Click here for a Rex 5001 Silver Edition & Crystal Cases For Sale

Japanese version of REX: DataSlim

Citizen Watch has a new press release (updated link!) describing (in Japanese) a new version of REX for the Japan market. The features appear to be the same as the features of the new Franklin REX, with the addition of Japanese support. It is not clear how much memory is occupied by the addition of Japanese fonts. More information is at http://dataslim.angel.co.jp/.

Rex Net

Visit http://www.rex.net the Xircom portal for the Rex community and see the new Xircom Rex 6001.

REX PC Companion Frequently Asked Questions 1/12/98
===================================================

The REX FAQ contains answers to frequently asked questions
about the REX PC Companion from Starfish Software and Franklin
Electronic Publishers.  Much of this information comes from
The REX Page, at http://www.linkmagnet.com/rex/

The REX Page is not affiliated with Franklin or Starfish.  Many
technical questions are answered on the Starfish Software
Technical Support Forums. Franklin also has an FAQ web page.

1. What is REX?
2. How much is it, and where can I buy it?
3. I live outside the US. Where can I buy REX?
4. Is REX a Pilot killer?
5. Can I put REX in my wallet and sit on it?
6. Can I use REX with my current PIM software?
7. Do I have to buy another program to use REX?
8. Is the REX box misleading?
9. Are there any reviews of REX available?
10. Does REX include any security features?
11. Is there a newer version of REX on its way?
12. What are good REX links on the Web?
13. Why isn't my question answered in this FAQ?


============================================================

1. What is REX?

REX is a credit card-sized electronic organizer that keeps all
your address and schedule information up to date with the help of
software that synchronizes data with your desktop.

REX(tm) is manufactured by Citizen Watch Company and marketed by
Franklin Electronic Publishers, and was created by Starfish
Software, the company started by Philippe Kahn after he left
Borland. Starfish Software sells Sidekick 98, desktop personal
information manager software that can be used with REX. REX also
works with Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Schedule+, and Lotus
Organizer.

REX comes in two configurations: A 64k model that holds about 750
records, or a 256k model that holds up to 3,000 records.  There is
also a version of the 256k model that is packaged along with a
docking station that plugs into a serial port.


2. How much is REX, and where can I buy it?

There are two models of REX available, and a docking station that
can be either purchased separately or as part of a package.  The
prices shown here are street prices, not list prices:

    REX-1 (64k, holds about 750 records) $129.95
    REX-3 (256k, holds about 3000 records) $149.95
    REX-DS (serial docking station) $39.95
    REX-3-DS (combo of REX-3 and DS) $179.95


Franklin lists several stores as being distributors for REX;
these stores are listed below:

    Circuit City              J&R Music World & Computer World 
    Computer City             Office Depot 
    CompUSA                   Service Merchandise 
    The Edge in Electronics   Sharper Image 
    Electronics Boutique      Staples 
    Fry's Electronics         Sav-on Office Supply 
    The Good Guys             The Wiz

Franklin also sells REX directly through its web page, but
several people have reported having difficulty getting their
order filled in a timely manner.  Recently Franklin has put
up a SOLD OUT banner on their web page.  They suggest buyers
check with retailers, so this appears to mean that while
Franklin has sold out of its current shipment, retailers may
still have inventory.  The next shipment is not expected until
January.


3. I live outside the US.  Where can I buy REX?

You might try to order it online through one of the large
computer stores.  Someone in Germany recently ordered one
successfully from CompUSA, and said it arrived very quickly.

Ordering on line is cheaper than through the advertised pages.

In the UK try www.dabs.com and www.watford.co.uk for a comparison.


4. Is REX a Pilot killer?

This question refers to the US Robotics/3COM PalmPilot, now
marketed by IBM under the new name WorkPad.  It depends who 
you ask, but in the opinion of the FAQ maintainer, NO.  The
PalmPilot/WorkPad has a lot of good things going for it --
the ability to enter data, and to run third-party applications
on the device, for example.  However, REX offers a lot for the
money, and the most compelling feature is its size, which makes
it truly, as has been said by several reviewers, an unconcious
carry.  So while REX does not replace all the Pilot's features,
it is good enough that it will certainly eat into the Pilot's
market space.

If you think comparing cost is relevant, it's true that the
lowest cost WorkPad at a heavily discounted price is only a
little more expensive than the most expensive REX at a non-
discounted price.  But notice that that is an unfair
comparison, and we are comparing apples and oranges here,
especially because of the size difference.

Cheapest UK prices in August 2000 was 55GBP for the REX
(from Watford Electronics), 65GBP for Rex5001 (with docking
station, from Dabs.com) and 99GBP for a PalmPilot IIIe (from 
Dabs.com)


5. Can I put REX into my wallet and sit on it?

Not unless you don't mind making an expensive mistake.  REX
is not made to stand up to this kind of abuse.


