Bento for iPad Review

Database lovers unite: Bento for iPad is here to make your life easier. Bento has been one of FileMaker's prime pieces of software for years now, adored by many a Mac fan. Following the successful release of the iPhone app, they have since created a dedicated iPad version. But how does it stack up against the full retail version?

Some people just like to organize. Whether it's a grand to-do list; a packing list for a big trip; a home project involving lots of steps, items, and instructions; a detailed list of your entire movie catalog; or a record of all the items in your home for insurance purposes--chances are, you'll want (or even need) to keep all this information organized. Bento's aim is to make creating and maintaining these databases easy and intuitive.

As with most software ported to mobile platforms, Bento for iPad is not as feature-rich as its Mac cousin. Right off the bat, if you're familiar with Bento, you'll notice that there are less templates and artsy backgrounds. At this time, that's all you're going to get. While existing templates may be customized fairly easily, you can't import custom templates, and Bento offers no extras via DLC or other methods. This doesn't mean you can't make the database of your dreams; it may just take a little more work on your part.

This is a product that outputs based on what you put into it. If you use nothing but text fields, don't expect to have many sorting options. Using drop-down menus, on the other hand, will let you sort with greater ease. For instance, if you're cataloging your DVDs, create categories for movie genres first; then, add movies and attach them to the existing categories, which will allow you to sort them nicely. You really have to think a bit in advance of what all you want in your database before you start filling it up with data. You can add fields later, but it's going to be a hassle to update all your records.

Where Bento excels is in its integration of media. Easily attach photos and videos to give your information better curb appeal, or simply do it out of necessity. If you want to record all your possessions in case of a home fire, having photos will be a big help in recovering the costs. Granted, the iPad lacks a camera, but this is where syncing comes in.

To get the most out of Bento for iPad, you'll want the retail Mac version and the iPhone app. All of these can quickly sync over a wireless network, which provides backup of your data and allows you to tap into each Bento's strengths. It's easier to add data on the iPad than on the iPhone, for example, so you can save time by creating the database there, loading it on your iPhone, and then attaching photos you take on-the-fly.

And that pretty much sums up your Bento for iPad experience. As a standalone app, it's useful, but it lacks some essentials that only work if you have other versions on hand. If you only own the iPad app, you can neither export your data nor, at least right now, print it; you'll need a desktop/notebook version for this. That being said, having the large screen size and easier typing on the iPad (over the iPhone version) makes this the most handy for when you aren't chained to a desk, which cataloging often requires.

Thus, Bento for iPad is good but not great. By itself, it is unlikely to fully please the organizer buried deep inside you. But on the contrary, it could become an excellent tool in your overall repertoire of database management. We'll just say that your mileage will vary depending on your immediate needs and your level of organizational OCD.