Don’t let a little recession stop you from investing in the productivity-enhancing benefits of mind mapping software. Here are 14 programs you can purchase and download for under US $100.

Earlier this week, Buzan Online announced the availability of iMindMap version 3.1, which adds the ability to integrate Microsoft Outlook e-mails into your maps, the creation of child maps, the addition of project progress icons and the ability to create e-learning courses from your mind maps. Read on for all the details.

One of the real advantages of MindManager is that it appeals not only to “power users” but it is also well enough designed that a newcomer can get started with the basics, without becoming too overwhelmed. Also, it is supported by a dedicated group of developers who write a variety of add-ins that further extend its functionality – and your productivity. As with any “deep” product, it’s hard for the average person to fully understand all that this program is capable of. That’s why I’ve assembled this list of 10 lesser-known capabilities of MindManager that can help you to increase your productivity.

XMIND Ltd. has announced the launch of a major new release of its mind mapping program, XMIND 3. As part of its goal of making XMIND more accessible to a growing audience of visual mappers, the developer has introduced a royalty-free, open-source edition of XMIND and a subscription-based professional edition, XMIND Pro 3. A new online map sharing and collaboration site, XMIND Share, was also launched this week.

CS Odessa recently announced that they have released an update to ConceptDraw MINDMAP that provides an improved export to PowerPoint function, plus several other enhancements and improvements.

When it comes to brainstorming with mind mapping software, most of us need a catalyst - something to jump-start our thinking in fresh directions. And that’s where a tool like theRealizer, a cool brainstorming add-in for MindManager and Visual Mind, can really help. Realize AB, the developer of theRealizer, recently released version 2 of this tool, which offers the ability to configure it to meet your needs.

MindManager 8, released today, is a giant leap forward for business users of visual mapping. Its well-designed integrated workspace, database connectivity and vastly improved map sharing and collaboration capabilities will save you time and should take your productivity to a whole new level. Read on for a detailed review of MindManager 8’s groundbreaking new features.

The developer of MindMeister recently posted a mind map preview of the features and functionality that will be offered in version 3.0 of the popular web-based visual mapping tool, expected to be formally launched any day now. I got an opportunity to play around with a pre-release version of it, and was quite impressed with it. Here are the key enhancements that will be available in version 3.0.

What are the best strategies for sharing your mind maps with others? I asked this question of the readers of this blog, and here’s a summary of the best practices that they shared.

What strategies have you used successfully to share your maps with others - especially with linear thinkers? What works? Please share your thoughts in the comments section of this blog post.