Silly to use Outlook just for the calendar?

[archcommus]

I use Gmail now as my primary email address, and I have my school-provided email address set to automatically forward everything to Gmail. So essentially, Gmail is all of my mail.

However, with school starting up soon I really want to start using some calendar software to help see everything visually. Do you think it's stupid to use Outlook solely for the calendar function? There are a few standalone programs out there, but I doubt any of them will do the job much better than Outlook, and for some odd reason, a calendar just seems like something that I should be doing within an application I already use.

 

[archcommus]

Another thing, is there any way to retrieve Gmail mail through Outlook? I know HTTP is a choice for type when setting up a new account...

 

[dighn]

Gmail supports POP, just turn it on in your Gmail account settings then add the account in Outlook. The Help link in Gmail has detailed instructions on this.

As for Outlook just for its calendar... I don't see why that would be silly if you already have Outlook.

 

[Zelmo3]

I can't speak for any other calendar apps, but having used Outlook at work I'd say the calendar component of it is one of its most useful features. If I just wanted a good calendar I would certainly use an Outlook equivalent.

For the GMail, there's this explanation by Microsoft and a better one from Google.

 

[archcommus]

Thanks guys.

I will definitely be using Outlook's calendar, now just have to decide about using it to store/read/compose email. I already know for sure I want Gmail to be my primary address, for two reasons. First, I'll have an online copy of everything, regardless of whether I keep a copy in Outlook or not. Second, I can have a static address, instead of one that changes now for my school-provided email, then again when I move out on my own and get another ISP email, then again if I ever switch ISPs, etc. A non-changing address is much nicer.

So the question is, should I store and actually use my email through Outlook, or use Gmail's web-based interface like I have been? The only thing I prefer about Gmail's setup is the fact that it groups conversations. I'm assuming there'd be no way to keep that formatting in Outlook.

What would you do?

 

[UCJefe]

You can group by conversation in Outlook. Just right click inside of your mail folder and Arrange By->Conversation. There are also a zillion other options for grouping and arranging. This is Outlook 2003 by the way so I'm not sure about other versions. I'd just use Outlook for everything since you're going to have it running. I like to create tasks directly from my emails. Just drag them onto the Tasks section, assign a due date and you're done.

 

[archcommus]

I got Gmail set up for POP3 and set up the account in Outlook 2003 last night, works great. I'm glad I made the switch. Now I can use Outlook for everything, including email, calendar, dates and appointments, notes for reminders, and I can finally start building up and maintaining a good address book. And I still have a permanent address, and a copy of everything archived in Gmail.

What is Tasks for, exactly? Just like, something you need to get done or accomplish? How is that any different from just making an entry on your calendar?

 

[dighn]

Originally posted by: archcommus
What is Tasks for, exactly? Just like, something you need to get done or accomplish? How is that any different from just making an entry on your calendar?

it's like a todo list. calendars are more for appointments.