I can second that call for sdl.
SDL is where it's at for cross-platform 2d game cross-platform development.
It's really simple (Simple Directmedia Layer).
If anybody wants a linux+sdl portable, check out the Nokia 770 or 800. 800x480 res, linux, open-source.
My page of ports is here: http://pupnik.de
I'd be happy to port any spiderweb games to the nokia tablets, if they use SDL.
cheers! Great games / stories.