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October 1999

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Review: CD Stomper Pro 3.2.6
CD Labeling System

by Edward Goss, egoss@atpm.com

good

Manufactured by: Stomp, Inc. Costa Mesa, CA

Web: http://www.cdstomper.com

Requirements: 68040 processor, CD-ROM drive, Mac OS 7.6.1, 16 MB RAM, color printer for best output.

Street Price: $35

 

With the continually decreasing prices of CD-R and CD-RW internal and external drives, more people are taking the plunge into recording their own CDs. Whether it is for creating custom audio CDs, archiving valuable data, or backing up on a regular basis, CD recorders are becoming a necessary part of many Mac users’ daily lives. After purchasing a CD recorder—or “burner,” as they are often called—users are finding it easy to amass a collection of the shiny silver discs. Since all of the blank or recorded discs look the same, the problem then is to be able to identify your CDs to facilitate cataloging.

The CD Stomper Pro is a complete CD labeling hardware and software system. It consists of a Stomper label applicator, CD Stomper software for Mac and PCs, and an assortment of blank, printable self-adhesive labels for CDs, jewel case inserts, and labels for Zip, floppy, or Jaz discs. The software includes an application that is installed on your hard drive to access the graphics available on the Stomper CD, which is required to be in the CD-ROM drive during use. Since the CD Stomper Pro consists of two parts—hardware and software—I will divide this review into two sections.

Hardware

First, the hardware. The CD Stomper label applicator is a device to apply the round CD labels that you create to the non-data side of a CD. Simply by placing the label (adhesive side up) onto the Stomper rubber pad and lowering the CD (label side down) the CD is “stomped” and the label applied. It is harder to describe than it is to do; I found success with my first try, and every one thereafter. My hardware rating for the Stomper applicator is excellent; it could not be easier or more fun.

Software

The CD Stomper 3.2.6 software is where I encountered my problems. Obviously created for PCs, and then ported to Mac, the software package is about as non-Mac as you are likely to encounter. Launching the program changes your screen resolution to 256 colors if you have it set higher; and, aggravatingly, does not change it back to its former setting when you quit the program. Each time you launch CD Stomper Pro, it asks you to choose a language preference—English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian. Unfortunately, since the program has no Preferences setting in the File menu, you must make this choice every time you launch the program. After you select your language you are presented with the Stomper workspace. The workspace controls are fairly intuitive and complete. A quick experimental tour should teach you what each of the buttons does, and their purpose is displayed in a Help Box below the workspace window as you drag the cursor over them. Now you are ready to create a CD label.

stomperWorkspace

The CD Stomper Pro Workspace

Once again, lacking a Preferences file, you must select your “template” pattern—to properly align your created label with the label paper chosen—every time you start a project. Once you have selected a template you can begin creating a label. This is the fun part. With over 1200 different backgrounds and clip art to choose from, you will be able to create just about any type of label background that you wish. After selecting a background you can add text blocks anywhere within the printable area to identify your masterpiece. In case you can’t find exactly what you want in the provided graphics, there is a provision to import custom PICT files to use instead. These imported PICT files (no other image formats are supported at this time) can be scaled, rotated or cropped. Unfortunately, in my case this feature did not work properly. When I tried to import a PICT from my hard drive the program would inexplicably switch templates to “Original U.S. Letter Label” when the provided paper sheets were in the “New U.S. Letter Label” format. This presented me with a catch-22 situation. If I imported a PICT, it changed templates on me. If I then switched templates, my PICT was deleted, since it thought I was starting over. So I am limited to using the provided Backgrounds and Clip Art, which are actually more than adequate for my purpose. I have recorded some custom audio CDs and simply need to label them with titles and artists. The provided artwork and text capabilities fulfill my needs. Someone requiring more versatile labeling options might find the CD Stomper Pro too annoying to put up with.

stomperLabel

A Sample CD Label

It might seem that I find the CD Stomper program unbearable, but actually I enjoy using it. Once you get past its obvious deficiencies, and learn its limitations, it is fun to use. The labels print very well and I don’t have any difficulty removing them from their backing or applying them to my CDs. I just wish that Stomp, Inc. would get its Mac act together and provide a true Macintosh program to be used with its excellent label applicator. During the on-line registration process comments are solicited, and I voiced my three main concerns when I registered. I was surprised to receive a prompt answer from Stomp, which, although sounding quite formulaic, said:

Valued Customer: We are looking into the issues you have reported, but it all may become a moot point when the next CD Stomper new/upgrade software becomes available (March 2000), no charge to current users. Best regards, CD Stomper Technical Support.

