Last updated - November 20, 2001

REX Stylus Options

The REX comes w/the leather case (for most packages) which includes a small black plastic stylus. There is also (sometimes!) a two-color plastic sleeve case that includes an opaque plastic stylus that slips into a sleeve in the case. (See here for pics of these two cases.)

It isn't possible to buy either of these stylus (styli? Styluses?? :->) from Xirom - they do not sell any replacements. And since the plastic case stylus is an odd shape made specifically for the case, it is unlikely that any replacement stylus you could find would fit that case.

You can replace the black stylus in the leather case with any short (4") stylus that appeals to you. Trouble is, most stylus available are Palm/Visor sized, so there aren't a lot of stylus/pen options for the REX leather wallet. However, the Zebra mini-pen, at 4", is one excellent exception. See below.

Also, you can adapt the Pilot Pentopia Pen/Stylus for use in the REX. A bit more expensive, but an interesting option. See the Stylus Central section below for more on that.

If you are looking for a new stylus, whether to replace a lost one or just to add some excitement to your life, let us know if you find any interesting options!

Zebra Mini-pen - Cross Micro-Pen - Retro 51 Pen

Photon Microlight- Brightwriter -Saitek Lighted Stylus - Stylus Central (Pentopia)

Stinger Stylus

There is a REX wallet-sized (4" long, 3/8" thick!) pen and mechanical pencil! (From Franco):

"I found a set of small pen & mechanical pencil that fit exactly in the stilus place of my Rex case (the leather-like type). You can find it at http://www.zebrapen.com/products.cfm?prodid=47. The mechanical pencil's tiny (.5mm) lead is a very accurate stylus and does not scratch the screen (as everybody at Rex Rumors knows, the pencil's lead, actually the non-leaded compound, is based on graphite, which is a friction-reducing material).

Bend a little the (very resistent and resiliant) clip, so it remains on the ouside of the case (there is no space inside), and you can leave home with, in your shirt pocket, your Rex, your driving license (in the inside of the case), a couple of credit cards (in the outside pocket), your Zebra writing instrument, and you have anything you need. Except money... Well, put it in a pocket."

Michael has found an online source for the Zebra pen/pencil combo that Franco brought to our attention by Franco :

"... I wanted to let people know that the Zebra pens and pencils could be ordered from www.daytimer.com. I bought a pen several years ago, when I used a DT. Now I use a Rex."

Nice sleuthing, Michael!

The Daytimer site incorrectly lists some of the Zebra min-pen/pencils as 4 3/8" long - I have confirmed with Zebra directly that all their min-pen/pencils are 4". Daytimer sells a stainless steel pen/pencil set (product number 63169) for $10.99 US, and individual pen/pencils w/gold accents (product number 61561 for pencil, 61563 for pen) for $10.49 each. And, you can also get the stainless pens (63167) and pencils (63168) for $6.49 individually.

These pens fit very well in the REX leather wallet - see the pictures below:

The tip just protrudes a tiny bit outside the wallet.

The pen fits nicely in the elastic strap.

Side-by-side you can see the pen is just a bit longer.

Cross Micro-Pen has the size and features to impress! (From Otavio)

"I think I found the solution for pen & stylus: Cross MicroPen

Otavio's find looks very nice - the right length and weight to use in the REX wallet, and four stylish colors to boot! And (unlike the Zebra) has a true stylus tip for use on the REX. Hmmm . . . time for another stylus purchase? From the Cross site:

"MicroPens: What happens when you combine convenience with functionality? You get the new Cross MicroPen, with both a retractable Ball-point pen tip and a PDA stylus tip. One tip is a polymeric stylus for the patented "pen-on-paper" feel. The opposite tip is the propel/retract ball-point pen mechanism with a black ink refill included. This great new combo is 4" (101.6 mm) long and 0.185" (4.7 mm) in diameter, which perfectly fits in most PDA styli compartments. Created with a soft-touch shell for your writing comfort, it weighs only 0.282 ounces (8 grams) with refill. Like all Cross writing instruments, this pen comes with a lifetime mechanical guarantee."

At $15.00 USD each (on the Cross Pen site) they aren't cheap, but they are a very interesting option!

Pen/stylus options that folks have adopted seem to be about as varied as could be imagined. Carl has an option that while a bit too wide for replacing the stylus in the leather REX wallet, offers a classy alternative for those seeking a compact pen for use w/the REX:

"Since everyone seems to love stuff like this, I will show you the pen I use. It clips on the inside of my billfold, and closed it is 3 1/2" long. When closed, you can use the back end as a stylus. You can get one at The Writer's Edge web site. . . Thanks to everyone who has made this Rex community so great!"

The Tornado Elite pen (200 series)

The Passport pen in Sterling Silver and Cobalt Blue - other colors on the web site

Go to The Writer's Edge site and poke around in the Retro 51 pens section. Also check out the Passport pens, which are also 3 1/2" (90 mm) long.

" I found the perfect pointer !!! Have a look at this : http://www.photonlight.com/products/photon_3.html

Photon II

I have two of them (Photon Light 2 and 3) and they are just perfect, just by themselves. The bulb is a bit big but pointing on a Rex does not require an extra thin pointer ! Not only the form factor is small, but it also provides light and, now the best comes, the Photonlight uses 2 CR2016 batteries !!! Yes, the Photonlight could be also used as a battery holder !!!

I think I know what I will attach to my DS2 case, if they do not come with a pointer."

When you get to the photonlight site, you can click links to see the Photon I, II, and III.

"The BrightWriter is no more. I contacted the vendor and he doesn't even have the one he made for himself! But there are a few alternatives - here are two that I've found:

• http://www.theledlight.com/stylus.html
• http://www.pdapanache.com/products.asp

These seem to be even better, since they come in alot of diferent colors. I'd really like to find a stylus/light/ink pen combo, but I haven't seen one yet.

Lighted stylus option for under $10 US!! (From George)

"Just found it. Saitek puts out a lighted stylus. its the same length as a common pda stylus but the tip is lighted. found it at Best Buy for $9.99."

Online vendor for the Saitek lighted stylus. (From Rob)

Rob located an online vendor for the Saitek lighted stylus.

"The Saitek lighted stylus you just posted is available for $10 at Yahoo:

http://store.yahoo.com/saitekusa/pdaaccessories1.html"

An interesting place to visit if you are looking for a new stylus for your REX or any other PDA. They carry several versions of the Pilot Pentopia Pen/Stylus.

Pentopia Pics from Tubalips.

Tubalips has adapted his Pentopia Pen/Stylus for use in the REX by abandoning the pen cap. Fits well, and with the secret reset pointer hidden inside, provides three functions - pen, stylus, and REX reset:

"... I use the Pilot Pentopia Pen/Stylus. Without the pen cover (I discarded it) it appears to be the same length as the Zebra. But it has a spring-loaded stylus on one end and a writing pen on the other. It also stays put in the elastic stylus holder in the leather case. . . (see blurry photo below):

I discarded the pen top. It isn't really needed and it fits the case better without it. I also like the hidden internal PDA "reset" pin that you find when you unscrew the stylus side of the pen. I have only had to use it twice, but it is real handy when needed."

$15.95 at Stylus Central

One interesting item carried by Stylus Central . . . a Swiss Army Knife/stylus! No, really! Camping will never be quite the same.

"I was looking at your list of stylus options and have one to suggest myself. I love using the Stinger stylus with my Rex6000

It's particularly good for gaming and typing - one on each index finger helps to manage the scrunched-together controls. Check it out!"

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