Reader Roger writes:
I believe there’s a need for a PC-version of Apple Mail.
For people who use both PC and Mac, we need the ability to sync the mail files between a Mac and PC.
He’s got a really interesting idea that’s worth of some attention. The full analysis follows.
I believe there’s a need for a PC-version of Apple Mail. For people who use both PC and Mac, we need the ability to sync the mail files between a Mac and PC. This deplorable situation has to end, i.e. Outlook on PC, and Entourage on Mac. I looked at whether Thunderbird for PC and Mac can easily sync, but it doesn’t appear easy. We need the simply ability to copy a record file between the PC and Mac and, viola, our email/calendar/to-do lists are all synced between the two computers. Microsoft saw that need, and purposely stopped Outlook for Mac — hoping to create one more roadblock to stop people transitioning to Mac. If MS won’t do it, Apple should. i.e. we need a campaign for Apple to create Apple Mail for PC. Roger
At first, it seems like Roger’s main concern is synchronizing email data. There’s a very easy, very universal solution for that: an IMAP account. Most major email clients support it (as it’s the second most popular email protocol after POP). Email is stored on the server, meaning you’re always in sync. The problem is then that you don’t have the same interface across all platforms you’re using. Each one has its own look and feel. When you’re reading and writing a lot of email, switching interfaces can really slow you down (or at the very least, annoy you).
If you’re using a POP account with local email storage, then your synchronization must be comprised of copying that email file with you. It’s not real synchronization and counts on you being extremely consistent. An alternative is to use something like Portable Thunderbird. Combine that with a thumb drive and you have your email everywhere. That works as long as you’re happy with Thunderbird.
However, that doesn’t take care of all the personal information that has been grouped together, namely your calendar, address book, and to-do lists. Here’s the rub. That stuff isn’t part of Mail.app and even if there were a Windows version, it wouldn’t be included. Apple would also have to port iCal and Address Book. That’s a lot of code. It’s also a lot of development effort. Supporting user’s use of Windows PCs doesn’t gain them anything as a company and the gateway effect of those applications being available on Windows would be negligible. As evidenced by the number of Windows users still using Outlook Express or webmail, the interface just isn’t that important for them (one could even argue that their complacency is evident just by using Windows to begin with).
It’s an interesting idea and would make using a Windows computer more pleasent for Mac users. However, the business justification for Apple just isn’t there. Hopefully either IMAP or portable Thunderbird will help Roger and maybe even some of you.
You could always use a PDA to keep todo's, appt's, etc.. up to date on both platforms (sync seperately with both). Some may include the functionality to house the mail as well and allow for sync of that too (like blackberry, etc..).
The simple answer is Gmail + Google Calendar
This open source application will probably do what Roger wants--when it's ready. But it is only in a pre-release state right now, and AFAIK only the calendar is ready so far, and the download is a hefty 40MB:
http://www.osafoundation.org/Chandler_Compelling_Vision.htm
But besides the suggestion of using IMAP for mail (or web services such as Google's for mail, addresses and calendaring), there should be no problem with addresses: both Apple's Address Book.app and the WAB (Windows Address Book) can import and export standard vCards.
This is an interesting discussion to have, but one idea needs to be nipped in the bud, instantly: IMAP just isn't a solution for portability. It's the ARCHIVES that matter, and most servers have relatively low limits. In today's age of attachments, those limits are quickly met. So IMAP isn't a viable solution to many of us. Sorry.
MC, the obvious solution is to use an email provider that can provide the appropriate amount of space. Heck, AOL gives away 2GB accounts with IMAP access. My webhost gives 178 GB of space with the base plan ($10/month). I'm sure there are more inexpensive services with large storage allotments.
Saying IMAP isn't sufficient because some hosts allow little space is a red herring.
What I do is I use IMAP for email, LDAP for my address book, and then the CalDAV protocol to store my calendar (currently iCal doesn't support it, but it will in Leopard--however Mozilla's Calendar does support it). It helps that I have my own SSL server to do this on, so without that (and a bit of geek knowledge to get it all setup) then it's not really feasible.
One thing that Apple could do that would improve matters and help their business is improve the online services available from .mac. it's great to be able to access my email and contacts online, but I really want to be able to look at my calendar and tasks online as well. I think this would boost usage of the .mac service. Oh, and while you're at it, let's get over the air synchronization of .mac built into the iPhone too.
"I looked at whether Thunderbird for PC and Mac can easily sync, but it doesn't appear easy."
Migrating your email to/from Windows, Mac or Linux is a two-step process using Thunderbird:
1. Copy your Thunderbird Profile to the appropriate spot on your new machine.
2. Open a config file with a text editor and point Thunderbird to the new Profile.
That seems pretty easy to me...
AC, it'd bet money you are a computer geek. An average (non-geek) wouldn't have a clue how to do that. What is needed for is a streamlined procedure for average users, who don't know the innwards of computers, do sync their Mac with their PC. By the way, I suspect it is because geeks consider things like opening config files to be pretty easy, is why they struggle so much to make software that is readily usable by the rest of us.