So I will wait and see. But because of the poor software, I have to give a rating of only “Good” to the complete package. It would have been much better had they only let a few Mac users try it out before shipping it. Since the software is up to Version 3.2.6, I can’t imagine what Versions 1 or 2 were like. I’m just glad I didn’t have to find out. But if you are looking for a solution to your CD labeling problems, you might want to try CD Stomper Pro, complete with caveats, and wait for the upgraded software package. If they address my three main concerns I’ll be a very happy user.

appleCopyright ©1999 Edward Goss, egoss@atpm.com. Reviewing in ATPM is open to anyone. If you're interested, write to us at reviews@atpm.com.

Reader Comments (35)

Suzanne Rose · August 22, 2001 - 08:02 EST #1
I have version 3 pro for PC, not Mac, but found it difficult to resize a imported image form my library to fit on the label of the CD. It works OK for the CD tray. I think the Mac workplace area is better. Is there any way there will be a better version & can I download version 3.26? Thanks.
Tanya Sherlock · October 27, 2001 - 17:59 EST #2
I, like many others, use my computer for graphics. I find that the Stomper Pro for my Mac is not Mac comapatible! I develop a lot of my own graphics and need to be able to import original art work. How do I fix this problem? Other than that, it works great!
Vicki · June 5, 2002 - 00:57 EST #3
Yikes. With 3.0 being sold at Office Depot and reading now that, more than a year ago, an upgrade was "out there," I am wondering what I have done to myself. Mac here - and I find that the Wizard kills the system - can't use Quick Wizard, and now that I am printing, the text overlay on bottom of two labels on the same page is not being printed!!!

Any ideas? Anybody out there who cares at this point?

Thanks.
anonymous · October 3, 2002 - 14:47 EST #4
Labels cause CDs to not be able to eject from auto-eject single-disk ejection players (i.e. car CD, MP3, DVD). The surface characteristics of the labels cause the ejection rollers to slip, resulting in the CD being jammed in your player. CD Stomper acknowledges the problem, but offers no solution.
John · October 10, 2002 - 21:15 EST #5
Sony and other equipment manufacturers have tested different labels for the eject problem. "Kyso labels had no detectable problems in front load auto ejection players." Maybe Stomp should go back to using Kyso labels. www.kyso.com
Tim · January 13, 2003 - 12:51 EST #6
Can I use CD Stomper to label with adhesive?
Maria · June 19, 2003 - 14:03 EST #7
I can't seem to contact these people for software updates.
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · June 19, 2003 - 16:51 EST #8
Maria - software updates are available on the CD Stomper download page.
Richard · October 26, 2003 - 14:10 EST #9
I just recently installed Stomper 3.3.4.1 (latest version as of Oct. '03) and, so far, it's terrible. I'm using a G3 running OS 8.6 and can't get Stomp to run for more than ten minutes without it freezing up. I get Error messages, always Type 11, Type 10, Type 3, or Type 2. It freezes up, I restart, and it happens again.

I've run virus checks, shut off extensions, and closed applications, etc., etc. I've uninstalled and reinstalled it twice (which is what the listless tech. advised when I called Stomp, Inc.). It still doesn't work more than ten minutes and, even then, I find it cumbersome and unwieldily. NOT a good choice.
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · October 29, 2003 - 00:33 EST #10
Since it's widely felt that OS 8.6 was a stinker of an OS, I'd like to be able to say with some authority that upgrading to OS 9.1 or 9.2 is likely to solve your trouble. Truthfully, though, I really don't know this for a fact.
Joe · December 5, 2003 - 12:25 EST #11
My high school computer teacher bought this terrible program and it doesn't even run. We have all the requirements and more. I've tried for two days to find the company who made this awful thing, but every time I find a page with information sent out by the company, it doesn't work. They don't even have their own web site where you can get info. Please, someone help me out.
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · December 5, 2003 - 14:35 EST #12
Joe - they most certainly do have their own web site which seems to be working just fine—including the Contact Us page.
Tom · December 12, 2003 - 00:12 EST #13
This software has to be the most difficult software I've ever used.
anonymous · December 29, 2003 - 20:15 EST #14
I bought this kit for over a year but I never be able to use it. Tech support is terrible and no update software for this product. It is one of gabage soon.
Jacob
Thierry Demarquette · January 16, 2004 - 16:03 EST #15
I am unfortunately trying to use version 3.2.6 in french on "A4 "jewel case or Cd labels. Importing a picture drags me back to "U.S original letter", so I tried to use the sofware pictures. It's always printed 8mm left and 5mm higher than the CD Stomper original jewel case or label set.
I tried on an OS X e-Mac with Epson C82 printer and with my old OS 9.2 and 8.6 G3s and Deskwriter. Same result.
I must add that the so called French version is crippled with spelling and syntax errors and even Italian words.
Tino Saiki · February 21, 2004 - 18:50 EST #16
I have Mac OS X 10.3.2. When I try to launch the program, it fails.

