Windows 7: Outlook 2010 vs Windows Live Mail

I need a good email program as I am tired of logging on just to check if there are new emails. I know that Outlook is considered the numero uno program for managing emails, but I've also heard of Windows Live Mail, that it is the reincarnation of Outlook Express which personally I've never liked and never used, is considered quite capable of getting the job done, and it is also free, unlike the quite expensive Outlook 2010 (as a part of the whole Office 2010 pack).

So, why do I need a costly program for handling emails if I can get one for free? Why do people praise Outlook so much when they have a free alternative?

Any help will be appreciated.

TIA

I have been using an email cliient since windows 98 and it has always been the client that came with the OS; Outlook Express, Windows Mail and now Windows Live Mail and never a problem. Lets think about this, its used to check mail, if it does that its good enough. People that say too slow, mail missing, does not work is just in peoples minds; it works fine. In answer to your question, I would suggest that you use any of these fine clients; bottom line they are all the same
Before, I get the response that Windows Live Mail does not come with the system, I know that.

Any of these will suit your needs.

windows live mail suits me fine too.

outlook is a bit bloated - and it can't render html mail properly - see below for example.

Because Outlook is MUCH more than just an email client and it really should not be compared with them. Outlook is a calendar and appointment scheduler. It is a Task Manager. It is Contacts Manager for phone numbers and street addresses. It is a note keeper, mail merger, journal manager - and it handles email too.

I am interested in whether or not WLM can be synched with an iTouch.
I used to be able to sync outlook 2003 with my iTouch and recently got a new comp and am having trouble.

I would say it all depends on how your e-mail is managed/handled. If you have an Exchange account, Outlook is the best, hands-down.

If you have a POP3 or IMAP account WLM is more than sufficient, and actually can give much of the same features as Exchanged-based accounts. For example, my personal e-mail is handled through my own domain. It is an IMAP account. I use WLM across three computers. In WLM, I have logged in using a free Live account, so my calendar and contacts are synced across all three computers. My e-mail is IMAP-based, so my messages and folders are synced across all three.

>>>.... as I am tired of logging on just to check if there are new emails.
No matter which one you finally choose, Outlook or WLM, you still have to logon in order to check for mails. You don't get alerts if you turn off the e-mail program, unless you find a 3rd party mail alert software.

>>>why do I need a costly program for handling emails if I can get one for free? Why do people praise Outlook so much when they have a free alternative

If you need is just simply checking for mails and reply, WLM is more than adequate.
It all boils down to what do you need/expect from an e-mail program.

While you have yet to decide, google for more FREE e-mail programs. Thunderbird is one in my mind.
P.S. I use WLM since its inception.

Since the OP started this thread July 17th and has never returned, this thread should just fade down the list until(?) the OP returns.

@Liser - it is always best (and proper forum etiquette) to start your own thread with your own problem so you get the attention you deserve. Posting your problems in another's thread drives it off-topic, and may hijack the whole thread.

This thread does not involve iTouch. Starting your own thread with a descriptive title containing the words "iTouch" and "WLM" will have a better chance of getting you the help you seek.

....of 2010 on top of that.

Wow! I missed that completely. Good catch.