Test device: Cat Stargate 2
Android version: 4.1.1
Root: None
Modifications: None
App requirements:
Android 1.6+
Size: ca. 180 kB
Permissions: Only storage (to export mind maps)
Mind Map Memo welcomes users with a neat landing screen from where you can access the help options (recommended) and create a new mind map or access an already existing one. The welcome screen exists only in portrait view, so hold your device accordingly. Making and editing maps can be done in landscape or portrait view. An internal format is used for saving, though Freemind format can also be imported. Don't be surprised if nothing happens straight away: A freshly imported mind map must then be opened via the appropriate button.
Luckily, the editing tools are kept nice and simple. There's a basic knot which serves as the mind maps's working name, and further knots can simply be pulled from it. Knots can also be cloned, icons can be added to them and the background colours can be changed. The drawback: Only simple knots are possible and I haven't been able to find an option that allows longer notes to be inserted into the map, so it's all about conveying a message via keywords. Zooming in and out is not a problem, a convenient feature when dealing with larger mind maps.
As mentioned, the app uses its own format for saving mind maps, though exporting and importing using Freemind format is an option—and a cool one at that, seeing as it enables editing across various platforms. Sounds good, but we had other hurdles to face during our test rounds: importing/exporting mind maps in Freemind format did not work and it seemed like the formats were incompatible. A few manual adjustments using a text editor had to be made in order to get things running, though some of the formatting was lost along the way. For instance, colour settings are not kept, nor is punctuation (at least not 100% correctly). Some punctuation (quotation marks, in my case) even cause Freemind exports to be signaled as errors. Luckily, they're text files and can be corrected manually.
Importing isn't much of a picnic either. I tried importing a bunch of heavily edited maps (knots, various colours), and while many features were kept, the knot layout and all of the notes were lost along the way. In short: The app is not made for cross-platform editing.
Bottom line:
While it has potential, Mind Map Memo does not feel fully mature as of yet. It's drawbacks are considerable: The export format in Freemind has to be adjusted manually and is missing key features such as colour, and import loses the layout and notes. Notes can't be added or edited from within the app.
However, if you're looking to simply sort a few thoughts this nice little package (only 200 KB) might be a good fit for you.
vsergiu
Aug 24, 2012 12:15:33 AM
Really great app I'm pretty new into this mind mapping thing, but as far as I can tell this little app (and it really is little, just a few hundreds of KBs) delivers what it says: helps me to create mind maps. Saving and opening is not a problem. It also has a sharing function which, unfortunatelly, is not that easy to find in the menus. Overall, I would say it's a great app!
bek
Aug 14, 2012 6:22:17 PM
Awesome.. Not really! Better than Mindjet - easier.. And I have been using Mindjet since they had v 2.0 (now on 9). It would be nice if I can add images or line-up branches as I wish. 5 stars for clean look and ease of use. Samsung Tablet 10.1" Purchased PRO version and immediately demanded a refund. The PRO offers nothing more than custom colors.. Support is horrible - been waiting 3weeks and no response. Disappointing especially when I too lost branches even when work was saved..
Brian
Aug 4, 2012 3:38:45 AM
Note content missing At first, creating the note is fun. But then, after saving and try to reopen, I see nothing inside. All my previously saved note contents are not there. May be because I used `&` as title ?
Gavriel
Aug 1, 2012 7:12:25 PM
Could use more work This app has the basics for a functioning mind map app, but it could use some extra features: pinch to zoom, contract bubbles for better organization, allow expansion of mind map environment, dropbox/Google drive backup/saves, maybe some way to view bubbles in chronological order in a scroll-down Window, and a way to export these files :). Would be nice to make the pro version compatible with the galaxy s2 sgh i777 btw. Add above features and I'll be more than happy to buy pro version :D (and rate 5stars)
Amoure
Jul 29, 2012 6:29:15 PM
Needs More Would be great if I could join two ideas that are related to each other. Need a line to join them.
Matt
Jul 26, 2012 6:29:18 PM
Missing some stuff This app very simple which i like but missing many features such as picture support, word wrapping, etc. For a truly robust and easy to use mind app, i much prefer connected mind. Its good and still has frequent updates unlike this app
Nik
Jul 26, 2012 12:03:14 AM
absolute a keeper This is such a cool mind mapper others can learn from it
candace
Jul 23, 2012 11:36:49 PM
Node trouble Why am I having the hardest time figuring out how to add nodes to the initial center node??!!! This app almost seems pointless.
troyka
Jul 17, 2012 8:34:30 AM
not working on zte shame, I love the concept
Carrie
Jul 14, 2012 11:42:21 PM
Nope Not easy to figure out... Where do you add a new node?! The help wasn't helpful. Nothing happens when I go to menu or try to long press anything.