Description:
Specialization might be for ants, but sometimes it's just the best way to get things done. Eudora E-mail 5.0 doesn't have Microsoft Outlook's personal information management or Netscape's Web integration, but it blows away these e-mail systems by almost any criterion. Users who have a little RAM to burn (most will want to run a PIM, browser, and an e-mail client simultaneously) will find Eudora much more powerful than its competitors. Eudora allows users to import addresses and messages from practically any e-mail client available, set up as many filters and redirections as necessary, and file messages by using the program's intuitive interface. Most options are easy to find and alter; and, although new users will have a bit of a struggle before they get the hang of it, they should find themselves experts soon enough. Two powerful sharing features strengthen Eudora's appeal further. The Eudora Sharing Protocol (ESP) creates private folders that can be shared across Mac and Windows platforms without a server. This feature alone is reason enough for some users to switch or upgrade, but the Internet Suite for the Palm will have the handheld set frothing at the mouth with the new Web browsing and e-mail functions that are added to Palm-compatible gadgets. Finally, the funny little MoodWatch bot checks incoming and outgoing messages for aggressive language and alerts the user with from one to three hot peppers. Although it seems to check for profanity more than anything else, this feature might come in handy for those who want to save angry or obscene messages for later; revenge is a dish best served cold. For only a small investment of time, RAM, and money, users can improve their e-mail and file-sharing power vastly--and close the back door to Outlook. Maybe specialization is underrated. --Rob Lightner--This review refers to Eudora E-mail 5.0
| 
