JOHN F.  Inspiration is unique software because it is intuitive. You start using it for brainstorming, diagrams, charts, planning, whatever and it simply flows. Oh, and this package offers outlining and diagramming in one package. That's right, it's just one click away and you can switch between them, unlike the OmniOutliner/OmniGraffle combo. This is very convenient. Okay, the packages don't really compare in features - I have them all - but for numerous outlining and diagramming stuff, Inspiration works beautifully. The functions are good, with excellent printing facilities, such as page breaks and user definable header and footer. This is one of few software packages that to me feels and breaths Mac. Yes it has its own interface, and has a bit of nostalgic Mac feeling to it, but it really works. You know, I love OmniGraffle for its graphics and some of its powerful feautures, but it is also cluttered by pallets and drawers and functions that lie more than a click away. Inspiration is simply there with a very clear setup that doesn't require numerous pallets. Just click and start typing for a new item to appear. Just drag a connection from one block to the other for a connection. No switching of tools required. Inspiration is meant for rapid entry and thought flow - check out features like rapidfire and such. So Inspiration might not present you with cutting-edge Mac OS X graphics, but it is a productive tool made for your brain.

I don't know if the new version is worth the upgrade. At least they've finally added live scrolling. The auto-arrange function seems to work great. As the previous reviewer stated, it's a bit of missed opportunity. Still, I'm happy that they've not totally altered the productive interface for a more regular Mac OS X interface. I highly recommend this tool, especially for students. If you need a good outliner and diagram package to help you visualize and structure ideas and stories at a reasonable price, this is it. Try it out extensively before you buy.  
(Version 8.0)

MFFBUSINESS  A MISSED OPPOTUNITY

Version 8 is now available although only in a North American Version.

I had this message from their tec support on Feb 1st '06

"If you are outside the US and Canada and are downloading the International English version, it is still 7.6. We will be updating it to 8 in the coming months. On the final download page where you select HTTP or FTP, there are links to the US version 8 at the bottom if you'd like to check out the new features."

I downloaded 8 and:-

It is a pleasure to return to a familiar set up - but that's nostalgia!

There are many improvements since I last used Inspiration in v6. So there should be.

However these are my first thoughts:

I was disappointed that features of MacOSX Tiger that I have grown used to are not included such as:

* Spotlight for searching

* integration with the iLife Apps [particularly

iPhoto - it would be good to quickly place my

own pictures into maps],

* horizontal scrolling from the trackpad of laptops,

* few keyboard shortcuts, [particularly for such

basic activities as RapidFire]

* no option to export to Pages, Keynote or dotMac,

[Only MS Works & AppleWorks which has long

been obsolescent].

As this is a major update and the developer has undertaken to make it Universal I do not suppose these features will not be included in the near future.

It feels like a badly missed opportunity. A shame because I would like to return to using it.

Mark Ford   
(Version 7.6)

BRET WILLIAMS  It appears the updater is now on there site under Technical Support.  
(Version 7.6)

ANONYMOUS  Maybe the link here is wrong bu I went to their website and clearly found version 7.6. Here are some notes:

This free update adds:

The Transfer button to the Inspiration toolbar. With one click, users can transfer Inspiration projects to Microsoft® Word® or AppleWorks®.

10 new templates to support writing across the curriculum

The capability to sync with Inspiration® for Palm OS®

The ability to draw and write directly on interactive whiteboards, Tablet PCs and Wacom® Tablets.

Windows and Macintosh OS X users currently running Inspiration 7, 7.0a, 7.5, 7.5a or 7.5b will be updated to Inspiration 7.6.   
(Version 7.6)

DALE GRAHAM  There is no mention of a 7.6 version on Inspiration's website, and this download is actually version 7.0a (current release version is 7.5b). Please check and then remove this incorrect (OLD) version. (PS, this is a great product, but that's aside from the point here.)  
(Version 7.6)