Symphytum 1.1 review: Bento-like database app a work in progress
Symphytum 1.1 is an inexpensive, basic database application capable of creating simple databases. The app has a feel similar to Apple's discontinued Bento, but lacks the features and finish necessary to make it useful enough for everyday use.
Upon opening Symphytum you see a demo database ("collection" in Symphytum parlance) with three records in it. Two buttons at the top of the collection window allow you to switch between form and table views of your database and there are also buttons for navigating between records, adding or deleting records, and creating or removing fields from your collection. A library list to the left of the app's database window contains a list of all your collections. Selecting a collection from this list changes the collection of data you see in the window to the right.
Symphytum offers little in the way of documentation and, in fact, you are relegated to using a silent film-like video demo of the app on the developer's Web site to figure out how Symphytum works. New collections are created by clicking the toolbar's New Collection button and then typing a name for your collection when it appears in the library list.
Symphytum offers options for creating basic databases, but little in the way of features, limiting its value as a personal database app.
Before you can starting adding records to your collection you need to create fields. Symphytum offers no templates, so every new collection needs fields created from scratch. Clicking the new field button or, although not obvious from the app's menus, typing Command-Shift-N, opens a sheet from which you can select your field type and name your new field.
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