Hello,

> I successfully brought up X11 4.4 (the one included in 2.0-release) via 
> -configure then I write down a more detailed XF86Config, but there are 
> still some annoying problems with the keymap.
> 'it' layout is all screwed up, following the solution in the FAQ 
> doesn't change the situation, /var/db/xkb remains empty starting X 
> either by root.
> Using 'us' causes the alphanumeric keys to be mapped correctly, but the 
> arrows and the modifiers are  unusable, ^H is backspace :)
> Google shows thousand of linux-related topic, but nothing interesting 
> about my (maybe trivial) problem.
> Maybe specify a keyboard variant could be a step toward solution?

Hmm, it works for me. All I did was some fiddling with xev and xmodmap to change a few keys. I'm running -current and a slightly modified kernel / Xserver but the changes shouldn't have any impact on keyboard handling. If you want I could send you my XF86Config and .xmodmap

good luck
Michael