6. Can I use REX with my current PIM software?

REX is supposed to be able to import data from several popular
Personal Information Management software programs, including
Microsoft Schedule+, Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Organizer, and
Starfish Software's Sidekick 98.  REX comes with a PIM software
program called TrueSync Information Manager, which can be used
to import files from other organizers and synchronize with the
REX.  The extra steps of importing to TrueSync have put off
some users, especially because some people have had difficulty
importing from Outlook.  See the next question for more on this.


7. Do I have to buy another program to use REX?

No, but: Some Outlook users and Act! users who have experienced
importing problems and have looked for a solution have been told
that the solution is for them to purchase either SideKick 98 of
TrueSync 98, an upgraded version of the TrueSync software
that is included in the REX package.  If you want to continue
to use Outlook, you might consider buying one of these two
packages.  However, if you are willing to switch to another PIM
program, you'll be able to use the TrueSync software that comes
with REX.

Version 2.0b of TrueSync can be downloaded from the Web and an
update can be made online including options for Outlook 98, 
Outlook 2000 and Lotus Notes.


8. Is the REX box misleading?

Like any software, it is possible that the TrueSync software
that comes with REX has bugs.  Specifically, some people have
reported difficulties importing, as mentioned above.  However,
others have gone a bit overboard in their criticisms of REX by
implying that the REX box promised "seamless integration", when in
fact these words do not appear on the REX box at all, and a search
for +"REX PC Companion" +"seamless integration" turns up 0 hits on
AltaVista.  So while there have been some reports of bugs, it is
also likely that some people may be expecting more from REX than
was ever promised.  There are also a lot of other people who are
very happy with REX.  If you are having importing problems,
Starfish Software has set up a forum for technical support
questions at:
http://www.starfish.com/service/devices/rex_techsupt.html


9. Are there any reviews of REX available?

The Starfish Software (http://www.starfish.com/) and
Franklin (http://www.franklin.com/) web sites have links to news
and press releases.  The REX Page has a collection of news and
review links (http://www.linkmagnet.com/rex/rex_news.html) as
well.  Most of the reviews of REX have been very positive.  


10. Does REX include any security features?

REX allows you to set a password that controls access to the
device when it is turned on.  This means that if you have set
a password, someone who tries to use your device will only
see a login screen that includes a password prompt and your
"If found, please return to" information.  The password is
any five-button combination you choose.  This makes for 3,125
(5 ^ 5) possible combinations.  You can change the password
on REX without using the TrueSync software.  REX can be
configured to remember your password (not require login) for
30 minutes or 60 minutes after the last use.  It can also be
set to always require a password, or to never require a
password.


11. Is there a newer version of REX on its way?

There have been rumors on REX Rumor Central to that effect, but
those who talk don't necessarily know, and those who know don't
necessarily talk.


12. What are some good REX links on the Web?

A good starting point is The REX Page, at:
    http://www.linkmagnet.com/rex/
Of course you'll want to check out the Xircom web page at:
    http://www.xircom.com/
and the Starfish Software site at:
    http://www.starfish.com/
and Starfish Sofware's REX tech support page:
    http://www.starfish.com/service/rex_techsupt.html
Nina Yuan has a REX mailing list; for information see:
    http://www.panix.com/~nhy/rex-list.html

In addition to the tech support page mentioned above,
here are other key pages on the Starfish web site:

Information about REX:
    http://www.starfish.com/products/truetech/index.html
REX in the News:
    http://www.starfish.com/products/truetech/quotes.html
TrueSync Plus:
    http://www.starfish.com/products/truesync/ts98rex.html

13. Why isn't my question answered in this FAQ?

This is a brand new FAQ as of 11/24/97.  There are some questions
we are aware of still missing (serial port issues, for example),
and some we are not aware of.  If you have additional questions,
answers, or tips about REX feel free to send them to
rexfaq@linkmagnet.com -- Thanks!

PC on a Credit Card

"Philippe has been trying to figure out how to get people the information they need without carrying a computer," said Andrew Seybold, publisher of Andrew Seybold's Outlook, an industry newsletter in Boulder Creek, Calif. "Think about wearing a pager that has your contact list on it and your calendar on it. That's cool stuff."

Wielding his own millions from the personal wealth he created through Borland, as well as continued credibility among Silicon Valley peers who respect his technical wizardry -- whatever his perceived shortcomings as a chief executive -- Kahn first linked Starfish with Intel Corp. to turn his software vision into hardware fact.

But it was not until he dropped Intel and turned to Citizen in early 1996 that Kahn was able to squeeze his software into the credit-card-size format that he is convinced is crucial for the success of the REX and other devices.

The value of that format is that it will enable Starfish-powered devices to fit into the credit-card-size PCMCIA slot that is already a standard way to insert memory cards, wireless modems and other add-ons into portable computers and other mobile communications devices.

With corporate partners that now also include Motorola, Palm Computing, General Magic and others, Kahn has come to regard the PCMCIA slot as the portal to a future in which intelligent cellular phones, pagers and other devices all connected by wireless, phone lines, infrared and other kinds of connections to a wide range of information sources and computer data bases.

