Bento
by
Cathy Kress
Once
FileMaker Pro became more complex than my needs, I began
looking for a database that would keep a relatively small
number of names, addresses and general information
organized. Although it's easy to transfer data using a
spreadsheet, it just isn't pretty, and it's a pain to
scroll back and forth to get the complete information for
one person. There is always at least one last name that
contains every letter in the alphabet, and you have to
resize all of the columns just to accommodate that name.
Spreadsheets were created to keep track of numbers, not
names.
Then I read about Bento, a database for the masses, and
for Mac masses at that. The ads promised that it's as
easy to use as a Mac, that there are gorgeous templates,
and easy to change out themes. Then the ad threw out some
challenges.
Bento requires Leopard (OS 10.5.x). In other words, it
wouldn't run on my computer that still is running Tiger.
Well, that's all right, I needed to upgrade anyway. Then
the second stumble is that it runs seamlessly with
Address Book and iCal. Since my Address Book only
contains names and email addresses, this isn't very
helpful. And since I prefer jotting notes on my old
fashioned calendar rather than using iCal, this was not a
major selling point.
Undaunted and happily challenged I installed Bento and
followed the simple directions for using it. Sure enough,
Address Book and iCal were already in first position. I
tested and proved that any changes in Address Book
immediately appeared in Bento and vice versa. Definitely
smooth but, I thought, not what I needed to do.
I had transferred the addresses I had received from
several sources for several functions into a NeoOffice
(free version of Microsoft Office Suite) spreadsheet, an
easy thing to do because most of them were Excel
spreadsheets anyway. This was the information that I
wanted to import into a database, into Bento.
The process was fairly simple and easily accomplished.
When you boot up Bento, a window appears asking whether
you want to "Learn about Bento," "Set up Address Book and
iCal," "Create a library to store data" or "Start using
Bento." After watching the demo I felt I knew pretty much
what to expect. Since I don't make full use of Address
Book and iCal, I skipped straight to creating a library
from my NeoOffice files. By saving the files as a .csv
(comma separated value) they moved right into Bento as if
they were coming home.
Fields are very easy to create, modify, delete and show;
searches are fabulous and fast; even multiple searches
are easily created and achieved; the records transfer
easily from table form to an attractive data entry form
that was a total piece of cake to design. Bento keeps my
records very, very well and ever so readily available.
As long as you remember the abbreviation ".csv" it is
simple to import and export records. Labels are printed
from the Address Book rather than directly from Bento.
Whoops, I don't use my Address Book so how would I ever
print labels if necessary?
This question led to another major discovery. There is no
reason why I need to use anything other than Address Book
in combination with Bento to keep my addresses, email
addresses, general information straight and readily
usable. When I imported the NeoOffice spreadsheet of
names and addresses directly into Address Book instead of
into a created "Source" I had all the
information―including email addresses― at my
fingertips. If I edit or add any information in Bento,
the change is automatically registered in Address Book
and vice versa.
When I began writing this review of Bento I had my doubts
about its interconnection with Address Book, that
convenience I didn't use. Now I see that between the two
applications all kinds of data is close at hand and
synchronized. You don't have to try to remember whether
you have entered Joe's new address in your database AND
Address Book.
Then I found yet another reason to buy an iPhone and an
account at .Mac. Bento synchronizes with both of them so
that you can have your database with you on the run.
I have barely scratched the surface of Bento. You can
store "to do" lists, photos, inventory, interrelated
items as well as just the simple information I have
described above. I will recommend it without hesitation
to a new local art consulting business. The proprietors
need to keep track of art pieces, artists, prices, sales,
sales tax, discounts, location and condition of pieces,
and artists' personal information in addition to
exhibitions they are organizing to travel and contacts
made. Bento will suit their purposes perfectly and make
it fun and easy for them to form a database to meet their
needs. It will be $49 well spent!