Review: The online mind map smackdown Comments

smith

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:40:00 +0000

During the last year and a half, a number of web-based tools for mind mapping have evolved quickly into competent business applications. Several of them are now approaching the functionality of desktop mind mapping software.

I’ve been planning to create a comparison chart that details how the offerings of each of the major developers of web-based mind mapping software tools compare, but just couldn’t seem to get around to it – until recently. During a recent web search, I came across a chart produced by blogger Tiffany Brown for business cards that compared MindMeister, Mindomo, Mind42 and Comapping, and provided brief reviews of each of the programs. It was dated July 2007 – almost a year old, an eternity in Web 2.0 terms – and so I contacted Tiffany to see if I could use her chart as a jumping off point to an up-to-date comparison. She said yes!

I first made a detailed set of features and performance criteria, drawn from a similar chart that I offer for desktop-based mind mapping software, and added in other capabilities that are unique to these web-based tools. I then sent the form to each developer, asking them to fill in the required data. Finally, I compiled their answers into a detailed side-by-side comparison chart, which is now available for you to download.

Alan

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 15:07:30 +0000

I have a different reason for needing a Web based Mind Mapping tool. Interestingly I came across the wonderful www.mind-mapping.organd also signed up for Mind42, which so far seems fit for purpose. Please see my blog for all the details.

Eskil

Sat, 24 May 2008 18:21:24 +0000

Very interesting - You should also take a look at Text2MindMap at http://www.text2mindmap.com

rrabarg

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:07:39 +0000

Mind42 now supports auto-save and cut and paste.

The interface is good, with intuitive keyboard short-cuts supported, but like the reviewer I've also experience problems with it's data synchronisation with the server.

Omar

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 16:46:18 +0000

Just to let you know that one can now also import and export from Freemind in comapping as well.

You can now import from MindManager, Freemind and Comap format and export to MindManager, Freemind, Comap format, RTF for word documents and HTML for a web page with bullets.

Omar

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 06:04:14 +0000

We have just made an update on comapping.com

AG

Wed, 4 Jul 2007 04:07:39 +0000

Personally, I prefer a local instance of mind-mapping software only. Perhaps this is due to the fact that my first experience with mind-mapping software was for building the various sections of my thesis. Nonetheless, I suppose you could use this tool as a collaborative means of creating work flow. My preference is vym(View Your Mind), totally free as in free speech.

tiffany

Mon, 2 Jul 2007 14:38:08 +0000

Goodness Vic, that's a tremendous list. Thanks for posting!

Vic Gee

Mon, 2 Jul 2007 10:26:57 +0000

This is a wonderfully comprehensive review for these four web apps.

I have been collecting details of information mapping and info management tools for many years, and have tracked the burst of on line applications that has mainly happened over the past few months. I thought you might like to have a comprehensive list of browser-based applications that do mind mapping, concept mapping, or diagramming:

Information mapping_________________
bubbl.us Collaborative mind mapping (radiant format not enforced)
bubble-mind.com Collaborative mind mapping
glinkr.net Hard-to-use concept mapping and mind mapping (shared but not collaborative)
kayuda.com Collaborative concept mapping and mind mapping
mapul.com Collaborative mind mapping with an organic flavour
touchgraph.com URL mind maps for network visualisation
wikimindmap.org Make mind maps from WikiMedia articles
webofweb.net Collaborative mind mapping - this has been around longer than all the others except the now-defunct mayomi.
writemaps.com Collaborative web-site hierarchical maps

Generic diagramming__________________
cumulatelabs.com/cumulatedraw/ Collaborative diagramming – can draw mind maps and concept maps
flowchart.com Collaborative diagramming – can draw mind maps and concept maps
gliffy.com Collaborative diagramming – can draw mind maps and concept maps
imaginationcubed.com Collaborative diagramming – can (just about) draw mind maps and concept maps
thinkature.com Collaborative on-line whiteboard service - can draw mind maps and concept maps

I have recommended your valuable post on my blog, http://www.mind-mapping.org/blog/?p=20
Regards
Vic
http://www.mind-mapping.org
The master list of mind mapping &
information management software