Question for tech savy types

[Big Leegr]

A friend of mine is getting a laptop and is planning on using it just at wifi zones, so he won't have a "real" e-mail account. What's the "best" online account to get? Gmail? HotMail? Yahoo? Other?
It should be easy to log into, easy to use (first time using a computer, from what I gather) and not have spam/reselling of addresses.

[Poorboy]

Originally Posted by Big Leegr

A friend of mine is getting a laptop and is planning on using it just at wifi zones, so he won't have a "real" e-mail account. What's the "best" online account to get? Gmail? HotMail? Yahoo? Other?
It should be easy to log into, easy to use (first time using a computer, from what I gather) and not have spam/reselling of addresses.

no idea you know technology mocks me too

[JaredPointer]

I am a fan of Gmail - all the way back to the days you had to get an invitation to join.

[Beemerboy]

For online mail Yahoo is a good choice, however his service provider will give him the ability to make more than one address. I'm with att and can make up 6 email addresses.

I would also caution your buddy if he hasn't brought his LT, make sure he looks at the software package and what you are getting. In today's market some systems do not come with MS word and excel program and outlook for email management, those have to be purchased from MS direct and can add big time to the cost

[JaredPointer]

Originally Posted by Beemerboy

For online mail Yahoo is a good choice, however his service provider will give him the ability to make more than one address. I'm with att and can make up 6 email addresses.

I would also caution your buddy if he hasn't brought his LT, make sure he looks at the software package and what you are getting. In today's market some systems do not come with MS word and excel program and outlook for email management, those have to be purchased from MS direct and can add big time to the cost

Or you could download MS Office compatible Open Office suite for free.

[Mr. Clean]

Originally Posted by Big Leegr

A friend of mine is getting a laptop and is planning on using it just at wifi zones, so he won't have a "real" e-mail account. What's the "best" online account to get? Gmail? HotMail? Yahoo? Other?
It should be easy to log into, easy to use (first time using a computer, from what I gather) and not have spam/reselling of addresses.

I've had my Hotmail for the longest period, and I use it most often. MS has made several tweaks and improvements over the years. I will get some junk mail but they do a pretty good job of directing that to my junk mail folder. A couple of years ago I added a Gmail account and use it for a small subset of businesses. I actually prefer the Hotmail UI to the GMAIL, it might be familiarity. My kids (no matter their ages, they'll always be our kids ) both use Yahoo. I tried to sign up with Yahoo back when I was setting up Hotmail, but couldn't get the ID I wanted. I doubt your friend will have a problem with any of the three you have listed.

A note on internet provider's supplied e-mails, which doesn't sound like it will apply in your case, but... They are nice, I've got one and as mentioned they allow you to have several accounts (I think I'm allowed 8 with my current provider) and they might sound more professional than having a "free" account name in the extension...here it comes...that but...when you change providers, yep, they are gone and everyone that has you set up with that addy just lost contact. Just a thought, coming from experience.

Originally Posted by JaredPointer

Or you could download MS Office compatible Open Office suite for free.

Do tell. How long have you used it? Any problems or even minor incompatibilities? Easy on resources or hoggish?

[JaredPointer]

I used it some when I was in school. Just think of a generic version of the office programs, and there you go. I never had any problems with it.

Sorry so short - typing on the iPhone whilst I sit at the doctor's office....

[Poorboy]

Originally Posted by JaredPointer

Sorry so short - typing on the iPhone whilst I sit at the doctor's office....

you have a concussion? you do realize you are in Alabama

[Bunky]

Originally Posted by Big Leegr

A friend of mine is getting a laptop and is planning on using it just at wifi zones, so he won't have a "real" e-mail account. What's the "best" online account to get? Gmail? HotMail? Yahoo? Other?
It should be easy to log into, easy to use (first time using a computer, from what I gather) and not have spam/reselling of addresses.

I use my ISP (Roadrunner) with Thunderbird for primary but have other email accounts I do not use. I do not like web access type email although it has the advantage to be accessible from any system connected to the internet.

[Scott P]

I've used Yahoo for years and it's worked well with no problems.

[Big Leegr]

Originally Posted by Beemerboy

For online mail Yahoo is a good choice, however his service provider will give him the ability to make more than one address. I'm with att and can make up 6 email addresses.

As I mentioned in the original post:

Originally Posted by Big Leegr

A friend of mine is getting a laptop and is planning on using it just at wifi zones, so he won't have a "real" e-mail account.

He won't be getting an ISP account as he won't be getting internet at home. It will be only through the internet hotspots/cafes/etc. (for now, at least)

As to the programs, he's looking at just teleconferencing with family and e-mailing. He'd be able to make a go of it with word pad to write letters if needed. (Although he hasn't bought a printer yet, so I doubt that's too much of a concern for him thus far.)


Thanks for the replies so far!

[grisby]

My son-in-law does the same thing. He works in construction and is always on the road at hotels and such. He bought a laptop just to use for wi-fi spots. He uses Yahoo mail.

HTH