January 6, 2008

Flash My Brain - the natural software for flash card learning.

flashmybrainlogo 

Flash My Brain - the natural software for flash card learning.

"This is cool stuff.

Flash My Brain is Windows and Mac friendly. You can use Flash My Brain online at school, at work, or on your home computer. Use the offline Flash My Brain On-The-Go (included) for when the Internet is out of range.

You can even use Flash My Brain to make flashcards for your iPod."

44 comments:

  1. Do NOT buy this software. The interface looks very, very cool, and it has the added benefit of allowing you to create flashcards that you can review on your ipod. But the $45 price tag is incredibly stiff for what has got to be the buggiest software on the planet!! And there's no one available to call for tech support!

    REASONS WHY FLASH MY BRAIN IS A CRUMMY PRODUCT:

    1. If you don't save after every single time you make a card, sometimes, for no reasons, your cards will completely disappear and you have to start over.

    2. Unlike a regular word processor, if you click somewhere in the text, hoping to make a text edit, the cursor won't stay there. Nope. You have to delete the whole card and start again if you want to make changes, because the cursor won't go where you want it to go!

    3. PRINTING!!!! Oh, what a nightmare. I bought this software to help me study for the bar exam. Sometimes I could print cards. Like, on some subjects, I could print 30 or 50 cards. But if I wanted to print more, it's like the print driver on it just shut down! The software wouldn't send a message to my printer. When I opened the printer dialog box via Windows, the software didn't even send anything to the print queue. I am now the proud owner of 3500 flash cards that I absolutely cannot print. Because the software is a web application, I tried to print it on several different printers in several locations, all of which printed OTHER things fine, but would NOT print anything from this software application. It's definitely a software bug and not a printer bug.

    4. Tech support--there is NO ONE to call for tech support on this product! If you have a problem, you can post it to an online forum, and maybe, just MAYBE the moderator will reply to you. More likely than not, whoever this anonymous moderator is will NOT reply, and there's no contact information available on the company. Someone on the bulletin board said they finally tracked down contact information on the company, but that after they posted it, the company changed their number. (I haven't verified this myself, so I don't know if that's true. Regardless, there's no place to call for tech support, questions, or concerns.)

    5. A minor annoyance, but there's no spell check.

    6. If you try to change the size of text on a card after typing it in, it deletes the entire card.

    7. Sometimes the offline version of the program just refuses to open. A window opens up with a completely blank screen. No menus. no nothing, except a blank window.

    8. If you right click while you are inside the program, it will completely crash the program and you lose all your unsaved work. Every time. You are supposed to be able to right click on a card to change program settings. Um, nope. Crash.

    And I've had other problems which I just can't remember off the top of my head right now. Don't be fooled. Flash My Brain software looks great but really, TREMENDOUSLY sucks. This is a fact you wouldn't be able to learn until AFTER you buy Flash My Brain and log into the tech support forum, which is teeming with unanswered complaints. Hence this review. Hopefully some people will find it helpful.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, thank you for the complete review as this prevented me from wasting my money.

    ReplyDelete
  3. for what it's worth, since this previous comment was left, the Flash My Brain software has improved tremendously. I've enjoyed seeing how just about every comment someone left on the discussion board was incorporated into their new version. It's still a new and growing program, so maybe it's not so good for those who have a huge test within the next month, but I'm in medical school and have tests all the time and have found it tremendously helpful. I haven't had a single one of the problems that 'one smart chick' posted about.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This was great news! I have to take another look at their website.:)

    ReplyDelete
  5. After reading about many other flash software I have decided to buy this one. It is the best I have found so far.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Since you bought it, please repost later on and let me know if all these issues really have been resolved. I really WANT this software to work. If it worked, it really would be the best out there.

    One issue I continue to have is that when I put the flashcards on my ipod, it shuffles them. For the type of study I'm doing, I really need for them to be unshuffled.

    Last time I looked, there was still no contact information or tech support.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I will buy it tomorrow. Had to try another free software before I did, and...yes. Flash my brain looks better, and from the testing of it, it also is the one I prefere when it comes to ease of use and layout.

    Will post as soon asI have downloaded and tried it for a couple of days.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kristin- Any word on the recent version of the product? Id be very interested to hear your thoughts and find out if the above issues were addressed... Can you post a little bit about your experiences with this? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I bought the software days before I went to a holiday, so I have not tried it for a long time. But the things I tried, like making cards and using them I did. And it worked fine. I have not tried to print out any cards yet, nor have I tried spell-check. (I use it with my own language, Norwagian.)

    I will update the comments as soon as I have used it for a while, with pictures, printing etc.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks! Yes, please do post again as soon as you have a chance. Ive heard a lot of negative things about tech support and help with the many bugs (i.e. there seems to be none!) so Id love to get an actual informed user's opinion. Perhaps even "one smart chick" can chime in if she has used the more recent version?

    Much appreciated!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Well, let's see. I used it up until February 26th and still had all the same problems. I was primarily using the offline version (the "on the go") component of the software. Maybe the online version is better, although my friend who was studying with me said she also saved after she made every card because they would mysteriously delete themselves. If it's been updated since Feb 26th, then maybe that has solved some problems. I really wish they would fix that stuff--if they did, the software would be awesome. I will say, the ipod feature is very cool. It saved my butt when I couldn't print the cards. (I had created 4000 cards and never could print them out.)

