MindMeister: Mind mapping goes online

I’ve become a big fan of mind mapping for organizing my thoughts when writing or creating presentations. Whether on paper, or on a computer, I find that mind mapping really helps me organize my thoughts, and group related concepts.

I typically use paper, or FreeMind. Each has its advantages. In paper’s case, it’s portability. In FreeMind’s case, it’s that I can type faster than I can write. So what to make of MindMeister, an online mind-mapping application? How does it stack up?

Keep in mind that they’re currently in a private beta (which opened February 7, 2007).

Pros

• Import mind maps from FreeMind and Mindjet MindManager.
• Export mind maps to GIF or RTF format (premium mode only).
• Nodes are tied to WikiPedia search and del.icio.us tag search.
• Auto-links URLs
• Can share maps and collaboratively brainstorm on the same map at the same time (premium mode only).
• Easy to use with a simple, yet sexy interface.
• Can access your maps from any computer with an internet connection.

Cons

• Can’t export to FreeMind (which is an XML file) or MindManager (not yet, anyway)
• Because it’s an online, AJAX-driven application, there are some server lags that can get in the way of your flow.
• Free users will be limited to only five mind maps at any time.

During the private beta, users have access to all MindMeister features. I’ve got 16 invites. Email me if you’d like to try it.