Hi Radioscanner
As I understand it and have read, the original Multi (version 1) would not program atmel chips without the upgrade to the version 2 types or the Vx 4 fun. I also saw yesterday that the supplied software tends to make cards unreliable and that's why chip-cat is better. If you get it up to the level of the Multi Pro, I believe you can copy unprotected cards without using a PC. Also it can program Atmel chips other than AT90S8515's.
Personally, I believe the best programmer is the 'Elvis' using Multiprog by TJ. It's uncomplicated, fast and reliable and works off a 9volt battery, saving on a DC power connector.