    ReplyDelete
  12. ps--I am "one smart chick." I changed my username to "say what."

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks, smart chick! I def wanted to hear how things turned out with you. Much appreciated. Still hope to hear from Kristin and you other users as well, though, and find out if you all have had the same problems (want to make sure this isnt an isolated case). The more opinions the better! Thanks all!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi all

    I don't know if anyone still reads these comments, but I read them when I was looking to buy Flash My Brain and actually ended up buying the software. I have had no problems at all so far and I've been using the program for a week or so now. I've created loads of card sets, put them all on my iPod and I've used nothing but the offline version. It has not once crashed or anything, and has been perfectly stable.

    I think perhaps the comments from 'one smart chick' etc may have been made when using previous editions of the software, because the version I'm using is great.

    Just some thoughts in case anyone else out there stumbles across this page when trying to decide whether to buy it or not!

    Happy studying:)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Alana...

    Great! Im glad you posted that cause I WANT to like this program and have been waiting to buy it. So you have had success printing in multiple formats and all that? And no issues with saving?

    Thanks,
    T

    ReplyDelete
  16. In all honesty I haven't printed the cards out yet - I am personally only using the program on my laptop (the quizzes etc) and on my iPod so probably won't print hard copies at all. But there have been absolutely no problems with saving the card sets... it hasn't crashed once.

    It's weird that people complained so much about it because it's been perfect for me. I just hope that if a problem does arise there is improved tech support because everyone seems to say there was none.

    In any case, you can use it for 30 days and request a refund if you don't like it, so you might as well give it a go :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Alana- yeah unfortunately I read getting a refund is equally as hard as getting tech support if not harder. But i may give it a go anyway.

    Although, if its not too much trouble, would you mind just trying to print a few and see what happens? I know im a complete stranger, but this favor shouldnt take too much effort Im guessing and it'll be good for your karma! Haha. Would that be possible?

    Thanks,
    T

    ReplyDelete
  18. Man that's low playing the karma card, hee hee... but yes, I will print a couple out adn see what happens... I dont have a printer at home but I will do it from my office tomorrow. Will let you know:)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hey Alana,

    How are things going? Thanks for agreeing to help out. Any word on the printing functions we talked about?

    Much Appreciated,
    T

    ReplyDelete
  20. Has anyone used the new iphone version of flash my brain?

    Also, would someone who has access to the forums be able to do me a favor and search for card sets with "japanese jlpt level 1" and post the names of the sets in the results? A big part of the reason why I want this is so that I don't have to go through all the trouble of building the sets myself.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Yeah, apart from the issues I had in my first post about actually getting the cards MADE without the software randomly deleting them, I used my iPhone to study for the bar exam. I had to, since I couldn't get the stupid cards to print (which would have been preferable.)

    It worked pretty good most of the time, but sometimes I found that it published the cards out of order, so I had to go in and re-sort them, and then re-copy to the iphone.

    The reason this sucks worse than printing is because it's too hard to pull out particular cards that you want to review later on. Since I was reviewing almost 4,000 cards, it was hard to separate the ones I knew from the ones I didn't know and needed to review again.

    Also, I had to look away from the screen every time I changed the cards, because as the cards slide from side to side on the phone, I got a headache from the moving text. However, the iphone is such a cool toy, and it did make it easy to take the cards on the road for a quick look whenever I had some free time.

    ReplyDelete
  22. cool, thanks

    I'm not sure if you knew this but there's a new standalone iphone version of this app that, on the surface, looks like a big improvement over the original. It seems you already passed the exam, but still might be worthwhile. And it's only $13. You can check it out here

    http://www.flashmybrain.com/iphone-study-flash-cards.php

    ReplyDelete
  23. I've posted a review of the Flash My Brain iPhone App on my website - see sammarsh.net.

    IMO, some of the comments above are a little unfair!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi please change this comment the flash my brain is completely modified and it is the best available I was little eskeptical about it after reading this review but they corrected all the problems, it is easy to use to can store online or offline, make them to png files and use it in palm, or even digital frames, easy editor, easy upload and download easy organisation, and five cool games.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I hope that those that want to buy this software read these last comments too. Because it is a great software. I have tried both the iphone and the PC version. Love both.