I had no problem when I was running Jaguar. I cannot find a fix on their web site and they are so slow to respond.
Jeffrey · March 15, 2004 - 15:58 EST #17
CD Stomper Pro is the worst experience with CD Mac Software I have ever had. Granted, it does make good labels, but only about half of the time. The other half it either crashes because the CD, for some unexplained reason, cannot find an image, quits automatically for no reason at all, crashes because it cannot find the CD data even though the CD is in the drive, or prints labels that are either squashed and stretched or just plain mutilated.

It's rare that I find software that I can't bother to like. Please, get another label-making software. Don't wait for updates to this thing. It's worth the money to buy a different brand.
Chris C · July 31, 2004 - 22:05 EST #18
Just installed a copy for Mac running 10.3. Install instructions didn't match the manual, program crashed on startup, and the tech support number in the manual is not answered. Fry's is selling this program at a discount and there is an additional manufacturer's rebate. Looks like they are trying to unload their inventory...
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · August 9, 2004 - 13:21 EST #19
It may, unfortunately, be time to accept that this program just isn't going to work any more. CD Stomper is no longer developed and it's certainly possible that it's not compatible under OS X 10.3. If that's the case, there will not ever be a fix, other than using the software under OS X 10.2.
Florence de BEAUREGARD · November 15, 2004 - 12:00 EST #20
Yes, CD Stomper or Click'n Design for Mac is sucks! Desperately, I have been looking for another soft that does a great job and i tried other brands but none of them works properly (Mac OS 10.3.6). Some of them even refuse to launch = system error... Is there someone who could give me good recommendations? Thank you in advance.
Vikki · December 10, 2004 - 22:29 EST #21
I gave up on CDStomper/Click n Design long ago. Nothing but crashes and problems. Try Discus. I love it. Easy to use. You can import your itunes play list, photos, use paint, etc.....whip up a quick professional looking CD label in a snap.
R. Potts · April 23, 2005 - 11:13 EST #22
I never had any problem running the software until I installed Panther. Now it crashes every time I try and open it. The only solution i've found is to restart in OS9 and it works fine. Unfortunately, all my designs I created before don't work and I will need to redo them. Hope that helps some of you with your problems.
sumampauw · November 10, 2005 - 15:24 EST #23
I regret I didn't check this forum before I went and bought myself CD Stomper...the software that came with it (Click'n design)..SUCK! big time. It's bulky and not friendly at all. Don't be fooled by it's packaging...I think that's the only thing that's good.."the packaging". The customer service bad too...tried to download version 5 but the website is "down"...all they can say is.."just wait till it's up"...I ask how long do i have to wait and they don't know..."just wait" they say. If i were to rate this product 1-10, I would rate it 0..Yeah! ZERO! Save yourself some money...don't buy it.
Jan King · November 16, 2005 - 16:05 EST #24
One of the CDs that I labelled with the CD Stomper got wet, and the label puckered up. I'd like to remove the label, but I can't pick it off cleanly. Any ideas?
Carolyn Robinson · December 22, 2005 - 22:43 EST #25
I have used your CD Stomper for a year or so and loved the program. When we recently purchased black labels we are having nothing but grief. The tracking is not feeding the paper properly and the label is printing before the label is in the correct place. When I use regular paper the label is in the correct place. It was suggested to me by radio Shack that I should try updating the software.

