Motivation on the Run

I am using MindJet’s MindManager as my main mind mapping software lately. Currently I am using Pro 6, but version 7 will be released in a couple weeks. After attending a show and tell with MindJet on the new version, I am anxious to get my hands on the newest product.

The items of this review may change with the release of the new candidate, but will still give you a good idea of the strengths and weaknesses of the product.

The Good

1. Easy installation & registration
2. Great support
3. Familiar and easy-to-use interface
4. Intuitive
5. Standard command structure
6. Auto arranging sibling and child nodes
7. Auto expanding child node, as map grows
8. Easy to customize maps
9. Clean look and feel
10. Tight integration with Microsoft Office
11. Presentation mode

Yes, I included a bonus reason, but 10 makes a better title, don’t you think?

The Bad

1. Auto arranging sibling and child nodes

Yes, I know I put that on The Good list, too. I have a love hate relationship with this feature, which is different from other software applications.

Love … It easily expands with an ever growing list of nodes, never overlapping. This makes it very easy to read and present from a map.

Hate … I can’t build a fixed-look map for a presentation. There is only one look and feel to your maps. Colors and fonts can be changed, but the style remains the same.

MindManager Pro 6 is a definite winner in every since of the word. Using this product leaves no doubt why MindJet’s MindManager is the industry leader. My personal rating is a recommended buy on this product.