Written by Philip Roy | 15 October 2008
Posted in Site News

UPDATE Bento 2 has just been released by FileMaker, and here's your chance to get a copy by writing a review for NZMac.com. Bento is an amazing personal organiser built by the database experts FileMaker. The first version of Bento featured superb integration with Apple applications and the new version takes that further, including linking to Mail messages and RSS feeds.

With Bento 2, users can export spreadsheet data from Excel and Numbers directly into Bento 2 to view and use that data in beautiful Bento 2 forms, and secondarily import Bento 2 data into the spreadsheet apps.  With Bento 2, users get convenient iTunes-style searching, quick sorting, instant summary stats, and much more. AppleWorks data may now also be imported and exported to and from Bento 2 via new support for tab-delimited files.

The new Bento 2 offers exciting new functionality including spreadsheet style "no set-up" data entry with intuitive "fill-downs"; the ability to edit records and modify forms without ever changing modes; view and edit table and detail records in split-view on one screen; and even instantly link to Google Maps and online chat.

"We found that the majority of Bento users were keeping track of their lists in spreadsheets, so we've added many new features to Bento that will make spreadsheet users very comfortable, while also accomplishing much more using Bento," said Steve McManus, Regional Manager – Asia Pacific.

Ten new ready-to-use beautiful themes, ranging from "Bookworm's" deep leathery browns to the cool tranquil blues and hues of "Swimming Pool" can instantly "wash-over" a record, changing its background and fonts – almost magically – without any need for database design know-how.

Pricing and System Requirements
Bento 2 is affordably priced at $79 NZD (Ex GST) or $129 NZD (Ex GST) for a family pack of five licenses, and is available on the FileMaker Web store (http://store.filemaker.com.au/).  Bento 2 will also be offered exclusively at the Apple Store NZ until 27 October and through other online and retail stores after this date.

Bento 2 requires Mac OS X v.10.5.4 Leopard on a Mac computer with an Intel, PowerPC G5 or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor. A minimum of 512MB of RAM and 1GB of hard drive space is recommended. A CD drive is required for installation of boxed software.

If you are interested in conducting the review...

• Address an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• In the email, please put your name, your postal address (which must be in New Zealand) and a very brief reason why you feel you should get to review Bento 2

 

Once a reviewer is selected and announced, I will send you an NFR (Not For Resale) copy of Bento 2. You'll then be expected to complete a review of 600-900 words within two weeks. You'll then forward your comments to NZMac.com along with any screen shots you can provide. The information and images will then be used to create a review of the product under your name.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me. Do not express interest in writing the review in the forum, but to me via email.

You have until 9pm on Sunday October 26, 2008 to email me.

• A New Zealand postal address must be supplied in the application process
• The review is to be 600 to 900 words in length and should include 2 - 4 images as attachments. These can be submitted as email, or attached to an email as a Word, Pages, text or Appleworks document. Images should not be reduced in size or quality, but should be cropped to remove unwanted parts and attached separately.
• The review is expected within two weeks of receiving the software
• The review must include a rating out of 5 for each of the following:
  • Installation & Documentation
  • Ease of use
  • Value for money
• Submissions must be entirely your own work and must not breach copyright or intellectual property rights in any way.
• If you are not a registered user of the site, you will be required to register so that the review can be assigned to your user name
• By your submission you confirm that you have no association or financial involvement in the product being reviewed.
• By your submission you grant NZMac.com the right to make publicly available the submitted content as they see fit and (with permission from NZMac.com) for third parties to display your review comments on their site
• By your submission you grant NZMac.com exclusive publishing of the review for a minimum of one month
• NZMac.com reserves the right to edit articles and reviews. In most cases, this will be done in consultation with the original author.
• Material submitted is not fact-checked for content accuracy and NZMac.com is not responsible for inaccuracies in the content contained in the article.
• By agreeing to undertake the review, you assume the risk of any and all damage or loss from use, or inability to use the product.
• Anyone who fails to complete the application process will not be considered
• All information submitted by users will be deleted at the end of the contest

[Update 1]
Congratulations to Karl Woodhead, who has been selected to review Bento 2