chipsets:

Broadcom 43xx (+legacy)
Atheros Based
Ralink rt2500, rt2501/rt73, rt27xx/rt28xx/rt30xx, rt2800usb
Realtek RTL8192CU/RTL8188CU
ZyDAS ZD1211/ZD1211B

You'll also need firmware for some of these. If you're using z2sid you can install them from the repos with apt-get. Here's a list of the Debian packages:
http://packages.debian.org/search?keywords=firmware&searchon=names&suite=unstable&section=all

I only tested with an Ralink rt73 stick and the Debian Sid firmware-ralink package. Have fun!

I like the setup wicknix has come up with for z2sid so I've started work on a u-boot compatible version. Ultimately, I'd like it to support both 2.6.29 and u-booted zipits so I am taking that into account as I'm making the required u-boot modifications.

For some reason debian sid was seeing the lid switch as "pressed" when open and "released" when closed. Same with the power switch. What this meant was that if you pressed the pwr or lid switches, the keymap got all screwed up cuz it thought you were pressing two buttons at the same time. To fix this, what I did was modify the kernel code to disable mapping of the power and lid switch as buttons. In order to make the lid switch work, I borrowed dTal/rkdavis' power management daemon. I made a minor change to set screen blanking to never when on AC and 5 minutes if on battery (rc2). From the code comments:

* Manages screen and keyboard backlights:

wicknix from #zipit on irc.freenode.net has created a new rootfs based on Debian Sid. Looks like there's several versions already including the latest experimental version with X. Check them out here

UPDATE2: I like the setup wicknix has come up with for z2sid so I've started work on a u-boot compatible version. See my new post.

UPDATE: After several requests I have modified z2sidX to run on a u-booted zipit. This will still work for a 2.6.29 Zipit. You can download my version from here. These are the modified files: /etc/z2.local, /home/user/.xinitrc, /usr/local/bin/ewoc-z2sid.sh, /bin/z2mouse-2.6.35, /boot/uboot.script, /boot/uImage, /lib/modules/2.6.35-rc3+

I managed to get my hands on a Zipit Z2 Wireless Messenger after seeing blog posts about putting a full(er) featured linux distro on it. Many people were getting them from Target at discounted/clearance prices. Unfortunately my local Target did not have them so I picked one up on eBay for $50 shipped.

Before I even turned it on I got my Mini SD card ready with the autoflasher and had the Debian image next in line. It was extremely simple thanks to the work of many people. The Debian image comes with fluxbox and some basic apps pre-installed. Not content with fluxbox, I decided to try out OpenBox and some of the LXDE applications. OpenBox was an easy install with apt-get and worked out of the box (some config file options have since been changed to remove "decorations").
LXPanel
LXPanel needed some tweaking to get the Logout option changed. LXNM so far has given no love. It doesn't show any wireless networks or allow connecting, but does show status of the current connection. The battery status for LXPanel does not work since only APM (not ACPI) is available for the Zipit. I do have xbattbar installed, but it also has issues reading the correct battery percentage remaining, but you get a good estimate of battery life. I assume there are issues with the APM kernel driver.