Email Client vs. Webmail

[aimeeandbeatles]

I use Gmail currently, and been thinking about using Mozilla Thunderbird. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? (I'm asking people who'd really know. I tried asking mom but she's a dope.)

 

[IamJohn]

I only use webmail, but that's primarily because I'm on campus so, use anywhere from 5 to 10 different computers every day, scattered around campus.

 

[Turner]

Webmail you can get your mail anywhere, and on a client you can have offline access to it.

I do both with Gmail. But then, I can access my computer from anywhere... so it's kind of a moot point.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

LOL, I'm mainly monogamous with my computer. I only use diff. computer in school, and even then I have a USB drive I always carry with me.

Offline access isn't a big point, as I'm always connected to the internet (unless the router goes weird again.)

 

[lndm]

Clients are typically used to access the mail accounts associated with your internet access account(s), i'e your ISPs mail. In my opinion, this is the normal way to do mail. There are many reasons why you may want to use webmail as well.

BTW, you can access your ISP mail account from any system. You may need to take 30 seconds to enter your mail server into the client before you do it on a new system.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

My mom has the ISP mail account, though.

 

[lndm]

Many ISPs these days bundle a small number of extra mail addresses, like half a dozen or so. You simply need to access your account at the ISPs website to add some.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Well, I really don't have much use for an ISP address. No problems with my gmail one.

 

[GrandAdmiral]

On a client performance is better. On webmail the response time for every other click in the app depends on your network connection. On a client you can work offline, as well as view + organize mail offline. On a client bulk operations are much faster. On a client you can manage an unlimited number of IMAP + POP accounts in one place. On a client you have more control over security. Notification is also better on a client. If you are the type that lives in your account and needs more features, then clients are generally better. If you only check your account every once in a while then stick with webmail.

On a client calender, notes, to do lists, collaboration tools etc are more integrated and more fully featured. Thunderbird addons make the list of advantages much longer. Gmail works great with IMAP + Thunderbird.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Thank you.

 

[Cutlass]

I use Thunderbird for my yahoo mail account at home and only access the webmail when away from home. I don't care for the way the webmail is set up.

 

[Macha]

I use gmail's website even thought personally I prefer thunderbird's features to gmail but that is the price I pay for being able to access my email anywhere. I would frequently switch between computers. I used to have Thunderbird on my flash drive but it screwed up and I haven't bothered to reinstall it.

 

[El Koeno]

I use Gmail currently, and been thinking about using Mozilla Thunderbird. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? (I'm asking people who'd really know. I tried asking mom but she's a dope.)

There's no real cost in trying out for yourself. Thunderbird is a free download, and it's really easy to use, so go for it; see what you like best.

I use Opera's built-in e-mail client and I like it a lot. Before I used Thunderbird, and that too was pretty good, but I think I like Opera a bit better.

 

[SG-17]

Well you should also know that Gmail archives all of your emails even if you delete them.
It is a part of the patriot act, even non-US residents get their email logged and can be accessed by the CIA, FBI, etc.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

There's really nothing in my email that the FBI would want, unless its interested in a bunch of google alerts for Tom Petty and the Beatles and some random messages to my friends.

 

[lndm]

You have friends?? - Shh!

 

[El Koeno]

Well you should also know that Gmail archives all of your emails even if you delete them.
It is a part of the patriot act, even non-US residents get their email logged and can be accessed by the CIA, FBI, etc.

If it's part of the patriot act than surely other providers do it as well? And I'm sure the EU has some pretty creepy legislation like this as well, so I don't see where you can take your e-mail if you're really concerned about this.

 

[Macha]

legislation like that would be beyond the EU's authority. Although, some EU countries probably do have laws like that.

 

[El Koeno]

legislation like that would be beyond the EU's authority. Although, some EU countries probably do have laws like that.

Ah yes. That is basically what I meant.