Back when I had my first PDA (oh my, how far we've come), database apps were my favorite tools, allowing me to collect pretty much any set of data for an infinite number of uses. Bento for iPhone is the mobile version of one of the most popular database and organization software titles for the Mac, allowing you to fashion all sorts of lists and collections with a very convenient interface.
This app offers full integration with the desktop version, allowing you to access and manage them directly from your handset, with changes reflected on both platforms. While the Mac interface is incredibly friendly, the iPhone version just takes my breath away. To put it simply, it's one of the nicest-looking iPhone apps available today.
As such, the stylish interface makes it an ideal tool for cataloguing various information, including personal data, private collections and business inventory. Everything from creating new records to sorting lists are gorgeously implemented, making the process completely trouble-free.
Unfortunately, it has not yet matured enough to make full use of the iPhone's various hardware features. While it integrates nicely with the camera (allowing you to take snaps and save it with your records), it offers no support for the GPS (which would have been immensely useful) or the built-in mic (voice recording would be awesome to save). I'm pretty sure it will come with future iterations, so keep your fingers crossed regarding later updates.
As it is, though, Bento for iPhone designed largely for data and personnel management, rather than project management (as it can be used on a Mac), due to the lack of integration with iCal. For personal needs, you can also use it as a standalone app, without a need to install the desktop counterpart.
While it's fairly limited compared to full-blown database applications, the features it offers are enough to allow for a wide variety of uses. Throw in the fact that it combines a stylish interface with very fast operations and you've got yourself a real winner.
Photo Credit: Bento
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