Kahn's industry admirers are impressed not only by the scope of his technology, but by the fact that he has kept his work so quiet for so long. "This is the Philippe of old, where he's done a complete attack on a problem and not talked about it until it's ready." said David Liddle, president and chief executive of Interval Corp., a research and development company in Palo Alto.

If Kahn can indeed stage a comeback, it would be a rare feat in Silicon Valley -- but perhaps not beyond the capabilities of a figure who was once one of the personal-computer industry's most visible and volatile figures.

Kahn was trained in France in mathematics (in 1973 he wrote the software for the first pure commercial computer, the Micral), before moving to Silicon Valley in 1982. In the United States he became a celebrity in the upstart PC industry by writing Turbo Pascal, an inexpensive computer-programming language he introduced at the 1983 West Coast Computer Faire.

The product became the centerpiece of the company he founded, Borland International, and Kahn's marketing strategy quickly became the stuff of Silicon Valley legend, as he sold his programming language by mail order at a fraction of the price charged by larger rivals like IBM and Digital Research.

Turbo Pascal was followed in 1984 by Sidekick, which was for a number of years the most popular personal-computer scheduling and information manager. Kahn and Borland became rising stars of the PC-software universe.

On the way up, Kahn jousted frequently with Bill Gates of Microsoft and Jim Manzi of Lotus Development in a bitter series of marketing and legal skirmishes for dominance in the personal-computer software business.

In the end, however, Borland was one of the companies crushed as Microsoft achieved near-monopoly dominance over the personal-computer industry. Pressured by price competition and the bundling of software applications into low-profit "suites," Borland also made a number of crucial strategic errors, compounded by missed deadlines for new products.

Many accused Kahn of falling into a self-destructive ego battle with Gates. Certainly Kahn cultivated the image of the French roue with little regard for the rules of corporate America -- like spending hundreds of thousands of Borland's dollars for two jazz albums on which he played saxophone with a lineup of well-known musicians, and giving the recordings away as Christmas gifts, even as the company's operating losses were mounting.

In January 1995 he resigned under pressure as Borland's president and chief executive, and today Borland finds itself relegated to a niche provider of software tools for program developers.

For his part, Kahn, who said he has been working seven days a week for the last three years, is now quieter, less boastful and more focused -- no longer the barbarian.

His current, more thoughtful demeanor is embodied in a quote he paraphrased from Helen Keller and posted in his office to remind his staff that technology's future involves more than the next cool World Wide Web site: "A truly pathetic person is a person with site and no vision."

Kahn's new vision, of course, is not the only view on how to move the digital world beyond its PC dependence. Two other long-time Microsoft foes -- Lawrence Ellison of Oracle Corp. and Scott McNealy of Sun Microsystems -- have been taunting Gates with the prospect of a so-called network computer, or NC, that would be simpler and less expensive to own and operate than a PC running Microsoft's Windows 95 operating system.

But Kahn considers any attempt to directly confront the PC a lost cause, which is why he is focused on a horizon beyond the personal computer.

"Microsoft has won," he said, "and you have to accept the fact that there are cycles in our industry -- just like life and death."

He acknowledges that Microsoft itself has introduced a version of its Windows software, called Windows CE, which like his Starfish technology is intended for handheld computing devices. But so far, the products on the market running Windows CE, from makers like Hewlett-Packard and Compaq, are priced at $500 or higher.

What is more, those machines -- which have four megabytes of random-access memory and two megabytes of read-only memory -- Kahn considers bloated beasts compared with the tiny computer inside his REX information organizer.

The entire card runs in 128,000 bytes of RAM and uses an eight-bit microprocessor -- the same kind of chip used by the first personal computers marketed in the mid-1970s.

The point is that memory and processing power are not the point. Instead, Kahn's strategy involves selling software that ties simple and cheap consumer devices to the resources of larger electronic networks.

Kahn, who refers to his software as Truesync Technologies, has received seven patents related to his central technical goal: to automatically keep the information in a pocket-sized device in synch with a computer back at the office or even with an entire network database.

That ability, he believes, is what will turn PCMCIA portability into a tetherless link to the hard-wired world -- so that a computer user could flit from desktop to bus stop and back again, without missing a beat.

Mobility is the essence of his comeback strategy.

On a conference room whiteboard, Kahn took a felt-tip marker and drew three overlapping circles.

One, he said, is the PC industry. The second, the world of television. The third, he indicated, consists of mobile devices like cell phones, pagers, electronic organisers and digital gadgets not yet imagined.

Gates and Microsoft, he noted, already own circle one. And, he continued, through initiatives that include the MSNBC cable network, the pending purchase of WebTV Networks Inc. and a recent $1 billion investment in the cable company Comcast, Microsoft is now focused on circle two.

Which leaves circle three to the likes of Kahn, who more than anything is intent on not getting burned again by Bill Gates.

"We're out of his line of fire," said Kahn, tracing the circle with his marker.

 

---

The world of techno-gadgets is littered with corpses. Yet once in a while, a truly useful invention makes a splash. The REX PC companion is one that seems to be headed for such glory.

