Criminal Defense Law With An Apple

Posted by Matlock on November 15th, 2007 at 3:15 pm:

I just started using Bento for my criminal defense practice. I have to tell you, I really like what I see. The DA’s office is completely paperless now, so I access all of their files via the web. I store everything neatly in Bento.

I have used Daylite for a while, but there just seems to be something missing. Bento is fantastic. It’s early, but I think it’s a winner.

Posted by Anonymous on November 17th, 2007 at 5:07 pm:

I read at MacWorld that Bento database can’t be shared across a network (such as a small network of two computers- one for the lawyer and one for the secretary). If true, that would seem to limit its uesfullness as a practice management app. Has anyone tried to use Bento to share files or a database with a secretary?

Ark. Lawyer

Posted by Aaron A. Pelley on November 17th, 2007 at 8:35 pm:

I have also heard about the networking limitations The list-serves are buzzing with how Bento just won’t work as a case management tool (networking being the primary issue). I will reserve my opinions until I have had some time to tinker with it. I have a theory that since the computers at my firm are all synced via .mac (address book and ical) that I might be able to overcome this bento networking problem. But maybe not.

Posted by Anonymous on February 15th, 2008 at 9:15 pm:

So what was the verdict on the networking issue with Bento? Is it workable?

Posted by Aaron on February 15th, 2008 at 9:35 pm:

My .mac theories did not work. There is not a easy-out-of-the-box network solution for Bento. If you are a solo, this might not matter to you. There are some solutions but they are not for the weak of heart. They require some knowledge of command terminal. The most recent is here:
http://www.markburgess.us/ShokadoWebSharing/

For me, the networking was only one of the issues I had with Bento. I hope to see the program grow because it has a lot of potential. I will continue to report any new developments with Bento on the blog, since many readers have reported interest in this program.