Loosely translated, Bento means ‘a single portion,’ which is an apt description of FileMaker’s latest database application. Bento is a personal relational database, with a focus on personal. Bento doesn’t have many of the complex functions and capabilities found in the FileMaker Pro line of databases. But in exchange for giving up such things as sharing databases on a network, or running scripts when specific actions occur, you get an inexpensive relational database that can help you organize your life.
Courtesy of FileMaker, Inc.
So, how does Bento measure up? I’ve been putting it through its paces over the past week, using it as a home inventory manager, address book, and expense tracker for our solar hot water and home heating project. For the most part, I was very pleased with Bento’s performance, and the choices FileMaker made in creating a personal database. Read the review and see why I think Bento deserves a 4-star Focus on Macs rating.