Set up is easy because the CardScan 600c attaches to a USB port. Just take your business cards and feed them through the scanner one by one. Each card can be scanned in 2 to 3 seconds.  The card scanner software did an amazing job. It captured the data from the card regardless of the location of the information on the card, the color or fonts used, or the card background. It had no problem ignoring the handwritten notes that I had scribbled across some of the cards. It performed equally well with older, dog-eared cards. The information was quickly moved into the proper location in the Corex database. In my testing, it correctly read an incredible variety of cards. The only errors were in interpreting certain individualized logos. Whatever algorithms Corex uses to read and sort the information, it has a real winner.

You can use the Corex software as you personal address book, if you like. It has an easy-to-use rolodex-like interface and allows you to manually enter information in addition to the information from your scans. If, however, you already use a personal information manager (PIM), Corex has you covered. This software can synchronize with personal digital assistants like the Palm and/or PocketPC as well as many popular desktop personal information managers like Outlook, Act, Goldmine, Lotus Notes, and more. I was surprised to find support for Time & Chaos, one of the lesser known PIMs that I use. Synchronization is made fast and easy with the AutoSynch feature. CardScan can even synchronize with many mobile phones if you purchase Corex’s FoneSync software.

Additional features abound. CardScan.Net lets users store their information on the Web and access their contact from a Web browser anywhere in the world.  Click on a contact’s address and CardScan takes you directly to MapQuest for a map and/or driving instructions. Click on a telephone number and your computer can complete the call.

Bad news for Mac users, CardScan 600c runs only on a Windows platform using a Pentium processor with 64MB of RAM and 50MB of free hard disk space for full installation. Windows 95 users will also be disappointed as CardScan supports Windows 98, ME, 2000, or higher.

The Corex CardScan makes it easy to get business card information into your computer and/or your PDA. While not inexpensive, if you collect a lot of business cards, it can be a lifesaver. For individual users, there is also a less expensive $199 CardScan 500 for black-and-white scans, which has a free upgrade to the version 6 software. If you have a small office or workgroup, you can also purchase the $549 CardScan Office. This includes one 600c scanner and six V6 software licenses, which enables you and your workmates to share the scanner.

The Corex CardScan is one smooth operator.   Purchase one and you may never have to search through a stack of business cards again.