Another great post from Robert Stanke. If you are interested in the cloud computing model see our recent post: “Head In the Clouds: 2 Options for using Cloud Computing“.
With “TheBrain 5″, you can map your thoughts out on your PC
If you are a regular follower of my blog, you know that my current computing model is in a “moving to the cloud” thing right now. I am working really hard to keep my netbook very light – keeping applications and files up on the Internet and accessible from anywhere, on any computing device. But sometimes I break that rule and download tools that I think will help me be more productive. My technology review today is on a product just like that and it is called “TheBrain”.
TheBrain is a mind-mapping software tool that can help you organize your digital life and all that clutter in your head. I would recommend you check out the website (http://thebrain.com) for more detailed information on what this tool can do because it is countless, but I thought I could at least layout the main reasons I think it is worth checking out.
Now before you start wondering if this software is some kind of weird mind reading thing or software developed by aliens, let me assure you that putting your thoughts and information in a format that thinks like you do is really neat and well put together. I first got introduced to TheBrain software about a year ago when I was looking for a mind-mapping tool after someone had recommended it. I did a lot of research and found great reviews on TheBrain. After using it for awhile, I moved away from it because my “project” was done. But now I am back to TheBrain because of some new things I have brewing and this is a great way to organize my game plan.
What is TheBrain?
Basically TheBrain helps you take thoughts from many different topics in your head and effectively connect them and organize them visually. It can be very powerful for all different types of individuals and projects. I used it specifically for a couple of different reasons. I was able to manage web resources more effectively, instead of just throwing everything I find on the web into a Favorites folder. This was great because then I could tie websites to other thoughts in my brain – like ones that had nothing to do with other websites. It also gave me ways to connect my thoughts and ideas to files and folders on my computer. This way, if I was thinking about something and documenting it in my “brain”, I would have all the associated files right there. It was great and productive! I am a big research and analysis guy, so TheBrain was a natural tool to help me organize and tie things together. I also spend a lot of time networking with others. TheBrain was able to help me make connections between individuals, companies, and other thoughts floating around in my brain. If I have Jeremy Lattimore as a networking connection, I can connect him to my thoughts about small businesses, efficiency, and technology solutions. Jeremy stays in the part of my brain that manages my contacts, but it also ties him to those other ideas! These are just a few of the things I found beneficial about using TheBrain software.
The Cost
There is a PersonalBrain version which is free, but has some limitations. The PersonalBrain version is probably enough for anyone, but if you really get into it, there is a version that costs a fee and opens up more functionality. For corporate users, there are enterprise versions as well where you can tie team brains together and integrate them with corporate files, visions, etc.
The Learning Curve
I recommend watching the demo videos on “TheBrain” software because that will give you a great overview of the whole system and how best to use it. But I also want to mention that you have to play around with it and try things out. It is going to take time to see all of the functions and options you can utilize in the system. But it should be a learning adventure and you can’t expect it to be completely easy… it is trying to match your brain after all!
The Final Grade
“TheBrain” is not for everyone, but for those willing to give it a try and can find applicable reasons to use it, I don’t think you will be disappointed… but be prepared to spend some time learning it as well.
Grade: B+
Robert Stanke is a business and technology consultant specializing in the marketing, staffing, research and analytics industries. You can learn more about him at his website and blog, found at http://robertstanke.com.
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