The REX came about after three years of hard work, and a vision that breaks with the idea of developing a tiny computer, gushes Phillipe Kahn, founder, president, and CEO of Starfish Software. The company's TrueSync software technology powers the REX – a device that is manufactured by Rolodex Electronics, a division of Franklin Electronics Publishers — and gives it the ability to talk to PC applications.

Related Information

• OnlyREX Page  
• OnlyREX E-Texts Page  
• RealAudio(tm) report on REX (in English) from a news program in Japan
• Pages that Link to the REX Page
• Starfish Software's REX Tech Support Page
• Wired Report on the International Symposium on Wearable Computers
• Franklin's Press Release about REX
• Yahoo! Financial Profile for Franklin Electronic Publishers
• Yahoo! Quote for Franklin Electronic Publishers
• techstocks.com discussion on Franklin and REX
• pdantic.com review of REX
• PDA Page
• PCMCIA Organization Page
• The PCMCIA Information Page
• Hot Pocket
• Calvin's PalmPilot FAQ
• Mobilis The Mobile Computing Lifestyle Magazine
• Tele-Support Software's CompanionLink for

REX-1 has 64k
REX-3 has 256k
REX Pro5 has 512k and data entry method

Program Requirements:
Desktop:
486 or Pentium with 8meg of RAM running Windows 95, 98 or NT 4.0 (NT users require docking station)
15mb free disk space

A black leather case is supplied with the package. It uses elastic bands to hold the notepad in place and transparent plastic corners to hold the REX. A stack of blank business cards are also supplied. I'm not exactly sure what these are supposed to be used for though... maybe notes in the field. Since the REX is so small, you might be tempted to keep it in your back pocket. I wouldn't recommend this because you don't want to flex the casing. Doing so might crack the screen. I like to use a hard plastic PCMCIA holder. When I put the REX Pro in this case, I feel safe putting it in my back pocket. A hard plastic see through case is also supplied with a recess to use the keys and a cut out to assist in removing it from the case.

The docking station is nicely constructed. It is made of plastic and can be disassembled (the stand can be removed from the back of the unit) to make traveling easier. A serial cable is connected to the docking station. The previous REX model had a detachable serial cable. The cable with this new cradle is permanently attached. The docking station is powered by 4 AAA batteries (included). The REX card slides into the docking station and an eject button releases it. The great thing about the REX is that if you have a notebook computer with a type II PCMCIA slot, you don't need the docking station. The REX can be directly inserted into the PCMCIA slot for syncing. Starfish will be releasing a free add on soon so that you can sync directly with some of the HPC WindowsCE machines. You will be able to sync your data in the HPC to your REX and use it as a more portable extension to your data. Available right now is a free add-on program to TrueSync that will let you sync your PalmPilot or Palm III data back and forth to the REX. You can find it here: http://www.starfish.com/products/truesync/accessors/palm/index.html This allows you to use both PDAs and always have them synced with the same data (even memos).

In the Contacts app, you can keep address, work and home phone numbers, work and home fax numbers, email address, cell phone, car phone, pager, web address and other in up to 4 different cardfiles. The information is viewed in rolodex style with alphabetized tabs at the top of the screen. Navigating through the names is a little tedious, but once you get used to it, it isn't too bad. To find a name in the S's, it would require that you press the down arrow 6 times, then press the select button, then the down button once, and the select button again. You would then be at the top of the list of names beginning with S. Then you could scroll to the name you wanted to view the info on and press the select button to see more info on that person. This is probably the most important application on the REX. The cards can be sorted by Last name, First name or Company and by category. This can be changed directly on the REX. You can also specify which phone number or email address show up in the rolodex view for each person. This can be a time saver so that you don't need to go into the actual card view for a specific person. Using the data entry method, you can add, delete and modify a contact.

The To-Do lists lets you view tasks, calls and due-date related items. You can also mark items as completed. You have the option to view all the to-dos, tasks, things that are due today or things that are due this week. When you enter a new Todo, you can pick from several canned task names like: Product Review, Gift, Presentation etc. In TrueSync Plus package is that you can modify the quicklist data to add your own most used tasks, to-dos to pick from.

The Memo application lets you store notes and memos on the REX. It's a neat way to carry directions, lists and other information with you. If a note or list is longer than a screen, you can use the arrow keys to scroll through the info. You can also enter new memos via the input method. This can get tedious though having to scroll through letter by letter. A small collection of E-texts (memos that you can upload to your REX) can be found at : http://www.linkmagnet.com/rex/rex_etext.html

The Clock Application shows the current time for your location (city closest to you) and a world clock for the location of your choice. This would be handy if you travel alot and need to know what time it is 'back home'. The only bad thing is that you can't (or at least I couldn't figure out a way) add a new city time zone. I would rather my home clock say Columbus, IN instead of Indianapolis, IN which is 40miles north of where I live. The clock app will also let you set a daily or one time alarm directly on the REX.

