Janice in NJ Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 Any other Mac folks out there using this software gem? I've forgotten how much I love database software. I used to use them all the time when my world was a PC world. When I moved into Mac, they dropped off my radar. But I've found them and I'm psyched. My world is starting to come together. LOVE the link function that allows me to link (and quickview) files (audio and text documents) to line items within the database. Is anyone else using Bento to organize your brain? If so, I would love to hear what you are using it for - especially regarding school stuff. :bigear: Peace, Janice Enjoy your little people Enjoy your journey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicole M Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I take it we're not talking about lunch boxes? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennW in SoCal Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I take it we're not talking about lunch boxes? :D :iagree: That was my first thought, too! :D But I'm intrigued. I'm a Mac user who hates (or can't intuitively master) the spreadsheet part of iWork. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt_Uhura Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 Call me intrigued! How are you using it? I used to write databases a long time ago. I imagine a history database w/ my comments on curricula, links to the website and other resources to go with it. HHmmmm must. do. google. search. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janice in NJ Posted March 9, 2010 Author Share Posted March 9, 2010 It's an easy-peasy version of File Maker Pro that self-connects to iCal and Mail (I think - haven't played with that feature yet). And it's pretty easy to use. I had a huge spreadsheet of materials that connect to TOG on a week-by-week basis: Teaching Company lectures; library materials; DVD's; etc. The spreadsheet was getting pretty difficult to manage. Then I found Bento. I can make as many fields as I want for each week plan, but then I can create forms that only display certain fields. And all of our documents are there in a quicklook format, or I can click to open the documents to make changes to them. Save and done - no digging around for files. All in one place. Sitting with the kids and planning their week is a snap. Then I just print the lesson plans that we have agreed on. The ability to link files and create tables (of say - library books or materials that I have stumbled across) is terrific. I can link to almost anything by dragging it in a dropping it. Tons of options. But the beauty of a database over a spreadsheet is that depending on the form I am viewing, I don't have to look at the columns that I don't want. (Don't know the lingo; I'm a hack; I've only used database software - never designed any - I'm strictly a user. BUT I love the way this works.) I've tried other lesson planning software but it don't organize my resources in a way that made sense to me. This does. Loving it! I would love to know if anyone else is using it. What are you doing with it? Peace, Janice Enjoy your little people Enjoy your journey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt_Uhura Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 WOW sounds exactly like what I want. I was thinking of doing an Excel spreadsheet but I thought it would be cumbersome w/ the info I'd want to include. now how do you use it as a planner? I think I'm going to have to download the free trial. I used to design databases in dBase IV and in fact my old lab still uses the database I designed about 15yrs ago. Capt_Uhura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt_Uhura Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I'm looking at the templates others have uploaded...specifically the education templates. Hhmmm looks very interesting! I had no idea this even existed. Thank you Janice in NJ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I take it we're not talking about lunch boxes? :D :iagree: That was my first thought, too! :D My first thought, too. Now I'm hungry for sushi. Sigh. Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt_Uhura Posted May 2, 2010 Share Posted May 2, 2010 Janice, any further updates on how you're using Bento? I'm trying to decide on a planner for DS for 5th grade next year....whether to buy one or to make on the computer that I print out as we go. Then I remembered this post! Capt_Uhura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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