PersonalBrain 5.0 visualizes, organizes thoughts

TheBrain Technologies has released PersonalBrain 5.0, the latest version of its information visualization and organization software. Offering a dynamic interface that enables users to link all ideas, files, and Web pages, it helps users better understand their information, see hidden connections, and "liberate themselves from linear file organization." Version 5 includes integration with many Mac OS X technologies, including Spotlight, QuickLook (for fast document previews), Address Book, iCal, and Apple Mail. It also includes an “outline” view that enables a broader view while retaining the flexibility of a networked structure, offers visual tagging to help find information quicker, and includes a new presentation mode that enables full screen visualization.

In addition, users can now save customized layouts created in the “expanded” view as well as import outlines and mind maps created in many other programs, allowing users upgrade their existing data into a scalable associative network.

The company also said that the software has specifically created a new UI for Mac OS X to improve the look and feel, offer better scrolling/searching for information, and improve the report creation process.

PersonalBrain requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later; three versions are available: the Free Edition offers support for HTML-based notes, unlimited thoughts/links, thought types/tags/properties, and more. The "Core" edition, available for $150, adds support for file attachments, more views to visualize multiple thoughts, printing, folder visualization (virtual thoughts), file templates, improved notes, page thumbnails, and data merge. The $250 Pro Edition also adds HTML export, support for multiple attachments, and integrated calendar, filtering functions, and a 2-computer license.

Filed under: software
Other story tags: organization, MWSF