1. it isn't disputable that the Style property in the TComboBox Not the EX is not Delphi compatible. The extra feature that is an optional EDIT ownerdraw really does not work well because it is basically using a non owner draw Edit box which does not get drawn during the drawing cycle, the -1 index does appear there but this box is getting overlaid with it so before you jump all over me I think you should have a closer look at that option. Because I tried to fix the TComboBoxEX by using that option and hence that is when I noticed that issue. Most likely why Delphi does not have it.
2. There is a problem with the TcomboboxEX. and I have got it down to a problem with the implementation of it in code. I want you to take note that recently a discussion about a READONLY property was basically squashed out, so be it. I'll just use Window messages and restrict my ambitions. But, putting that aside, the TComboBoxEX does use the READONLY property because it is actually setting it to TRUE, so what ever effect it use to have before as it was quoted as never being implemented correctly in the first place, it must of done something because its in the code..
constructor TCustomComboBoxEx.Create(TheOwner: TComponent);
begin
inherited Create(TheOwner);
FAutoCompleteOptions:=cDefAutoCompOpts;
FItemsEx:=TComboExItems.Create(self, TComboExItem);
FNeedMeasure:=True;
ReadOnly:=True;
inherited Style:=csOwnerDrawFixed;
FStyle:=cDefStyle;
FStyleEx:=[];
end;
Here is the constructor of the control. As you can see READONLY is being used, don't ask me why I have no idea..
Also you'll note it is setting the inherited Drawing style to csOwnerDrawFixed
etc
So there is trouble on both sides of the street
The TCombobox implementing features that don't exist in Delphi, which I may add aren't really working that well.
The TComboBoxEX is using a Dead property, most likely means nothing here but it also isn't populating the Stringlist in the base class the TcustomCombobox, which is why the AutoCompleteText does not work!
Currently I am looking at that block of code the author spent lot of time on implementing a TCollection to support the list instead if using the ITEMS stringlist in the base class. This is why the basic word search does not work!
Unless someone else has a quick idea to fix it, it may take me a little to comeup with a proper solution.
Have a nice day and may your bugs be many, more..