    So, it you ask me, i would recomand you to buy the software.:)

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm looking for some feedback on the printing capabilities of the software.
    IMO that would complete the questions raised by this thread.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Great product... i dont know about this 45 dollar price tag. I think it came out to 25 bucks with the program and the ipod app. I think its great, lots of games and methods to use while studying and a lot more convenient than carrying around a thousand index cards.
    as far as bugs... it's not the greatest program. the font size automatically resets to the previous cards font size so yo uhave to do a lot of resizing which is a pain. also its hard to draw on the card since the pencil app is akin to wielding a crayon on a small napkin. but other than that, its good for on the go stuff and gets the job done for the most part. i like how you can upload pictures to your slides as well.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I am looking at Flashcard systems to learn Chinese. I want to concentrate more on Pinyin and pronunciation rather than the chinese characters, but characters will still be useful. Has anyone had any experience with Chinese on Flash My Brain. What are the existing databases/lists of words like?
    Also, the website says Flash My Brain can be used on PDAs. I have a Compaq Pocket PC - (1996-2001 )Version 3.0.11171. Can I use it on this or is my PDA a little too old. I have had some trouble with other PDA flash card software, probably because my PDA is a bit old.
    thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  29. One thing that really gets on my nerves is the flipping of the cards and the other cards being visible at the same time. They should only show one card at a time. The flipping is highly annoying and I can understand "one smart chicks" comment about this feature giving her a head ache. It is really annoying. Outside of that the program is pretty good. I also do not like the dark background it is not comfortable to my eyes.

    ReplyDelete
  30. As cards are saved as pictures, you can use them on your phone, if it can se pictures.

    The software can also be used for iphone and ipod touch- You can buy it on the itunes-store.

    http://www.flashmybrain.com/iphone.php - you will find a link to buy it there.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Kristin

    You have been using this software now for over a year. Can you tell my about how effective it is for learning? How do you use it? For what classes?

    ReplyDelete
  32. I did buy this last year for my son to use at school. I have been writing in questions and trying it out. And liked it. My son have also downloaded the one for iphone, but i have not tried that one. I did though transfere the pictures og questions and answers to my phone at one occation. Viewing them there to learn them were ok too.

    I have had to little time to use it this year, as i am working from home, and have very much to do.

    Last year I did try a lot of other flashcard-software, but liked this one best. But that was for my use...maybe other have differente preferences.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I made the purchase via paypal, but never received the Flashmybrain account activation email, now I cannot even login to try the software after full payment is made. Has been emailing contact-at-flashmybrain but with no reply at all ...... are they legit?

    ReplyDelete
  34. I made the purchase via PayPal as well but never received the account activation email and the login that I set up during the purchase does not work. I purchased it on October 14 and have been sending an email requesting access every day to the only email I have for the product, which is contact@flashmybrain.com

    I think they are a hoax and I am filing a complaint with PayPal. I hope they get nailed for wire fraud!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am having a similar problem. I paid on PayPal on October 14th as well and have written several emails and have left a message on their voicemail. So far no response. Has anyone been able to get their money back???

    ReplyDelete
  36. I filed a complaint with PayPal. After 7 days they allowed me to update it to a claim. They still have not heard from the seller. Hoping to get my money back. If you used PayPal, I suggest you do the same. File a complaint with their resolution center and email your request to the company in the complaint. They explain the procedure. Email the seller about 3 times, each time asking for your money or the software. Do it now, because after 30 days, PayPal cannot honor a complaint. Don't know if I will get my money back, but if it works, then great. If not, I will escalate my complaint to the local Secret Service agent to investigate computer fraud! They love this stuff...

    ReplyDelete
  37. I can guarantee this site/program is not a hoax as I and many other posters on this very blog have used it for a long time (although I haven't tried to update my version recently). It has some flaws but a great program overall. I would guess that its a one-person company and the creator either moved on or is on vacation or something, but its definitely not a hoax. Still, I will admit there should be a clear explanation of whatever the company's status is so people aren't sending money without getting software in return. Anyway, I would be surprised if you all don't get something in a few days. Best of luck!

    ReplyDelete
  38. PS. I would also guess most of the development has shifted over to the iPhone version and most of the sales have probably shifted to iTunes so that may also be part of the reason why there is a lag. But investigate further by all means, and let us know what happens...

    ReplyDelete
  39. I got a response today from PayPal that my dispute was settled in my favor. The company never responded to any of my inquries or any of PayPal's inquiries. It really does not matter any more if the product is legit. If someone orders something and does not receive it, there is a big problem.

    I just assumed they ran off with the money.

    ReplyDelete
  40. We tried the $29.95 version for PC. Refunds are a SCAM. They stole our money. We asked for a refund 3 days after trying it. 3 months later - no money. I misunderstood the Paypal refund process and "tried to work with them" until the due date seemed to be past. Spread the word - too few card sets. Doesn't work offline. I can't wait 3 minutes to create each card set. Refund is a scam.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I bought this a few months ago, desktop and iPhone. It was difficult to use, and I'm an above average computer user. I too lost all my cards, the first deck with pictures and audio of 250+ cards!

    The developer did email me back a few times, but his replies were not detailed and as though he had no time to write. I got so frustrated with this. I looked at a lot of other apps since then and have found, what I think has the best feature set, Flashcard Delux (paid version) by www.orangeorapple.com. The features, IMHO, that make a good flashcard app are: iPhone version, ability to make cards on desktop and iPhone, spaced repetition, audio and graphic support, ability to add new cards to an existing deck (i.e., daily after each language lesson), at least 3 sides per card, support for right-to-left scripts.

    ReplyDelete
  42. do not buy this software no customer support buggy, iphone version is almost useless since you it shows answer first no matter what you do it flipped back for the front. i have over 5000flash cards i do not know what to do.

    ReplyDelete