Review: Bento packs a lot of database bang for the buck

Posted by Don Foy Nov 12, 2008 at 3:02pm

I’ve tried it, but I’m just not a database designer. I can get basic stuff done in FileMaker, but not without a lot of help from more experienced users. My ideas are always much bigger than my ability.

But my needs are usually much smaller than FileMaker, so when FileMaker, a subsidiary of Apple, introduced Bento, I watched from the sidelines through version 1. When FileMaker recently revved Bento to v. 2, I jumped in and got a review copy.

First, what Bento is: it is a very simple database, a place to collect stuff (technically known as data). For example, I take care of a few dozen computers at work. I was able to quickly and simply enter the important information about those computers, such as purchase date, serial number, etc., into a database for later use.

What Bento is not: It is not FileMaker. It is not as powerful as FileMaker. But it’s not as complicated at FileMaker, either. And it’s not supposed to be any of those things. It is supposed to be the ‘personal’ database that makes accessing your data as easy as using your Mac (took that right off their web site).

If you are already a Bento user, then you know all about all that and what you are wanting to know is, “Is it worth the price to upgrade?” Like other similar Apple products (iWork, iLife) there is no upgrade price. The price to play is $49 each time they produce a major upgrade. So is it worth $49 to play with version 2?

It depends on whether or not the new features appeal to you. Here’s what’s new:

° Apple Mail integration: you can link to messages from inside Bento, meaning you can keep correspondence regarding a specific project easily accessible inside Bento.

° Bento acts more like a spreadsheet for entering large amounts of data.

° Plays better with others: seamless integration with Excel and Numbers files, and now deals with AppleWorks data files much better (for those of you who actually used the AppleWorks database).

° Template import and export: Now you can share your templates with your friends, and they can share with you.

° Split View: I found this one accidentally, and I really like this feature. I can look at my list view while working in the form view.

° Simpler form customization: No more entering customize mode for tweaking form design. This is now really simple.

There are plenty of other new features, but those are the highlights.

So what did I find in Bento?

An easy to use database that is more powerful than it seems. I was able to import an old database of computer information and it came in exactly as it needed to. I then edited the forms so that I was able to deal with each bit of information the way I needed to.

The Good

I really like the ease of entering information, whether from another file or manually entering the data. I like the ease in manipulating data, showing it in one instance and not another. For example, there are times when I need to see the MAC address for a computer and the IP settings on it. I can set up a Networking collection that will only show the information I need.

The provided templates are awesome, allowing you to do a home inventory without a lot of work. Other templates include, among others, event planning, exercise regimen, vehicle maintenance and student list. A varied list.

This really is a database as easy to use as your Mac.

The Bad

I didn’t find some of the new features to be that big a deal, although you might. The Apple Mail integration was impressive as an implementation of technology, but I don’t have much use for it. It would be nice to have a discount for having used v. 1, but I’m not holding my breath.

The Ugly

And after all the talk about integration, you have to manually import any multimedia files, such as pictures in a home inventory database or a student list. There’s really no excuse for this, since that capability is built into the iLife and iWork suites. Don’t forget FileMaker is owned by Apple.

The Bottom Line

This is a very powerful program for $50, even if you don’t get an upgrade price. The price to start is reasonable. The program requires Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard and a trial download is available here.

Macsimum Rating: 7 out of 10.

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