Getting reacquainted with mind-mapping…
When I drew up the mind map for my ideas about a Digital Moleskine, I thought it was an interesting way to organize my thoughts. Of course, I had learned about mind mapping as a tool for brainstorming in school, but I didn't really take to it outside of schoolwork. But after hearing a bunch of Tablet PC users evangelize the power of mind mapping and MindManager specifically (see On the Run with Tablet PCs, show #22 for a good discussion of using mind maps, as well as a lot of good talk about music), I decided to check out MindJet's site to see how much a license was. Wow, did I experience sticker shock! MindManager Basic is $229, and the pro version is $349! Yikes…
So I started searching for freeware versions of mind-mapping software. This led me to an open-source application called FreeMind. I have yet to actually install and use the software. I'm in the middle of reading a user review on a blog to see how this person liked it. FreeMind's site is in Wiki format, and there were lots of screenshots and some demo mind maps. Impressive, so far. I will try out the software soon (maybe this weekend) and report back with my initial impressions.
I imagine that this free application will not be "inkable" (I'll be super-impressed if it is), but seeing as how I am just getting reacquainted with the concept of mind-mapping and determining whether or not I want to incorporate it as a "permanent" tool in my arsenal, FreeMind will do just fine for now. Actually, I'll probably download the free trial version of MindManager just to try it out in parallel, but I'm afraid that if I like it so much, I'll be annoyed that I can't get a version of it that's more in keeping with my budget!
Well, we'll see. Have any of you MindManager fans tried out FreeMind, or other similar freeware applications? If so, what were the killer MindManager features that prevented you from ultimately using FreeMind or other alternatives? I'm guessing that besides being inkable, MindManager has pretty good integration with other Windows programs like Outlook and Word, which are key applications for many of the Tablet PC bloggers like the "On the Run with Tablet PCs" podcast guys. 
I'll be interested to see any input from the MindManager enthusiasts. Unless I end up being a mind-mapping fiend, I'm guessing the FreeMind app will be fine for the few occasions I map out some ideas. Honestly, if I had an extra $230, I'd probably either put it towards something like a gadget purchase, or Apple's Aperture software (but then I'd need another Mac besides the Mac mini I am using as a DVR/media PC), or other less expensive applications I've been wanting to get licenses for.
But stay tuned for some initial impressions on FreeMind (and MindManager) from a mind-mapping neophyte. 
Jezlyn,
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I’d love to talk to you more about MindManager. If you have a chance, email at hobart.swan@mindjet.com, OK? We think that we offer much more than just a piece of technology–albeit the best one on the market!
Thanks,
Hobie Swan
June 2, 2006 at 4:55 pm
I just started using MM myself, I downloaded the trial two days ago to work on the ink blogging software design, and I must say, NEVER HAD ANYTHING BETTER! Lucky for me that I’m a student though, I get the educational license at a lower price.
It was Tracy & Rob Bushway’s video that made me try it again, cuz Tracy was talking about it and it sounded good. Now I can say, it IS good!
June 2, 2006 at 7:11 pm
Hi, Silver, thanks for chiming in!
What other mind-mapping software have you tried? If you haven’t tried FreeMind, would you be interested in checking it out and commenting about how it is compared to MM? I’m just curious to see what someone else with more experience with mind mapping and MM would think about FreeMind.
And what do you personally use mind maps for, besides working out the ink blogging software? I’m interested in seeing how people use mind maps in general. I’ll be sure to check out the articles and videos/demos, now that I am a little more interested in the concept.
June 3, 2006 at 12:54 am
Sure thing I wouldn’t mind giving FreeMind a go, probably sometime next week? Never tried anything else really, besides pen and paper LOL. But I found that restrictive cuz there’s a physical limit to space? Plus you can’t just drag and drop to change the positioning of stuff!
Oh I use mind mapping mostly to organize my thoughts, tackle projects, list things to do, break down a large subject matter… stuff like that. Cuz I’ve usually got sooo many things running around in my head most times, ideas and stuff, and listing them out creates unwieldy and very looong lists that are hard to organise or categorize easily. This is the first time I’m using it to design something.
June 3, 2006 at 5:21 am