Rex Forum

Giorgos · Member

Although I had the Rex for only a couple of years I have enjoyed using it and it helps me immensly. But recently I have come to the conclusion that I am probably using the Rex out of a purely emmotional attachment. Since the development of smartphones there is no use in having two devices where you can have only one. And because Rexers care about portability more than anything else, what better way to reduce your pocket load by leaving one device behind.

So is this the end of the Rex?
What do you guys think?

pkiff · Moderator

Cell phone? Wat dat? Wink

I just carry my REX and that's it.

Phil.

Robert · Member

I believe that smartphones are still somewhat bulky and although the popular cell phones keep lists of telephone numbers they do not have additional information such as address and notes.

So, I think that the rex lives!

HONGXING · Member

Soon, you will love your REX more than any PDA !!!
Together with REX developers, I am planning to port my kick-*beep* PC programs DCT3Calc and DCT4Calc to the REX platform.

See the thread "Addin that unlocks any Nokia phone".

blue_quartz · Member

Me opinion on this issue is: The Rex's user interface should still live on, but the Rex as a device itself is really dead, looking at how smartphones can integrate PDA-like functions into them. What's suggested above is true: Rex is MAPS-card-sized, but it still is one additional device, and I believe a significant number of people would be mroe than happy to live their Rexes behind considering how much their phone now can mimic the functions of the Rex device. Nonetheless, Rex's user interface is still one of the best I've seen.

vrillusions · Site Admin

what i'd like to see is sorta a Rex7000 or something. With some added stuff like color screen or just backlit. perhaps a memory upgrade. support for external devices like keyboards and stuff like the palm has. Rechargable batteries that recharge themselves when it's plugged into the docking station, etc. I, like most people that are still using it, are attracted to it's small size, which should be kept with the new version. Although since other technologies like cell phones and 'mini computers' (they're starting to get away from PDA since they have gotten so powerful now) I really doubt it would happen.

waiyaki · Member

You can't replace the REX 600 for some simple reasons that I came to know after some experience. ( wait.. LOTS of it... and cash too... )

It serves a specific kind of usage. And of course it can't replace a phone, PDA, smartphone or a UMPC but those 4 can't replace it either.

Problems with Smartphones and PDA from a personal experience.

1) Nokia E61.
Its great as a phone and texting device but a large number of them have OS problems that will lock up after you text too much and the emailing system is sometimes faulty. Placing too much data in it will also jam your phone. I have about 300-400 SMS a month and it will fail on me every 3 months if I don't clear them.

Above is a fact and 3 servicing runs to Nokia and a "rally" on the Nokia support forum from similiar users never got the issue solved and they even produced the E61i with the same problems....

Verdict? - Good phone, BAD organiser!

2) HTC Universal
The only PDA that is also a phone in a clam shell form factor. Bottom line, its powerful and great for surfing, emails, and even remote desktop which I use to manage my servers. But as a phone it suck BIG time... Daily reboots are almost always necessary to keep it functional. Battery drain is high due to my type of usage so its got attached with a high cap 4800mAh battery! making it almost twice its original weight! Yeeks!

As a PDA it works well for both direct entry or syncing.

Verdict? - Good meida device, ok PDA, TERRIBLE TERRIBLE Phone....

3) What about a UMPC?
The new Fujitsu u1010 is around 600grams and I got a Sony Picturebook thats less than 1kg. But seriously... try reading your schedule on a laptop... the bootup time plus the Outlook loading times will kill you.

Verdict? Its a PC not a PDA....

So for me I carry the E61 to use as a phone and the Universal to use as a laptop replacement when opening the UMPC is not feasible. As for the REX 6000 its a supplement for that bulky Universal or when I really need to travel light. Razr + REX 6000 = I feel free Smile

You can "never" find a phone + PDA that are great in both ways. I burned a tough hole in my pocket trying.... ( Nokia Communicators, Any Windows Based smartphone (they jam a lot) and the rest )

Separate devices that tap into they strong points where other devices supplement their weaknesses are the best way to go. At least for now I plan my type of work daily and bring only the right equipment around.

ska · Member

Nice to see some activity on the REX board again! Also good to hear that some people are actively using it still. Personally I'll admit that I've never used it as anything else than a nice toy which offers interesting hurdles.

I'd actually like the "REX 7000" to be more like the Motorola F3 phone (with the "e-ink" display), but with a normal pixel-based screen. A simple phone with the same basic PDA functionality as the REX 6000, a good screen, bluetooth and like you said rechargable batteries, as slim as the REX.

// Simon

vrillusions · Site Admin

Yeah, admittedly i've moved on to other things (YAY iPhone) but there are still things that everything is missing, even good ol' rexie. Although everyones needs are different and they use things in a different way so there will never be a "perfect" device that does everything flawlessly.