CNET Editors' review
Options aplenty could make this Web-content grab tool too complex, but a plain, logical layout makes the program a snap for the advanced user. SuperBot Offline Browser's simple tabbed interface isn't much to look at, but it does make it easy to get started. The Help file is good, but users are expected to understand basic Web-related terms and examples. Unfortunately, novice users probably won't use this tool to its full potential.
It's not hard to figure out where to begin or where to go to get what you need. Whether it's viewing stored pages, or setting the options for download, simple tabs lead users to Start, Progress, Preferences, Log, and Browse. The Start tab can show Common Jobs with the click of a button, and the options include MIME Types and Location Restrictions. The Common Jobs tree-style list easily expands to display possible job-specific settings. The Preferences tab uses the same tree approach to create audio alerts for job progress, set passwords, or other options. Some testers found the built-in browser a bit slow to load files, but their more common browser complaint was the lack of navigation buttons save an address field and Go button.
Minor problems aside, SuperBot Offline Browser quickly and accurately grabbed Web content. We would have like the browser to perform as flexibly as the rest of the app, but we still think experienced users looking to save Web content offline should give the 14-day trial version a try.
Publisher's Description
From Sparkleware:
SuperBot automatically downloads entire Web sites and saves them on your computer. Links in the copied pages are automatically updated, so that the copy can be browsed offline. SuperBot creates autorun CDs/DVDs, ZIP files, site maps and slideshows out of your Web sites. It supports command line parameters, scheduling, and automation.
What's new in this version: Version 4.70.0074 adds compatibility with Windows 7.
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All versions:
3.2 starsout of 23 votes
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Current version:
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"Sparkleware responds to SuperBot editorial review"
Version: SuperBot Offline Browser 4.70.0072
Pros
Thanks to CNet for a fair and positive review. We would like to make a small clarification regarding the built-in web browser--see below.
Cons
The user manual did not fully explain SuperBot's compatibility with other web browsers.
Summary
During the design stage, we recognized that no built-in browser could possibly be as fast, familiar and full-featured as the user's own browser of choice. Thus, we made SuperBot fully compatible with the browser you already have.
Double-clicking on any entry in SuperBot's Progress or Log windows will launch that copied page/site in your default browser--Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, Chrome, or anything else. Unlike with some competing products, you do NOT need to view downloaded content through the SuperBot interface; the choice is yours. -
"Promised to work, and it worked"
Version: SuperBot Offline Browser 4.70.0071
Pros
I tried this after using two others that crashed when downloading websites. SuperBot actually worked, need I say more? It isn't free, but it seems you get what you pay for here.
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"It works, which I can't say for other spiders I tried."
Version: SuperBot Offline Browser 4.6
Pros
It works as advertised. I tried WebSlinky 1.3 Build 105 & Web Dumper 2.2.3 & SuperBot 4.6. The first two failed to download all the files on a simple mostly-text site properly, failing to capture the contents of at least one of the subdirectories. WebSlinky seemed pretty immature, with a very rudimentary user interface. It failed to download files with first space (%20) in the file name. Web Dumper had a little more-developed UI, but still didn't get the download right. Of the spiders I tried, only SuperBot worked correctly. It downloaded everything correctly and reset the links to work in the download. It is a little expensive, but it works.
Cons
A little pricey, but you get what you pay for, I suppose.
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"Just click and go."
Version: SuperBot Offline Browser 4.1
Pros
I liked that could I just copy in a web address, and click on Copy Now, and have SuperBot do its job. I didn't have to go through some long wizard just to copy a site. The optional "voices" were very funny too ;) (look on the Preferences tab to see what I mean)
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"Super fast, super powerful, super easy"
Version: SuperBot Offline Browser 4.1
Pros
All the other site rippers look and act the same; this one is uniquely suited to batch downloading pictures and websites without any fuss. I use it to make autorun CDs out of my favorite sites and play them on my laptop. Also, it works with Firefox and Opera!
Cons
It wasn't obvious that pressing F1 brings up the product help file.
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"Why label as free when you limit it to not work?? be honest about your software"
Version: SuperBot Offline Browser 3.1A
Pros
installs fast. Thats about it
Cons
It's not that I don't support code writters, it is that I don't support dishonest ones. If you mark your software as free, then it had better be free. If you want to make a dollar on your software, fine, label it that way. none of this free software but you only get to download 100 pages and if you want more pay $30. If the other writers can be honest about their software and upfront say they are charging then so should you.
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"More powerful then it looks"
Version: SuperBot Offline Browser 3.1A
Summary
I thought it looked too simple, but it is very good at copying sites and easy to use.
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"The site ripper the competition doesn't want you to try"
Version: SuperBot Offline Browser 3.1A
Summary
All of a sudden a bunch of negative reviews appear describing SuperBot as spyware? IT IS NOT. It's the best and easiest site download solution ( or why the sudden smear campaign??? ) Try it yourself.
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"Crippled and full of spyware!"
Version: SuperBot Offline Browser 3.1A
Summary
There are better options out there which are truly free.
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"full of spyware"
Version: SuperBot Offline Browser 3.1A
Summary
this program installed 43 seperate files other than itself on my machine, including malicious code!
DO NOT INSTALL!
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