Now that Filemaker has released Bento, is there any thought given to a general utility database?
http://www.filemaker.com/products/bento/features.html
It's a very promising database program for the average person and will likely poach sales from the Pedias. Create a simplified version of the Pedias and call it SuperPedia or something like that.
Bento response?
We have been watching Bento, carefully and checking if the wish for a Superpedia is now satisfied and we shouldn't be spending our resources on an app that will have to compete with an Apple product. It's missing a few features that we have envisioned for our app. Since they are still in a public beta we are watching closely see how it develops. We would like to get as much feedback as possible, so if you have tried the program don't hesitate to email us as let us know what you think.
Tried it
I've already tried Bento and here are a few observations:
1) I like the idea of Bento accessing iCal & Address book info. This is what Apple intended when they kept those applications separate (unlike Entourage) in order to allow other applications access those pieces of information distinctly. If a user spends a lot of time in the application, it could come in very handy.
2) Draggable fields- The ability to create your own fields within records is an attractive option. With CDs, DVDs, Books, etc it's a pretty defined set of fields that don't really differ much. Allowing a user to add/remove or create their own fields offers unlimited flexibility.
3) Nested Collections- Allowing the user to nest collections within projects helps structure chunks of information nicely.
4) Multimedia- Allow the user to put any kind of information they want into each record, including dropdowns & popup calendar, etc.
5) Flexible layout- Great drag-n-drop interface for customizing layout when browsing records.
6) Advanced search
That's about it. The plus side would be that you could eliminate all the web functionality used for DVD/Book/CD searching & pulling info. Or you could leave all that in and add all the pedias into one app.... the SuperPedia..
1) I like the idea of Bento accessing iCal & Address book info. This is what Apple intended when they kept those applications separate (unlike Entourage) in order to allow other applications access those pieces of information distinctly. If a user spends a lot of time in the application, it could come in very handy.
2) Draggable fields- The ability to create your own fields within records is an attractive option. With CDs, DVDs, Books, etc it's a pretty defined set of fields that don't really differ much. Allowing a user to add/remove or create their own fields offers unlimited flexibility.
3) Nested Collections- Allowing the user to nest collections within projects helps structure chunks of information nicely.
4) Multimedia- Allow the user to put any kind of information they want into each record, including dropdowns & popup calendar, etc.
5) Flexible layout- Great drag-n-drop interface for customizing layout when browsing records.
6) Advanced search
That's about it. The plus side would be that you could eliminate all the web functionality used for DVD/Book/CD searching & pulling info. Or you could leave all that in and add all the pedias into one app.... the SuperPedia..
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divinenanny
- Contributor
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Mon Jul 31, 2006 12:56 pm
I tried Bento, but I still like pedia for one simple reason... I don't want to think about it. Pedia just works, and with Bento I have to think about how I structure things, where will I get my info. Sure, pedia is restrictive in a way, but I like it.
When a Superpedia (with the possibility of a custom collection) comes, I will buy, I am in love with pedia!
When a Superpedia (with the possibility of a custom collection) comes, I will buy, I am in love with pedia!
