I’m running, not walking, to the nearest store so I can check out the latest tool I found. The new specialized scanner and software combo, the Corex CardScan Executive, Version 5.0 ($250), is designed to help me put all the business cards I collect into electronic format. A quick calculation of the time involved to enter business cards tells me this is going to be well worth the green.

The CardScan 500 scanner has a convenient tray for catching scanned cards and the companion software, CardScan 5.0, now better recognizes international business cards. Once the cards are scanned, the software synchronizes contact information with your contact software. The software is compatible with many Palm Organizers, Windows CE Palm-size and Handheld PCs and compatible digital phones.

CardScan also is compatible with many PIMs, including Symantec's ACT!, Microsoft Outlook (the one I use), Lotus Organizer, and Franklin Planner. Using the embedded Intellisync for CardScan, you can synchronize your scanned data with your current contacts. And, it will prompt you if there are conflicts (maybe you met the same person last week and forgot).

I’m really excited about the time savings. Setting up the CardScan takes less than 5 minutes! The 400-dpi resolution gray-scale scanner is too bulky for mobile applications at 2.4 by 6.9 by 5.8 inches (HxWxD), but it is easy to move between workstations. You get all the gizmos you need including, power adapter, parallel cable, and USB cable.

As indicated above, retail price is $250. The package requires 16MB RAM; 30MB hard disk space; CD-ROM drive; Windows 95, 98, or NT 4.0 or later. Contact Corex Technologies Corp. directly at 800-942-6739 or at their site.