The Preferences app lets you change time and date displays, turn the alarm sounds and key click sounds on and off, set your day start and end times, set a password and change the auto shutoff time. You can also check the total memory on the card and how much memory is currently free (unused). The password protection is a combination of any of 5 of the six keys on the keypad. You can set the password lock to be always in effect, disabled, 30mins or 60mins. When one of the time limit options is set, a password won't be requested until after the specified time limit has passed. When a password is in effect, the power up screen will show the owners information (entered via TrueSync).

Since the new REX Pro model was released, a few new cases for one of the worlds smallest PDAs have also been released. Here is a short review of cases by Tech Center Labs and the Mini-flip cases by K&K.

Crystal Hard Case by Tech Center Labs

The REX on a Rope case by Tech Center Labs is a see through polypro case with a metal ring attached. It comes with a string attached that would let you wear the REX around your neck. You could also attach this case to a key ring.

To insert the REX, you just snap open the lid at one end and slide the REX in or out.

The cover opens like a clamshell and is held closed by a snap closure. It's a strong snap so I wouldn't be afraid of it popping open on its own. Inside the case is a shock absorbing gel like pad that the REX sits on. When the REX is resting on this pad, there is room under it for extra batteries, small folded notes etc.

Standoffs on the lid of the case press the hold the REX securely in the gel cushion. This case is padded enough that I wouldn't be afraid to toss it across the room or put it in my back pocket. The only real bad thing about the FieldPak case is that it is pretty large compared to the REX itself. Its overall dimensions are: 4.25" x 3" x .75".

K&K makes two different cases for REX PDAs. They are called the Mini-Flip cases and are black heavy gauge vinyl play through cases.

The REX slides into a clear pocket on one side of the case. The other side of the case also has a pocket (non-see through) that you can put business cards in.

While the REX is in this case, the buttons can easily be pressed through the plastic. The plastic protects the screen from smudges and scratches.

One of the latest PDAs released this fall is the REX PC Companion by Franklin.  What sets this unit apart from the others is that it is actually a PCMCIA card. This very small 1.4oz.unit can be easily carried with you at all times.

There are 2 versions of the REX. A 64k version that stores up to 750 entries - 440 cardfiles, 230 appointments, 20 memos and 60 to-do items.  And the 256k version that stores up to 3000 entries - 1900 cardfiles, 1000 appointments, 50 memos, and 50 to-do items.

The REX is nicely constructed. The body is metal with a plastic membrane type button bar. There are also 2 plastic battery door latches on the one end of the unit. The REX is powered by two CR2025 3-volt button type batteries.  The batteries should last up to 6 months with normal use. The unit feels nice and sturdy and using a plastic case that another pcmcia card had come in, I didn't feel afraid to put it in my back pocket (even sitting down). I did notice that there was a slight gap (very small) between the left side of the button bar and the case. I could see something below the membrane buttons bar but I wasn't sure what I was seeing.  One the back of the unit is a very small recessed reset button.

A black leather case is supplied with the package. I don't particularly like this case because it uses elastic bands to hold the unit in place. So, when the REX is in the case, 2 of its buttons are covered with the elastic bands. This makes it difficult to use. A stack of blank business cards are also supplied. I'm not exactly sure what these are supposed to be used for though... maybe notes in the field. While reviewing the REX, I kept it in a plastic slip case that my pcmcia Practical Peripherals modem came in. It offered quite a bit more protection.

The docking station is also nicely constructed. It is made of plastic and can be disassembled to make traveling easier. A cable with a serial connection on one end and a phono type plug at the other end is also included. The docking station is powered by 4 AAA batteries (included). The REX card is slid into the docking station and an eject button releases it. One strange thing is that when you eject the REX from the docking station, it turns the unit on. The great thing about the REX is that if you have a notebook computer with a type II pcmcia slot, you don't need the docking station. The REX can be directly inserted into the pcmcia slot for syncing.

The display on the REX is a very crisp160 x98 pixel display. The advertisements have been saying that it has a black on white display. The background is NOT white. I find it comparable to the PSION 3a's screen (even the main screen's icons reminds me of the PSION). I like the display quite a bit. It's pretty much glare proof and can be seen in even not so bright lighting conditions.

The button bar is the plastic membrane type. I find that it works best when you use your fingernail to press the buttons. People with really large fingers and/or no fingernails might not find it easy to use. Everytime you press one of the buttons, the unit will beep. This tends to get a little annoying when you are navigating thru several screens. Luckily, there is an option to turn the  keypress tone on or off. There are just 5 buttons on the REX. A Home button that takes you to the main screen and turns the unit off when held down for 3 seconds. A View button that lets you see the different views in the apps like the daily, weekly and monthly views of the Calendar. The Select button, and the Up and Down buttons.

The alarm on the REX is not very loud at all. I did a test where I made an event with an alarm associated with it. I turned off the REX, put it in the plastic case that I was using, and put it in my back jeans pocket. While typing this review, in a room by myself with no other sound except my typing, I almost didn't hear the alarm. I realized something was making a noise, but thought it was something outside as it sounded faint and far away. I finally remembered that it was the REX and took it out of my pocket just as the alarm quit. I tried another test, I set another alarm and put the REX (not in a case) in my shirt pocket. Again, the beeping was quite faint. For my last test, I set the REX on the desk in front of me as I typed. I heard the alarm fine this time but  I'm not sure I would want to depend on it to alert me to a important meeting if I worked in a noisy office.

