Meta/Alt key in emacs

[jmshack]

I've got /usr/bin/emacs running ok and configured for the Alt key as the meta key in Aqua. I was able to do this by setting mac-command-key-is-meta to nil (which I read about everywhere) AND by also setting the Windows Settings/Keyboard/Use alt key as meta in the terminal preferences (which I read about nowhere...). So when I'm editing emacs in Aqua, I'm happy.

However, when I switch to X in full screen mode, I'm running /sw/bin/emacs, which is emacs 21.2.1, and of course my meta key is ESC, and I'd like it to work the same way, that is, use the alt/option key. Who has this working and what should I do? What's the easiest solution?

Thanks for any suggestions.