While many computer users will instantly think to go online, search for a site that does just that and get the answer from there. A better alternative, at least for the times when connectivity is not available, is having a dedicated program that can get the job done with fewer clicks.
A possible solution, that doesn't even need installation and can be carried on a memory stick or any other portable device, is Multi-Convert. It is very lightweight, under 40 KB archived, and will provide you with the means to handle the most common unit conversions. More good news are related to its price tag that reads 0 $, meaning you will be able to enjoy it freely, no strings attached.
This application is ready to run right out of the box and will help you instantly experiment with eight basic units of measure. At first glance you may find the interface rather dull since there are no fashionable menus, flashy effects or anything like that. To capitalize on the practical characteristic, only the knobs and switches that you'll need to use are available.
The utility works in a less common way than most similar software. In order to access the conversions window you need to either double-click the category or choose from the upper right drop-down menus the units and press the validation button. Now you will be able to input the value and have the calculation done on the spot.
An aspect that many users will surely notice right of the bat is the somewhat limited pack of built-in units. Some very often used, like temperature, time or power, are simply omitted. Instead, you get only angle, area, length, mass, pressure, speed, torque
and volume to play around with.Despite that, a great thing about Multi-Convert is that it allows you to customize the units of measure and add new ones very fast. This is very useful when dealing with, for example, specific systems that are used only in a small region of a country. A bonus here is that you will also be able to write some notes for each new entry you create or edit.
On the same positive key, with this application you can create as many backups of your conversion databases as you please. You can make really good use of this feature to save changes after extending the number of measurement units. Restoring them when necessary is also a breeze, thanks to the specialized 'Backup' and 'Restore' options integrated in the 'File' menu.
When a category is selected from the left side column, you will see the contents in the main window and all the possible combinations among the listed units. What's more, this tool will display the multipliers for each and every pair. All of them are editable and can be removed from their original class, although this is not advisable for the default items that are pretty accurately introduced.
There are many customizations to be made in the 'Options' menu of the software, but most of them are related to the fonts used by the utility and the rest deal with window size, limits and position. A particular feature included here pertains to the measurement unit drop-down menus mentioned a few paragraphs before. It will enable you to hide them from the GUI by selecting the 'False' value in the 'Quick Find' corresponding field.
A quite nice trick waits to be discovered in the 'Edit' section and you will certainly not miss it because it's the only function available there. This command, when activated, will center the application on screen, something you may find useful for scenarios that involve presentations and related activities.
The system resource usage is very small and mainly involves around 18-19 MB of physical memory to successfully do all the work. The stress on the processor is virtually unnoticeable. You will find that only one percent of the CPU will twitch now and then, when large numbers and many decimals are involved.
The Good
The main positive aspect that needs to be pointed out about Multi-Convert is the high degree of customizations for managing measurement units and also for some GUI related aspects.
Another big plus for this application is its ability to backup and restore the database with a couple of clicks. Not to be forgotten are its portability and the fact that it comes completely free of cost.
The Bad
On the downside, there first thing one is confronted with is the simple interface; it will surely be less appealing to many users. However, above all, there's the lack of some all-important and often used units that deduct important points for this software.
The Truth
Overall, Multi-Convert does a decent job by providing some fundamental units of measure for quick and accurate conversion but it definitely needs to have more of them included by default. Besides that, the users will enjoy a special experience that allows them to actively personalize and actually improve the application by editing existing units, adding new ones and not leaving aside the effective range of visual configurations.
Here are some snapshots of the application in action:
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