MindNode to IPhone and IPad

Editor's Note: the following review is adapted from five-star Apps: The Best iPhone and iPad Apps for Work and Play by Glenn Fleishman. (2010, Pearson Education, Peachpit Press).

Most of us can't pretend to think perfectly in sequence. We have jumbles of ideas that we are trying to solve. Mind mapping is a technique related to take ideas and link them together as "leaves of a tree". Start with a top-level node that represents a main concept and "leaf" with tree limbs that expands when you develop ideas and further. For the right person, mind mapping is a great tool for focusing.

MindNode from Markus Müller brings mind mapping for all iOS devices, allowing you to create maps with faucet and type-simplicity. Tap a root node, and then a plus sign (+) to add a new subsidiary branch. Tap to select and drag any node to move (and its subsidiaries) in another part of the tree. The developer has a nice feeling for touch gestures.

The graphic approach is good for sketching ideas, but MindNode also allows you to view the map as a text by tapping the button outline at the top right. As you work through the creation of a map, you can pinch and expand to see more or less at one time. Tap a node and the trash can icon in the top to delete its branch.

The application works with its complement of desktop for Mac, MindNode (regular and pro versions). You can transfer files to and from the desktop copy. A transfer mode Wi-Fi (a little hidden under sync) shares on a network using WebDAV. The application also allows you to upload mailing the node or Dropbox in several formats, including text, an image or an interchangeable file format used by many programs to outlines. You can also use output video on iOS devices that support the display of maps on an external monitor.

Glenn Fleishman is a senior contributor to Macworld.]

For other Macintosh computing news, visit Macworld. Story copyright © 2010 Mac Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.