Bento, from Filemaker Inc., is an iPhone/iPod version of their Mac-only database program. If you have Bento for your Mac, this app, in my opinion, is a must-have. Because I do not have a Mac, I could not sync the app with my computer. Therefore any and all of my information I had to input by hand. And if you are like me, you have hundreds of contacts and just as many calendar appointments, making the process monotonous and simply an ineffective way to spend one’s time. However, if you have a Mac, all your information would sync without an issue.
On a positive note, Bento is quite easy to figure out. Simply tap the “New Library” button and select your desired template or create your own. You can make a template from scratch, or you can choose from one of the 25 templates included. Quite a few of the included templates are rather resourceful and effective. To name a few: event planning, exercise and diets logs, recipes, expenses, vehicle maintenance log, an inventory for your home, or one that organizes your class schedule. If you can’t find what you want with those templates, create your own to fulfill whatever your need is.
When utilized as intended, Bento is quite the app, doing everything from storing files, to maintaining a calendar and contact list, to having your latest party planning info, to making sure you are sticking to your calorie counting budget. On the other hand, if you do not have the Mac OS X Leopard operating system, this app would be more time consuming than helpful. If Filemaker made Bento software compatible with a PC, I would strongly consider purchasing the program and make the most of the app on my iPod Touch. 
On the web: Bento @ Filemaker.com
Pat Walter is a 25 year old operations manager at New Heart Worship Center. He is also a minister, as well as a public speaker and writer. Pat is the husband of his beautiful bride Kaylarie and father of his son Benaiah. They reside in Federal Way, WA.