To get your information into the REX, you must have a Windows 95 or NT machine. You can NOT directly enter or edit ANY information into the REX itself. I find that this is the biggest drawback of the REX PC Companion. They should have included some method of entering data into the REX itself. This device might be a good candidate for the T9 input system like TI's Avigo.  All info is entered into the included software: TrueSync PIM by StarFish (or other PIM of your choice) and then synced to the REX. Extensive import filters allow synchronization with ACT!, Microsoft Outlook and Schedule +, Lotus Organizer 97, dBase, ASCII and other formats. The REX can synchronize directly with Sidekick 98.  I was able to successfully export the address book information from my PalmPilot into the REX. It took me 3 trys till I got it right, but after I figured out the field mapping it was easy. The TrueSync PIM that is packaged with the REX is really nice. They even include it on CD and floppies. It's not quite as good as Lotus Organizer 97 though... 

There are 6 applications that run on the REX. The Calendar, Contact Lists, ToDo Lists, Memos, Home/World Clock, and Preferences. The Calendar has daily, weekly, and monthly views.  The daily view is just a grid showing the appts entered for that day. You can select an appt and display any additional info related to it. In the weekly view, you are shown a bar graph of the events scheduled for that week. You can only view this screen, you can not select any of the bars and find out more about that appt. In the monthly view, one month is displayed with the current day in parentheses. Dates with events are shown in bold. You can select only the days in bold to find out more about the scheduled events on that date. One nice thing is that all the major holidays are already entered into Calendar app. Appointments can have alarms associated with them so that you can be alerted before a meeting.

In the Contacts app, you can keep address, phone number and email addresses in up to 4 different cardfiles. The information is viewed in rolodex style with alphabetized tabs at the top of the screen. Navigating thru the names is a little tedious, but once you get used to it, it isn't too bad. To find a name in the S's, it would require that you press the down arrow 6 times, then press the select button, then the down button once, and the select button again. You would then be at the top of the list of names beginning with S. Then you could scroll to the name you wanted to view the info on and press the select button to see more info on that person. This is probably the most important application on the REX.  The cards can be sorted by Last name, First name or Company. This can be changed directly on the REX.  You can also specify which phone number or email address show up in the rolodex view for each person. This can be a time saver so that you don't need to go into the actual card view for a specific person.

The To-Do lists lets you view tasks, calls and due-date related items.  You can also mark items as completed. One thing that I don't like about the To-Do app is that if you mark an item as completed on your REX, you must also do this on the PC. If you don't, at the next sync, the item will be marked as incomplete. This is even mentioned in the manual. I'm not sure why they did this....

The Memo application lets you store notes and memos on the REX. It's a neat way to carry directions, lists and other information with you.  If a note or list is longer than a screen, you can use the arrow keys to scroll thru the info.

The Clock Application shows the current time for your location and a world clock for the location of your choice. This would be handy if you travel alot and need to know what time it is 'back home'. The clock app will also let you set a daily or one time alarms directly on the REX.

The Preferences app lets you change time and date displays, turn the alarm sounds and key click sounds on and off, set a password and change the auto shutoff time. You can also check the total memory on the card and how much memory is currently free (unused). The password protection is a combination of any of the five keys on the keypad. You can set the password lock to be always in effect, disabled, 30mins or 60mins. When one of the time limit options is set, a password won't be requested until after the specified time limit has passed. When a password is in effect, the power up screen will show the owners information (entered via TrueSync).

In summary, I would have to say that the REX PC Companion is a nice compact way of carrying around your contact, schedule and memo information. It's really a high tech 'little black book'... It's biggest drawback is its lack of an input method. For what it does, I also feel that it is a little over priced.

Price: $99.95 to $139.95
Construction: B+
Ease of Use: C+
Usefulness: C+
Overall Rating: C+

The Rex 3 is discontinued, stocks available in Summer 2000 are being sold off for less than 70USD (65GBP).

What makes the REX tick?

Overview (Items marked (????) are speculative or unknown - any additional information would be much appreciated!)

Copyright © 1998 Merlin's Workshop. Standard disclaimer applies.
Last updated on April 9,1998

Product Review

Xircom
REX 5001 personal digital assistant
David Carnoy

April 4, 2000 -- Once in a while a product comes along that deserves more success than it's had. The Rex 5001 is one such product.

The Rex's screen is crisp and as easy to read as the "enhanced" black and white screens of the Palm V and Handspring Visor Deluxe. The only drawback is there's no backlight, so you won't be able to read the display in the dark.

Value:If you're trying to decide between an entry-level Palm and the Rex 5001, it really comes down to whether you want a veritably tiny organizer or one that's average-sized but has more flexibility. At around $125 (street price), this is a bit less expensive than an entry-level Palm, which makes it a relative bargain.

