So the new HamsterSoft Ebook Converter has been getting a lot of attention today. It’s a relatively easy to use conversion app that runs on Windows. It features a drag and drop interface, broad output support, and it seems to be very popular.
Nevertheless, I’m going to pass. I’ve encountered HamsterSoft before and they are on my avoid list.
A few weeks back I developed a sudden need for a RAR archiver. I didn’t have one installed yet, so I went looking and ended up with a product from HamsterSoft. It worked just fine, and I was in a hurry so I ignored the awkwardness of the interface.
But then a few days later I had to reboot my computer. The HamsterSoft app started itself on boot, and I couldn’t find a way to stop it. This is a no-no in my book. If I can avoid an app that does this, I will. Also, the apps keep forcing to go to the Hamstersoft Facebook page (and it even does this when I deleted the apps). The latter just pisses me off, and since a replacement is easy to find I deleted the app.
I already have an alternative to HamsterSoft Ebook Converter; it’s called calibre. Calibre is the best open-source ebook library, format conversion, and ebook reader support app out there. It supports more formats and it supports transferring your ebooks to your ebook reader.
Update: A commenter pointed put that this app is based on calibre, and it actually gives credit. Also, if you’re looking for another reason to use calibre, here’s one: Hamstersoft requires extra downloads that calibre does not.
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Funny you should mention calibre:
“Hamster Free eBook Converter made by HamsterSoft and based on Calibre-engine created by Kovid Goyal and inherits all GNU GPL 3.0 restrictions. ”
http://ebook.hamstersoft.com/en/support
Hahahaha. I was thinking that would be the case.
Every Comment at my site about it said use Calibre instead. Someone also sent me some conversion samples and I wasn’t impressed.
Just updated my post with a link to this. As much as I dislike the fugliness of Calibre, at least it doesn’t require the damned .NET framework to be installed.
Hamster eBook Converter | Mike Cane's xBlog // Jul 5, 2011 at 2:07 pm
[...] Update, July 5, 2011: Nate has his own take on this. [...]
Goto start button
RUN
Type msconfig Hit OK
startup tab
uncheck whatever you don’t want to run
Saying all that, I prefer Calibre
Thanks, but the app really should be required undo its own mistakes.
Sony’s damned clogware, Reader Library, runs at startup too.
Hamstersoft Ebook Converter rips off calibre - The Digital Reader // Aug 13, 2011 at 9:35 pm
[...] by Nate Hoffelder · No Comments · piracy // A hot new ebook converter popped up just over a month ago, and it turns out there’s a problem with [...]
Yes, but Hamster has a BIIIIIG advantage over Calibre. It does not force you to manage your library through a software (something I hate). I hate Picasa, I hate iTunes, I hate Calibre for the same reason. I have already folders in my computer which are much faster and much easier to use that whatever software.
+1 for Mm
I also hate calibre for the same reason
Frank
Thanks for this post … almost downloaded Hamster and decided to look for reviews. Just in time …