iBlueSky (mindmapping)

Latest Update: finally some enhancements arrive and credit is deserved by the developers. However, the simple elegance of the original version of iBlueSky is not replicated in the new features. Were the new features developed by a different person? For example, too many steps to get to a note. Also, on a crowded map it is difficult to tell which node the "T" (indicating text for the note) refers to. Other mind mapping programs handle the note function more effectively. I raised my overall grade to four stars, and hope the developers continue the improvements, and maintain the elegance of their original concept throughout all of iBlueSky's features! Original review: I use mind mapping extensively and (until now) had not found a substitute for my Moleskine journal at times when laptop use was inconvenient. The world changed when I found iBlueSky! Easy to use and manipulate branches, my spare moments have become productive! I create mini-maps and then email them to myself for inclusion into my larger X-Mind maps on my laptop. iBlueSky is an impressive program I recommend highly. I have purchased iThoughts as well, but found it more difficult to use... too much time spent in the mechanics of the program as compared with input creativity.... Go with iBlueSky, it's worked very well for me.

I use this program all the time. Not just for projects, but for introspection, too. When I have a gnawing doubt, or am conflicted over a choice... you know how it goes. It's wonderful and elegant, and they send you tutorials. How can you lose? It's also a paradigm shift. No more outlines, for example. It also just "feels" right - the bubbles look a lot like the neurons in your head; so that makes sense. I haven't had it for long but I'm already starting to rely on it more and more. No telling what uses I'll get out of it. Kind of like when clocks first showed up. At first they were just tinker toys. But - believe it or not - there's a direct connection between clocks and the industrial revolution. Tinkering with those toys started giving us a lot of ideas...

Outstanding update in Version 2.0. Very useful, very easy to use. Importing/exporting with NovaMind greatly increases flexibility. Exchanging mind maps between desktop and iPod is wonderful. Multi-line capability within a bubble and ability to add text notes has already paid off. Flexibility with branch colors aids following large maps on the iPod. Larger mapping space is also useful. The memory management for the large space shows up as a slight delay (it is short) in painting the screen from time to time - a small price to pay for the features and map size. The simple, straight forward user interface is maintained with increased power and flexibility. The rotatable keyboard rocks for typing accuracy. I wish all the apps had the rotatable keyboard.

This apps' ease of use and deceptive simplicity shows that a lot of work and thought was put into it. No seeking of instructions or blindly punching buttons necessary. I barely noticed the working of the program as I mind map. I quickly add branches by finger clicking and typing in my thoughts. The program is even less intrusive than my desktop Novamind program. When I'm done, I easily e-mail the file to myself. When I reached my desktop, I received an e-mail with my attached file. The e-mail explained that the file is available in 7 different formats and why: PNG image, PDF, Outline in text, Novamind, BSKY XML, OPML, and Freemind MM. Seamless and unintrusive. Truly mindmapping for dummies!

I had been wanting to check out mind mapping programs, but couldn't quite see how helpful they might be. I tried a desktop version once before, a couple of years ago, but this app on the iPhone really works. There's nothing like having the mobility option to be able to do a mind map from wherever I am. It's smooth and easy. Like others have mentioned as well, I'm one of those visual type people as well, and can now see the merits of a mind map program to help plan out a project. Would love the option to edit colors and maybe some fonts, but maybe a future version could have this, and regardless five stars it gets!!