Your AI
Beginner's Guide
Six powerful AI tools explained simply. Click any card to flip it and discover the best use cases — then click "Get started" to sign up for free.
How to use these cards
Each card shows you an AI platform. Click a card to flip it and see the top 5 use cases for that tool. When you find one you'd like to try, click "Get started" to go directly to the sign-up page — all have free tiers!
ChatGPT
The world's most popular AI assistant
Best uses for ChatGPT
- ✓Drafting and editing emails, reports, and documents
- ✓Brainstorming ideas for projects, gifts, or business names
- ✓Explaining complex topics in plain English
- ✓Writing and debugging code
- ✓Creating social media captions and marketing copy
Claude
Thoughtful, nuanced, and great with long documents
Best uses for Claude
- ✓Uploading and summarising long PDFs, reports, or contracts
- ✓Writing in a specific tone or style (formal, friendly, persuasive)
- ✓Getting thoughtful, balanced advice on complex decisions
- ✓Proofreading and improving your writing
- ✓Researching topics with detailed, well-structured answers
Gemini
Google's AI — works seamlessly with your Google apps
Best uses for Gemini
- ✓Drafting emails directly inside Gmail
- ✓Summarising long email threads in one click
- ✓Creating and formatting Google Docs with AI assistance
- ✓Analysing data in Google Sheets with natural language
- ✓Searching the web and getting up-to-date answers
NotebookLM
Turn your documents into an interactive knowledge base
Best uses for NotebookLM
- ✓Upload PDFs, docs, or websites and ask questions about them
- ✓Generate an AI podcast-style audio summary of your documents
- ✓Create study guides and FAQs from your notes
- ✓Research a topic by uploading multiple sources at once
- ✓Prepare for meetings by summarising background documents
Manus
Your AI agent that actually does things for you
Best uses for Manus
- ✓Build a website or web app from a description (like this one!)
- ✓Research a topic deeply and produce a full written report
- ✓Create presentations, spreadsheets, and documents automatically
- ✓Set up your own personal AI agent (like Bob!) to help with daily tasks
- ✓Automate repetitive tasks that would take you hours
Perplexity
AI-powered search with real sources and citations
Best uses for Perplexity
- ✓Research any topic with cited, up-to-date sources
- ✓Fact-check claims and get reliable information quickly
- ✓Compare products, services, or options with sourced answers
- ✓Find the latest news and developments on any subject
- ✓Get academic-style answers with references you can verify
Quick comparison
All platforms at a glance
| Platform | Best for | Level | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
💬 ChatGPT | General-purpose tasks, brainstorming, writing, and coding help | Beginner | Free tier available; GPT-4o requires Plus ($20/mo) | Sign up → |
🧠 Claude | Analysing long documents, nuanced writing, and detailed research | Beginner | Free tier available; Claude Pro from $20/mo | Sign up → |
✨ Gemini | Google Workspace users who want AI inside Gmail, Docs, and Sheets | Beginner | Free; Gemini Advanced from £18.99/mo | Sign up → |
📓 NotebookLM | Learning from your own documents, research, and creating audio summaries | Beginner | Completely free to use | Sign up → |
🤖 Manus | Autonomous tasks — research, building apps, and complex multi-step workflows | Beginner | Free tier available; credits-based for heavy use | Sign up → |
🔍 Perplexity | Research and fact-finding with real-time web sources | Beginner | Free; Pro from $20/mo | Sign up → |
Create your own AI agent — like Bob!
With Manus, you can create a personalised AI agent and give it a name. Your agent learns your preferences, can be given specific tasks, and works autonomously on your behalf — just like having a personal assistant available 24/7.