Looking around to see if anyone has used MindNode or iThoughts etc.
I know they are obviously underpowered compared to Tinderbox, but the cross-device experience is quite attractive to me (i.e. Mindnode on OSX and Mindnode on iOS).
Wondering if anyone else feels these tools meets 90% of their requirements, or has found ways to achieve a similar (cross-device) flow with Tinderbox.
The only benefit of and mind mapping software, including the ones mentioned or any other, relative to Tinderbox, is to capture outlines and export them as OPML or CSV for import to Tinderbox. Otherwise, the products are not comparable, in my view.
Of course, “usefulness” can only be determined after knowing the users’ requirements. It’s not a concept that has independent meaning.
I use Mindnode quite a bit, having moved to it when Novamind lost its way. Comparing Mindnode and Tinderbox is really like comparing chalk and cheese. Mindnode does one thing well, Tinderbox does many, many things. As is often said, Tinderbox is more like a toolbox.
I use Mindnode because the interaction experience with regard to keyboard shortcuts and formatting is very fast and fluid. I use it solely to create mind maps, unsurprisingly. 90 per cent of my use is to create speaking notes for seminars or lectures, which double as mnemonic aides for students during their revision. I speak from mind maps because it does not tie me to a linear route through material which means I can be more responsive to audience interest.
You can use Tinderbox to create mind maps. It is possible for these to be more visually expressive than any mind map software I’ve used. However, it is neither as fast nor as fluid as apps that solely do this sort of thing (I include, e.g., Scapple) in my experience. The increased scope for expressiveness is an asset, if you need it and are willing to increase the time to create the mind map. I have not needed it for mind maps.
Tinderbox, on the other hand, can do much more than just create a mind map. I would hesitate to try to describe all that it can do. It took me a long time to understand what Tinderbox is and can do. The main difference with a mind map in my use is that I create, store and use information in Tinderbox. Whereas I print my mind maps (first A4, then copied to A3) to use outside the software.
Tinderbox reminds me of HyperCard in its versatility and power–a comparison that may mean something to you depending on your vintage.
Thanks David, this is pretty much my experience too (MindNode is very good for basic mind maps, Tinderbox is an “everything tool”)
I use mind maps a lot (Mindnode, iThoughts and the mind mapping on Curio).
Their value to me is in first-stage planning - getting the main elements and some basic structure down. The visual nature works well for me and I find them quick and easy to create. Once I have a map in a reasonable state(= decent platform for further development) I export it to something (like Tinderbox) for future work.
I have used iThoughts in the past to take notes, and it’s OK for that, but doesn’t provide any unique benefit. For planning, though, it and its peers are very helpful
I’m a bit lost in a timeline but came to this thread on google while was doing my research on mind maps. Working on a tool that will do that staff 
And not so long ago wrote the article on this topic on Weje .io blog about mind mapping and more on different whiteboarding tools.
Maybe I’m lacking experience yet. I’ll really appreciate your feedback.
Welcome Valieria !!
Can you elaborate your question?
Yes, please do elaborate? That time of timeline are you looking to build? How are you envisioning the time line in relation to your mindmap view (Tinderbox has both and more BTW). If you explain your project a bit, maybe we could setup a sample file for you.