Full Review

As the saying goes, good things come in small packages. This is especially true for this mini-PDA device from Xircom. The REX-6000, recently released, is a portable hand-held device for keeping your contacts, schedule, tasks, and memos with you everywhere. There are lots of options out there for this type of technology, notably the Palm Pilot line, but this device is unique in that realm.

Size
The REX is tiny. And I mean tiny. It is a marvel of engineering prowess that a device of this size could have so many features. It is the size of your PCMCIA cards for laptops (actually, it is one!), and weighs almost nothing. Its exterior dimensions are: 3.5 inches long, 2 inches wide and ¼ inch high! The screen measures 2 ¼ by 1 ¼ inches, and makes up most of the face of the device.

Design
The REX is a PCMCIA card. It slips into the slot in you laptop, and thus does not need an external docking unit. For those with desktops, there are external docking stations available, both serial and USB. There are 5 push buttons on the right side of the face of the REX that control the Home, Back, Select, Up and Down features. The screen is touch or stylus controlled. Do be careful not to exert too much pressure on the screen, as it is sensitive. The memory is 2MB, enough to hold many contacts and calendar entries. Battery life is provided via removable/changeable batteries that pop out of one end of the unit. They are rated for approximately 6 months of operation.

Features
The REX provides a very convenient way to take your contact information, calendar, notes, memos and tasks with you. It also can be used to jot down notes instead of the old sticky-note method. REX synchs with Outlook (even 2000), and the software includes Intellisync PIM if you do not have one. The sync process has two options – full or quick, which just copies changes since the last sync.

Additional features include some web services, but I have not explored those yet. With the memory limited to 2MB, I will mostly use this device for contact management and calendar functions. There is a battery-saving control that allow you to set the time before the unit goes to sleep, and it has audible alarms for notification of events.

REX comes with a leather carrying case which I highly recommend using. It protects the screen, and looks nice.

Real World Experience
I have only had the REX for a week, but I have used it repeatedly on the road. After syncing with my Outlook, I have all of my contacts on the REX, and all of my appointments. At a recent seminar, I was able to enter new contacts as they were delivered by the speakers directly into the REX without having to jot them down on paper and translate later. It got a few looks from other attendees, and I had to demo it for a couple of people.

Drawbacks
There are some drawbacks. Keep in mind the intended use of this device. It is not a portable computer in the real sense. It does not interface with email, it does not have cool color graphics or fancy games. It does not run your life outside of the office. It is simply an inexpensive (I hear about $120) way to take information with you on the road or at home.

Be careful of one thing: the REX is unique, and you will have to show it off to people when they see it.