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Business cards are the bane of anyone trying to keep a contacts database. A single conference can leave a visitor with handfuls of cards and inputting them is both time consuming and frustrating.
While there's plenty of software available that allows flatbed scanners to retrieve business card data, the results are often less than impressive. To address this problem, Corex has been producing specialised card scanning products since 1994.
The CardScan 600c is its first colour scanner and also its smallest and lightest, while version 6 of the supplied software represents a major step forward in terms of features and performance.
The unit measures 17 by 10.4 by 5.3cm, which is a significant reduction compared to the CardScan 500. It also has a number of other improvements. For instance, the built-in document feeder, which replaces the flimsy card holder, is sturdy and well designed.
The power lead is closer fitting and less prone to falling out, while its reduced size is a bonus. It's designed as a fixed unit that's used periodically to clear accumulated cards.
However, the real improvements are in the software. Version 6 of CardScan includes a free subscription to CardScan.Net, an online service where you can place your entire address database on a Corex-hosted website.
When using the site, your addresses are also automatically hotlinked to MapQuest's site providing directions to your addresses.
For those who don't want to entrust their address books to the internet, the optical character recognition capabilities of the scanner are improved slightly, although the device still has problems with white lettering on a dark background. The only real improvements have been in recognising new lettering layouts.
Synchronising between Palm and Pocket PC-based devices is simple. Synchronisation with Act 4.0!, Lotus 4.6/5.0, Goldmine 4.0 and Outlook 98/2000/2002 databases is also supported, although Act! users will have to shut down the software while synchronising.
Sadly, Corex has penalised UK customers by charging £269.99 (ex. VAT) for the scanner and software, compared to $269 for US users. The software can also be bought separately and used with a flatbed scanner using the supplied card wallet or with the CardScan 500 for £199.99 (ex. VAT).
The CardScan 600c is great at reproducing and organising electronic versions of your business cards. It doesn't do anything else, but is ideal if you need to maintain a contacts database.
However, the current price is a little difficult to justify for the individual user although, in a networked environment, it could be a godsend.
Price: (as reviewed, ex. VAT) £269.99
Contact: Widget Software (distributor) 01438 818 818
www.cardscan.com
See also:
A business-card scanner that could be an invaluable office tool. 31 Oct 2001
All Scanners
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