The XIA DXP-4C is a 4 channel, CAMAC based, x-ray spectrometer which digitally processes directly digitized preamplifier signals. The DXP-4C was designed for instrumenting multi-detector arrays for synchrotron radiation applications, and optimized for very high count rates at a low cost per detector channel. This produced a very compact and low power (3.4 W/channel) instrument for its count rate and MCA capabilities, which thus provides a strong basis for portable applications. Because all functions are digitally controlled, it can be readily adapted to various user interfaces, including remote access interfaces. Here we describe the design and examine approaches to lowering its power to 50 mW/channel. We then consider the issues in applying it to three typical portable or remote spectrometry applications.