I have been playing around with mind mapping tools lately and found out that an app I really like has been updated and is on sale.  iThoughts HD, a great iPad mind mapping tool, has been totally rewritten from the ground up and was released May 13 with a new name, iThoughts for iOS 7 which is universal for both the iPhone and iPad.  Since this release is essentially a new app, if you already own iThoughts HD, you will need to purchase it again.  However, for a limited time it is available for $1.99 in the iOS App Store which is 80% off the regular price.

In addition to the mobile app, there is a companion application for the Mac called iThoughtsX.  You can move your maps easily between your i-devices and Mac via iCloud, Dropbox, etc. allowing you to brainstorm anywhere.  When your mind map is complete, you can export it in a variety of ways including OPML, PDF and HTML for sharing or for use with other applications.  To celebrate the launching of iThoughts for iOS 7, the Mac version is also on sale for $48 which is 20% off the normal price.  Although this might seem to be a bit expensive, computer mind mapping tools often range in price from $100-$300.

You can purchase iThoughtsX either from the developer’s (Toketaware) website or from the Mac App Store.  Want to try before you buy?  You can download a free 14 day trial for iThoughtsX from Toketaware.  iThoughtsX licensing allows the software to be installed on multiple computers as long as only one person is using it at any one time.  The developer’s website indicates that educational discounts are available upon request.   Both the mobile and Mac versions are great pieces of software although I really like the convenience of the iPad version for use anywhere an idea strikes me.