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FileMaker's Bento 3 announced, available immediately

by Megan Lavey-Heaton Sep 29th 2009 at 9:00AM


FileMaker has announced the release of Bento 3, the next version of its database program for the Mac, available for purchase immediately. The upgrade comes just a couple weeks shy of a year from the debut of Bento 2.

Changes in Bento 3 include:
  • iPhoto integration, allowing you to use your images directly from iPhoto without an export/import step
  • Share Bento libraries over a local area network (however, you can't share over the Internet)
  • Grid View, which allows you to see multiple images and forms all at once
  • Simple List field
  • Library folders
  • New security options including database passwords and encrypted fields
  • Group e-mailing
  • The ability to print blank forms
  • The ability to add an image box for static images
There are also additional tweaks to existing features, and 10 additional templates available for use.

Bento costs $49, but current users of Bento 1 and 2 qualify for a $20 rebate for a limited time. Customers who purchased Bento 2 between August 30 until October 14 can upgrade for free. A family pack of five licenses is $99. An upgrade to Bento for the iPhone and iPod touch [iTunes link] to resolve any compatibility issues with Bento 3 will be available soon.

Bento 3 requires OS X 10.5.7 or above, and can be run on G4 (867 MHz or faster), G5 and Intel processors. 512 MB of RAM and 1GB of available hard drive space is recommended. A 30-day trial version of Bento 3 is available.

FileMaker will host a Twebinar, described by the company as a combined Webinar and live Twitter session, at 11 a.m. PDT to discuss the new features in Bento 3.

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FileMaker has announced the release of Bento 3, the next version of its database program for the Mac, available for purchase immediately....
 

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Norm

One of my favourite features is the ability to share, import and export templates. I set up a free template sharing site at : Bento Templates. Let me know what you think and share your ideas for templates.

December 01 2009 at 2:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Norm's comment
Norm

whoops, the url isn't in there: www.bentotemplates.com

December 01 2009 at 2:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
yoinkers

I use bento for my insurance inventory of stuff I own. It's great for that but I can't say I'm super excited about the new version. Guess that's why they're offering a rebate to existing customers.

September 30 2009 at 8:28 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Cy Starkman

All sounds peachy...

And yet, does it actually work with the address book properly yet, cause its been VERY weak to date. This was why I got it and the limitations are a total fail.

For Filemaker I reckon it is inexcusable to not be linking into things like that well. Esp for Bento as a Mac only product

September 30 2009 at 2:20 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Just a little cash...

I've had Bento since v1 and loved it's ability to tie into standard mac apps like contacts, ical and more...

That said, couldn't find a reason to use it until the iPhone app came out.

Put together a roster for my son's college team, complete with stat's, pictures and more. And did it in about 30 minutes. Very cool. Only wish I could share the database with other parents and fans who have iphones. The iphone app cost is only $5 but to sync it requires the desktop version.

Anyway, works well for what it does. Recommended.

September 29 2009 at 8:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Just a little cash...'s comment
Just a little cash...

Oh, and I just downloaded the free upgrade... got the link from an email sent from filemaker...

September 29 2009 at 8:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
perry_maxwell

OK, found the info for the free upgrade on this page:

http://www.bentotrial.com/bento3/

You have to fill out a form and submit it with the receipt, etc.

September 29 2009 at 8:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
perry_maxwell

@ Loupus:

I second that request for a link on the free upgrade. Every site seems to be repeating the same quote from the press release, but no actual details beyond that. Is this free upgrade period for real?

September 29 2009 at 7:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jimtac

I swore off Bento after I finally caved and purchased Bento "1" based on an email sent by them talking it up, only to have Bento 2 released 3 weeks later and no discount for upgrading. I get that no one wants the proverbial "Osbourne effect" but when you're in the lead up to launching a new version of a product, don't pimp out your outgoing one, at least not without some incentive to upgrade. I'm glad to see that there is an upgrade price now, but it's a bitter taste that's hard to get rid of.

September 29 2009 at 7:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Loupus

"Customers who purchased Bento 2 between August 30 until October 14 can upgrade for free."

I can't find this on Filemaker's web site. May I have a link please?

September 29 2009 at 4:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Josh Carr

I have to ask... there was a 900MHz G3 iBook... I find it interesting that Filemaker says G4 processor, but technically that G3 iBook could run Leopard. hmm...

September 29 2009 at 2:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
glad

I am happy about the $20 rebate and so will buy Bento 3 however I think I have a good use for it. It looks so good seems a shame not to use it.

September 29 2009 at 12:15 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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