ConceptDraw MINDMAP Professional Edition 4
© 2006 CS Odessa LLC
Powerful but pricey, ConceptDraw makes it easy to turn a brainstormed list (such as field trip ideas) into a visual chart, with headings and subheadings. It could be good for both personal planning as well as note-taking or team brainstorming. We especially liked the ability to jump between text outlines and the automatic visual layout, on-the-fly, as well as the ability to export the finished graphics as graphic images (PDFs or JPGs) or PowerPoint or MS Projects. The clip art library is useful, with plenty of bullets. However, the larger graphics seem cartoonish, and they become bitmapped if they are increased in scale. Two versions are available. The Professional Version supports extra file formats, multi-page documents, and has extended capabilities for creating web sites and PowerPoint presentations. Prices start at $249. The Personal Version is $120, and is perfectly adequate for students. Both versions have site license options. See also Inspiration and Kidspiration.
$119, Mac OSX, Windows XP
Teaches: creativity, brainstorming
CTR Rating: 85%