COREX CARDSCAN EXECUTIVE 600C

How many business cards do you collect in an average week? For many, cataloguing them all is a time-consuming chore. Corex’s CardScan Executive 600C (£180 inc. VAT) is the company’s latest card scanner, and at 160 x 90 x 50mm is smaller than previous models. However, the principle behind the device remains the same, with users being able to place business cards into the device, which are then scanned and a database of contacts created.

The scanner allows for both monochrome and colour printing, and with the improved OCR capabilities of the software, we found even complicated cards could be scanned. A useful addition is www.cardscan.net, which allows you to update information online – so any contacts you do have can be regularly updated.

Version 6 of the software is easy to install and once you’ve calibrated the scanner, using the supplied business card, the device is ready to use. As it’s powered by the laptop via a USB port, it’s not something you are likely to use on the move. However, it does offer a degree of flexibility and is far better than carrying an additional powerbrick. With support for both Pocket PC and Palm, handheld users will be able to copy over any new data whenever they synchronise their PDA with their desktop computer.

The USB cable and supplied software is compatible with Windows XP and can also be used with Windows 2000, 98 and Me. Unfortunately, with no support for the Macintosh operating system, only Windows users can take advantage of the package. Overall, the CardScan offers a very usable solution for those who find they cannot keep track or control of their business cards.

RATING: 7

PRICE: £153/£180 (EX/INC. VAT)
REQUIREMENTS: WINDOWS 98/2000/XP 50MB HARD DRIVE SPACE, USB 1.1 PORT
CONTACT: 02203 911 3332 WWW.CARDSCAN.COM/EU