Okay, it's time to quit bashing this product because v.1.0 had issues! Admittedly, version 1.0 had some bugs and didn't offer a lot of basic features that many of us would have liked. What version 1.0 software product doesn't have bugs? I have yet to see one.

This version, on the other hand, is "sweet". It offers an easy to use interface with multiple options for customization. It has improved printing options, better integration with iCal, Address Book and Mail, the ability to export to Excel, Numbers, Appleworks, and even as text, and a slick interface. For most home users, this simple, user friendly and inexpensive data base will be all anyone will need for tracking home projects, creating a home inventory, or creating membership lists.

I used an earlier version of Filemaker Pro for years to manage a database of some 300+ people for a volunteer organization, and I was amazed at its customization options, stability, and feature set. But it is "overkill" for most home users in terms of their needs, and it isn't the easiest program to master.

Now along comes Bento, by the makers of Filemaker Pro! It is like Photoshop Elements is to Photoshop. It offers 90% of the features that I loved about Filemaker Pro at a fraction of the cost and with a learning curve that is akin to a speed bump vs. a mountain! It is a wonderful product from the makers of a database program that is the de facto standard for quality in its field. Bento is an excellent product, and will only get better. Highly recommended!