Please feel free to post your comments in Your Two Cents , a folder on our Message Board.

REX TrueSync Screen Shots

Below are selected screen shots from the TrueSync software that comes with REX. See also REX screen shots.

Contacts

EarthTime

Calendar (daily)

Calendar (weekly)

Calendar (monthly)

Calendar (yearly)

Memos

The REX Page        

REX Screen Shots THANKS to Franklin for providing these screen shots. See also the screen shots for REX TrueSync, the PIM that comes with the REX.   Main Screen   Preferences       Contacts List   Contacts Item, 1st screen       Memo List   Memo Item       Calendar Item   Calendar Day       Calendar Week   Clocks     Other REX Screens Not Shown Login/If found please return... screen To Do List screen To Do Item screen Contacts Item, additional screens Clock & Alarm Setting screen Calendar Month screen Device Information screen

TZEXPLORER.EXE

TZEXPLORER.EXE will enable you to set the time zone information in TrueSync to exactly match the time zone in Windows. This utility will also enable you to add a city that does not already appear in the time zones list.

Note: This applies to non-Sidekick/TrueSync Information Manager users only.

• TZEXPLORER.EXE (local copy TZEXPLORER.EXE)

To use this utility, follow the instructions listed below:

1. Close TrueSync Plus or TrueSync Desktop.
2. Double-click the date displayed in Windows system tray or choose Settings - Control Panel - Date/Time from Windows Start menu. Click the Time Zone tab and make sure the correct time zone is selected. Also, make sure to check "Automatically adjust clock for daylight saving changes". Click OK.
3. Using Windows Explorer, make a backup copy of TSZONES.DAT which is stored in the Program Files\Starfish\TrueSync folder by default.
4. Copy TZEXPLORER.EXE to the same folder that TSZONES.DAT resides in.
5. Double-click TZEXPLORER.EXE in Windows Explorer. Select the same time zone that you selected in Windows Date/Time. (Note: To add a city, simply select a city in the same time zone from the list and change the city name.) Click the "Set Information Using Current Window's Time Zone" button. Click Update, Save, then Close.
6. Delete all TIMEZONE.HDR and TIMEZONE.BDY files stored in the TrueSync\Users folders.
7. Restart TrueSync Plus. Click the World icon on the Toolbar to configure the time zones. You will need to specify the Home Clock and Local Clock.
8. Choose Synchronize | Options. Click the Advanced tab and check "Only use data from this client for synchronization." This allows you to select a client (i.e. Outlook) which will clear the applicable files in the User folder before the next synchronization. It is recommended that you select your application from the list box. This will instruct TrueSync to overwrite the REX device. After synchronizing, the Advanced option will automatically revert back to "Continue to synchronize normally."

You are now ready to synchronize provided you have configured the appropriate calendar, contacts, memos, and to do's.

TrueSync Component Install

For more information about the purpose and installation of TrueSync Component Install, please read "TrueSync Component Install Questions."

Note: To see if you already have TrueSync Component Install, click on Start | Programs | TrueSync Plus | "Product Updates." If you have the "Product Updates" option, you already have TrueSync Component Install.

Server 1 East Coast FTP Server

TSCI-STARFISH.EXE

 

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Component Install will automatically scan your computer for installed Starfish products and allow you to select the products you want to update. You can run Component Install any time to check for product updates.

What is TrueSync Component Install? Component Install is the quick, easy way to add and update TrueSync Plus Accessors and other Starfish products. Component Install will automatically scan your computer for installed Starfish products and allow you to select the products you want to update.   What Are Accessors? TrueSync Plus is the Starfish core synchronization "engine." It supports multiple applications, devices and services. Each supported application, device or service is called an "Accessor." Starfish is setting new standards in synchronization by delivering updates and new functionality in the form of free accessors. Buy one solution today and, as updates and new versions of your personal organizer and/or connected device are warranted, your investment in a single synchronization solution is protected through a free accessor download. TrueSync Plus must be installed prior to adding accessors. Note: Not all accessors are available through all Starfish partners.   How Do I Update My Accessors? To update your TrueSync Accessors any time, simply choose Programs | TrueSync Plus | Product Updates from the Windows Start menu.

