Daily Iteration

I’m returning to the topic of mind-mapping tools motivated by some comments in my previous post on the subject. Two web-based tools were recommended to me, and since they have atually changed my choice of solution, I thought I’d share this with everyone. The new tools are Mindomo and Commaping.

• Comapping

Comapping was recommended at Web Worker Daily (they had a link to me, I’ve been linked to by one of my favourite blogs, yay!), and I must say it is impressive. Lots and lots of features: importing and exporting map files, collapsing lists, the ability to create a slideshow from your maps, interface based on ribbons like Office 2007… Unfortunately, you can only edit maps for free during a 30 day trial. After this period you have to pay US$ 11.99 for six months, which is not bad, but fails to meet the requirements I have set for my reviews - the solutions have to be completely usable for free.

In their FAQ they mention that a desktop version is in the works, which supposedly would allow you to edit your maps offline and upload them to their servers when you need to collaborate on them. And, just thinking out loud here, how would this work with Firefox 3’s offline storage mode? In fact, how would any of these apps work, would we be able to “save” the apps to our browser, work on them offline inside Firefox, and then upload only when we connect? That would be fantastic, eh?

Overall, Comapping is very impressive indeed, packed with nice features. The only drawback is that the app is a little heavy, I experienced temporary “freezes” when editing my maps while things updated themselves - but nothing that seriously harms a fantastic web app. If you are willing to pay a fair price for your mind-mapping tool, Comapping is a nice choice.

• Mindomo

Nick recommended this tool in a comment to my previous post on mind-mapping tools, and I thought I’d check it out as well.  The first thing that surprised me is the amazing similarity between Mindomo and Comapping - roughly the same feature set, very similar interface based on ribbons… Take a look at both the screenshots and you will see what I mean.

The main difference really is in the business models - Mindomo lets you edit seven maps on a free account without a time limit, whereas in Comapping you can edit as many maps as you like, but only within a 30 day limit.

There is really not much else to say about Mindomo - just read the paragraph about Comapping, it’s all the same.  I wonder what is the relationship between these two companies?  The only real difference on the interface is that Mindomo has an advertising banner on the right side of the screen.  It is quite a large banner, and may be a little intrusive, but if that’s needed to give us a usable free account, then so be it.

The free account is limited to seven maps, and there are also premium, business and education accounts.  The premium version  removes this restriction, gives you access to a dedicated server with secure connections, and is quite reasonable at 4.99 € / month.  However, the plan is billed anually, requiring you to make a fairly long-term commitment to the service.  Business and education plans allow you to host the application locally, but no pricing information is given on the website.

Based on these new tools, I have changed my previous setup.  Whereas before I worked on my local maps using Freemind and uploaded them to Mindmeister to work collaboratively, now I plan to replace Mindmeister with Mindomo.  More features, nice interface, all in all a fantastic app.