DIY database
You can also create your own custom designs and layouts for records simply by tapping the ‘Customize’ button and dragging data fields around the screen as required. And, with the camera-equipped iPad 2, I was able to quickly snap photos of my belongings and drop them straight into my inventory database.
There are plenty of templates to build your own databases from
The app is very easy to use, and it’s nice to be able to wander around and simply tap new records and data straight into the iPad.
However, Bento does have its limitations. It can only sync and exchange information with the desktop version of Bento on a Mac, and there’s no option for exchanging data with other databases, such as Access on a PC.
Corporate types who need to share data with their colleagues will need to look at alternatives such as the recently-released FileMaker Go app, but Bento is still a good choice for folk at home, or Mac-based businesses that need to collect data on the move. ®
Choose the data fields you need
We make our selection of the best iOS smartphone and tablet downloads every Thursday. It you think there's an app we should be considering, please let us know.
'Droid fans, Android App of the Week is published on Tuesday.
More iOS App of the Week Winners |
||||
 Wolfram
Alpha |
 Qik |
 Sccope |
 XSysInfo |
 ForeverMap |
FileMaker Bento
COMMENTS
Times have changed
Not very long ago loads of stuff was "Windows only". Syncing with Mac only is fine with me!
Seriously?
I'm surprised that they can get away with calling it a database app...
What am I saying? These guys market polished turds as toothpicks every day...
Limited by the main app
Unfortunately the bit of Bento that's "cut down" from Filemaker is arguably the most important bit of a database - it won't do relational tables.
There are some limited workarounds but in practice for anyone who needs a database for a real reason, rather than just to satisfy some obsessive-compulsive fetish for catalogueing their belongings, it's next to useless.
really?
"I used the wide-screen iPad version, although there’s also a separate release designed for the iPhone"
That's strange considering the iphone is widescreen and the ipad isn't
Great?
Is it really that great if the app itself requires a Mac to be able to sync data?
Surely a cloud based database app, or one that could sync with Mac or Windows or other software would be much better.
Or do you have to have a Mac now if you want an iPad / iPhone?
