MindManager 2002 Mobile Edition

[Jason Dunn]

<a href="http://www.mindjet.com/products/mindmanager_mobile/mmme-features.shtml">http://www.mindjet.com/products/mindmanager_mobile/mmme-features.shtml</a><br /><br />Mind Mapping is a powerful way to brainstorm and create a plan by linking together concepts and actions. I keep meaning to get into using them, because I think it would be great for book planning, but I haven't done so yet. This might be a good time to start. Have you used mind mapping? What sorts of ways do you use it?<br /><br />"Create maps on the go, then sync with MindManager 2002 Enterprise and 2002 Business Editions. Maps can be displayed in three ways: straight list, traditional map view, or hierarchial branch view."<br /><br />Other features include:<br /> <br />• Insert text notes to each branch to add supporting detail <br />• Add symbolic codes to visually represent an idea or meaning <br />• Drag and drop branches within an easy-to-understand interface <br />• Search maps or branches for specific words <br />• Identify where map content will be displayed in desktop version <br />• Add color to your text for easier communication <br />• Branches expand or not depending on freeze state <br />• Choose and control where to insert branch <br />• Infrared/beam an entire map or only send specific branches <br />• Customize maps by adding colors and codes to branches <br />• Intuitive drag & drop interface<br /><br />The price is a little steep for casual users, but if you're looking for an app to help you create business plans, this might be it.

[BrianCooksey]

Mind mapping is a handy part of my "mental toolbox". I've used it for planning, recording my own thoughts and taking notes. Although I less of an "avid" user than I was in the past, I still consider it an important tool.

It's especially useful with the content to be recorded is in a relatively unstructured order... or in a structure that's different from your own mental organization.

This is a great fit with planning and brainstorming because unrelated ideas are flowing. Laying the thoughts (or interactions) out with a mind-map helps me clarify how the different pieces are related.

I've used them for public speaking and meeting agendas them instead of outlines. This allows them to navigate through their discussion with some flexibility... They can respond to the audience and navigate readily between related content and still track what they've covered.

They've also been productive way for me to take notes during a lecture, especially with speakers that are less sequential in their presentation.

I've never tried using software to do mind mapping, but I could see some definite advantages over paper for certain aspects of the process!

[Bob Anderson]

OK... I think this warrants a full review Jason.

I tried to find screenshots on the website to show me "what it can do" and I couldn't see/find anything. Either I'm way off base, or they need some help making info. for potential buyers easier to find.

I want to see it "in action" on a PocketPC before I decide to spend any money on it. (I suppose I could download the trial version just to test, but why go through the troubles of an install / uninstall if the program's interface and basic model seem too confusing for me?

Anyway.. we need 3rd party review of this product.

[jmk]

Hello,

just have a look at http://www.pocketmindmap.com.

Regards,

Jutta

[Gordo]

I recently purchased the Standard Edition of the desktop version of this software; I use it regularly and am a big fan. I was very excited when the mobile version came out, but was disappointed when I discovered that files created with the mobile version were only compatible with the Business and Enterprise versions ($189 and $269). I felt that that the incremental cost from the Standard version ($99 purchase cost) to either higher version was not worth the cost for the extra features.

I would also like to here how easy it is to create Mind Maps on the small screen of a PocketPC, I have trouble working on my laptop screen.

[WGN]

Have a look at PocketMindMap. It is a superior product &amp; I've been using it for many many months. It synchs very well with the desktop mindmapping app Ygnius, which I also think is a much better mind mapping app then MindJet's offering. PocketMindMap is extremely versatile, has great support, and combined with Ygnius, present far better value here in the land of Oz than the MindJet package.

[lsbeller]

I personally use PocketMindMap as well. I am in software sales and needed an application on my iPaq that would help me manage opportunities in my sales funnel. I have not reviewed MindManager, but what I liked about PocketMindMap was the ability to create text comments associated with each main idea (sales opportunities for me) which I could identify as tasks and have those tasks synchronize with MS Outlook. Now, I can use my iPaq to plan the next steps on any deal and have that work put to action through the PIM functions of my PDA automatically. That is the beginning of true business/personal application for me. I am now more efficient because of the tools I use!

Steve

[Rob Alexander]

I've used Mind Manager (MM) on the PC and Pocket Mind Map (PMM) on the PPC for quite a while. I use them for all sorts of things from outlining, to making diagrams to explain my research program, to brainstorming. It's always been a problem syncing between the two, but the PMM people have recently released a first go of a desktop companion that does simple conversion between MM and PMM. They are working on more features in the conversion, such as icons and so forth, but they are quite slow in their progress.

I'll be interested in trying this out and seeing how they compare. I gather WGN already has and apparently isn't too impressed with Mobile Mind Manager, but it'll still be fun to have a play with it. Bob, they have a trial version on their web site so you don't need to depend on screen shots. Just give it a try. If you don't like it, try out Pocket Mind Map. (http://www.pocketmindmap.com)

[Rob Alexander]

Well, I just gave Mobile Mind Manager (MMM) a try and compared it on the same map to Pocket Mind Map (PMM). I'll have to agree completely with WGN; PMM is far superior to MMM. PMM has many more useful features missing in MMM, such as setting dependencies between items, allowing a branch of one map to be promoted to its own map, integration with pocket outlook tasks, better font/color support and more.

One area where I expected MMM to be stronger was in conversion between desktop and PPC, but it seems as limited as the PMM desktop companion in what it will convert between the two systems. That was disappointing. (I'm basing that on information provided on their web site as I don't have the 2002 version of MM and so cannot sync at all.) I was particularly disappointed in the map view of MMM. PMM lacks a variable zoom in its map view and I was really hoping these guys would have added one... no luck. In fact, the MMM map view is next to useless and is a major step backward from that in PMM.

One area where MMM is stronger than PMM is in the handling of information in the outline view. For users who are primarily looking for an outlining tool, it might even be a better choice... maybe. The default environment in MMM is the outline view and it is quite strong in its handling expanding and collapsing of topics, the ability to lock individual branches open, the ability to show associated icon and color choices, etc.

The default environment in PMM is the map view and this is where they intend you to work, so this is where you see all of the icons, colored fonts, etc. The outline view is okay, much stronger in the current version than in previous ones, but is still not as elegant as in MMM.

Here's how I would rate the two.

Map view: PMM B+, MMM D
Outline view: PMM B-, MMM B+
Features: PMM A, MMM C
Integration with Desktop MM: PMM C-, MMM C-
Overall: PMM B+, MMM C

The price of the two is similar: $42 for PMM versus $49 for MMM ($39 intro special until 31 Aug), but MMM requires you to have the latest 2002 Business edition or higher of MM to sync with MMM, while PMM works with the previous generation as well. In all, I'd say the decision is pretty clear. If you are looking for an outlining program and are considering a mind mapping product as an alternative, you might want to consider MMM. But if you want to use the mind mapping software for mind mapping, PMM is the superior choice. Of course, its easy to make up your own mind as both of them have trial versions.