How do I do that? I have looked in this site, but I can't find directions for any upgrades to be downloaded.
Freddi Tee · February 26, 2006 - 11:21 EST #26
For Jan King,
My DVD's didn't get wet but after a year of non-use, they would no longer run in either of my players. As a last ditch effort to regain the movies I soaked them in warm water to remove all possible traces of paper. Careful handeling and rubbing with fingers rolls off most of the paper and adhesive. The latter sticks to any smoth portions of the disk.
The next part is not for those who do not need a do or die solution. I saturate a coton ball with WD40 and lightly rub the remaining adhesive until it softens and wipes away. More than one try may be necessary. After all traces of stiky goo are removed a final cleaning with mild dish soap and warm water is needed. I have used WD40 on the back side -gasp! - to rid it of some mis-placed goo and after proper cleaning with soap and water, and completly dry, the disks ran as good as new. No guarantee but it worked for me.
SavageNarce · June 22, 2006 - 14:54 EST #27
If using WD-40 on your disks causes you concern, try vegetable oil. Pour a little into a wide, flat bowl or saucer, plop the CD face-down and let it soak for 1/2 hour or so. The label should absorb the oil and the adhesive will weaken. Carefully peel away the label, then rinse off the oil with a mild soap and water solution.
Soldout · August 11, 2006 - 00:25 EST #28
You know, it's a struggle, but I got this program to work pretty well. Of course you have to run it in OS 9 mode, and have the CD-Rom disk in the computer to get the backgrounds, and save often in case it crashes. But other than that it works pretty well.
devlan · August 19, 2006 - 22:42 EST #29
i downloaded the version they have on their website for 10.4 and it works fine
Leanne · January 22, 2007 - 23:10 EST #30
I would like to know if anyone else not only myself has had trouble but also hates the new updated version of cd stomper pro's CD labels not only can i not get the new software to load the new format but the label designs are not CD friendly due to being a different design and instead of having the four square labels with the two long strips in the middle have gone to smaller design of the round with the cut outs which are useless to print text on. I have made several contacts to head office customer service department with my complaints and points, which in turn they reply with positive feedback from the clients point of view and have informed management but to of no avail. I cannot understand the reasoning of not going back to the original format after thousands of complaints which the customer service department have told me themselves have flooded into there call centre. Please let me know if anyone is as frustrated as myself?.

Regards Leanne
San Diego Chris · March 5, 2007 - 18:47 EST #31
I got mine in Dec 04 and use it fairly often. I haven't had any problems but I do have a few complaints (which might have been resolved in the newer versions).
1. You can only import jpg's
2. When importing a pic it always defaults to their sample directory and all their samples SUCK so I never use them or want to be in that directory

Other than that I've created a few masterpieces that I keep in my CD case even though the tunes on it blow :-P
Lee Blas · May 19, 2007 - 13:22 EST #32
I'm trying to uninstall CD STOMPER PRO v3.x
but it keeps saying cannot find Install.log file. What the heck is this and where or who can give me this file to properly uninstall the software and then perhaps
reinstall CD STOMPER PRO v3.x.

Someone, please help.
Anonymous · November 26, 2007 - 03:19 EST #33
I've had the CD Stomper PRO - CD Labeling System for quite awhile now but haven't installed it. After reading all the negative comments, I won't be installing this program - until Stomp, Inc. Costa Mesa, CA., resolves the many problems encountered by its' users and improves its' customer service. I'm sorry I wasted my money and my time without first reviewing "reader comments" ... I'd rank this program as a zero without even attempting to use it!!!
Jim Calvin · December 11, 2008 - 13:07 EST #34
Too bad, such an otherwise Great product has become the victim of piss-poor customer service.

The website no longer loads, the COMPLETE failure of the Company to improve or upgrade the CD is pathetic.

For Mac users: The CD only works on OS 9.2 and BELOW! - Forget trying to use it with OSX. - I have managed to make hundreds of labels, but only with an OLD iMac running 9.2
with an Epson or HP printer.

If you make the mistake of buying the Stomper package, use the paper labels, and THROW THE CD Away!!

Stomp Inc. in Cota Mesa owes everybody a refund! -

LOSERS!
annabelle Pansacola · April 9, 2011 - 21:47 EST #35
I've used CD Stomper Pro successfully since 2000 and have created over a thousand CD's with lovely photos. But my PC finally conked out. Now that I have a Macbook and reading how lousy CD Stomper is with Mac, what other programs are available for Mac users? Anyone knows? Thanks!

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