Available TrueSync Plus Accessors This is a growing list of supported applications, devices, and services. Run Component Install to view the latest Accessor releases.   Supported Applications: Microsoft Outlook 97/98/2000 Directly synchronize your devices, services and other installed PIMs with your contacts, calendars, tasks and notes from your installed Microsoft Outlook 97/98/2000. Microsoft Schedule+ Directly synchronize your devices, services and other installed PIMs with your contacts, calendars and tasks from your installed Microsoft Schedule+ 7.0/7.5. Lotus Organizer 97/97GS/4.1/5.0 Directly synchronize your devices, services and other installed PIMs with your Calendar, Address (contacts), To Dos, Calls, Planner (multi-day events), Notepad (memos) and Anniversaries (special days) from your installed Lotus Organizer 97/97GS/4.1/5.0. Lotus Notes Directly synchronize your devices, services and other installed PIMs with your installed Lotus Notes Calendar, Contacts, Tasks (To Dos) and Journal (Memos). This accessor supports Lotus Notes versions 4.5, 4.6, and 5.0. SalesLogix ACT! Directly synchronize your devices, services and other installed PIMs with your contacts in your installed ACT! from version 3.06 through version 4.x TrueSync Desktop Directly synchronize your devices, services and other installed PIMs with your calendar, cardfiles, memos and to-do's from your installed TrueSync Desktop. Starfish Sidekick 98 or 99 Directly synchronize your devices, services and other installed PIMs with your calendar, cardfiles, memos and to-do's from your installed Sidekick 98 or Sidekick 99.   Supported Devices: Ericsson, Motorola & Nokia Wireless Phones Synchronize your Motorola, Ericsson and Nokia wireless phones with names and numbers from their Personal Information Managers like Outlook and Notes, PDAs like Palm devices, and Internet address books like Excite Planner and Yahoo! Address Book. Sony CLIÉ Handheld PDA Synchronize your CLIÉ Palm Desktop, Microsoft Outlook and Lotus Organizer, to simultaneously update your calendar, contacts, notes, and to-do items. Palm Pilot, Palm III, Palm V, and Palm VII Directly synchronize your devices, services and other installed PIMs with your the Address, Date Book, Memo Pad and To Do List in your Palm Pilot, Palm Pilot Personal and Pro, Palm III, Palm V and Palm VII. Includes synchronization with Palm Desktop. Windows CE Directly synchronize your devices, services and other installed PIMs with Pocket Outlook on your Windows CE 2.x Handheld PC, Palm-sized PC, or Handheld PC Professional. Requires Sidekick 99 or TrueSync Plus, a supported Windows CE device, and Windows CE Services. StarTAC clipOn Organizer Simultaneously synchronize your calendar, contacts, notes, and to do items directly between the clipOn and all other supported organizers and devices, all with one click! REX Devices Directly synchronize your devices, services and other installed PIMs with your REX PC Companion or REX(TM) PRO. Supported Services: TrueSync Plus for Excite@Home Sign up for your free Excite Planner and access your Calendar, Address Book, To Do List, and Notepad all in one place on the Web. Use TrueSync Plus for Excite@Home to simultaneously synchronize your Excite Planner with all devices and desktop organizers listed on this page. TrueSync Plus for Yahoo! Install Yahoo!'s free Yahoo! Calendar and Yahoo! Address Book, and use TrueSync Plus for Yahoo! to synchronize your Yahoo! Calendar and Address Book with other TrueSync Accessors. TrueSync Plus for Portico Load and synchronize your Portico personal assistant with your calendar, contacts and notes from any TrueSync supported and enabled devices, applications and services.

Starfish Technical Support: TrueSync Desktop

TrueSync Information Manager 1.6 vs. TrueSync Desktop for REX

Synchronization

• New! Now includes the TrueSync Plus synchronization engine. This assures compatibility when upgrading to TrueSync Plus as well as assures consistent synchronization results.
• New! Now To Do Items checked as complete on the REX will also be checked as complete in TrueSync Desktop.

Import

• Improved! Outlook 97 and 98 support
• Improved! ACT! support (now support Calendar and Contact import for versions 3.0.6, 3.0.7, 3.0.8, and 4.0)
• Improved! Lotus Organizer 97/GS support for Calendars and Contacts
• Improved! Schedule+ support for version 7.0, 7.0a, 7.5 for Calendars and Contacts

User Interface

• Improved! Updated User Interface: New Toolbar and Deskpad Icons.

Miscellaneous

• New! Name Change: From TrueSync Information Manager to TrueSync Desktop.

DISCLAIMER: You have the right to use this technical information subject to the terms of the License Statement, Limited Warranty, and Limitation of Liability that you received with the product to which this information pertains.

Starfish, Sidekick and TrueSync are registered trademarks of Starfish Software. REX is a trademark of Franklin Electronic Publishers, Inc.

A Review of the Xircom Rex 5001 

by Gerald McMullon 

20th August 2000

The on-line update software gave a few choices, including software for Lotus Notes and Outlook 2000. The support pages of Starfish software also provide information on how to get around several reported problems. This upgrade package needs internet connection but will not work through a firewall. So my colleague still has no connection to his Lotus Notes files. He currently is a Psion user, but finds that it is neither big enough to take work home nor small enough to be always with him. The Rex is very limited - no e-mail, no keyboard no pen interface, etc. However if two-thirds the price of a PalmPilot and a fraction of its weight and size.

Clearly these devices are aimed as similar but quite difference tasks and 'typical' usage. As old CE models (monochrome type) are being sold for £99 and even PalmPilot V (£169) are bargain basement at Morgans,  it would make some sense to buy one of these and see if the software and style meet requirements. Resale, after a couple of months should be at least 60% of what you play and then spending out more can be justified.