CardScan Updated

Business card scanner gets faster, adds features.

Tracey Capen

The new CardScan Executive scanner.

Corex's new $250 CardScan Executive, a revision of the indispensable business card scanner and contact management bundle, presents a fresh look, some additional tools, and notably faster performance than its predecessor.

Version 7 of the CardScan software dispenses with the old virtual-Rolodex-on-your-screen look, replacing it with a more functional interface that includes a basic list of names plus alphabetical tabs for lightning-fast access to all of your contacts.

Among a handful of new features is the duplicates wizard, which displays two or more similar cards side by side so you can cherry-pick the data you want to keep.

In addition, the package's new color card scanner is noticeably speedier than the previous-generation 600c. The scanner processed five cards in monochrome in about 21 seconds (versus 33 seconds for the 600c), and five cards in color in about 26 seconds (versus 46 for the 600c).

Unfortunately, Corex has yet to add batch-feed capabilities to its device, so you still must insert each card by hand.

CardScan's bundle has long been a reliable staple for business card scanning and management, and while this update breaks little new ground, it is a solid improvement over previous editions. If your current card scanner is fast enough, consider buying the $79 software upgrade alone.

Corex CardScan Executive

Minor improvements and faster speed make for a solid update. Street: $250Current Price (if available)