Why Use Entourage?

[Rob Schneider]

Folks

Decided to get a Macbook when my laptop needed replacement. While I
used to use Outlook on Windows and on this MacBook I have Windows
running as a virtual machine, I've chosen to use the Apple Mail program.

I'm awaree of Entourage and in fact have a copy installed and setup. I
keep thinking that it probably is better to use than Mail, iCal, etc.
.... but then I notice quite a few Apple apps integrate nicely with Mail
and iCal whereas not with Entourage. I do like how Entourage uses some
more advanced writing features (which I presume comes in from Word).

I'm just wondering if someone has written something about *why*
Entourage is the way to go? I see lots written on *how* to use and
*what* it does, but not *why* (based on personal experience) to use.

Thanks!

--rms

 

[Diane Ross]

I'm just wondering if someone has written something about *why*
Entourage is the way to go? I see lots written on *how* to use and
*what* it does, but not *why* (based on personal experience) to use.

Personally, I like the way Entourage allows me to customize. Even things
like simple replies and quoting back is more difficult to customize in Mail.

Scripts really extend Entourage. See Using AppleScripts with Entourage

<http://tinyurl.com/5gpjyk>

Entourage does sync to iCal and the Address Book, but Sync Services in
general are problematic at this time. It seems to be more in Apple's court
on this one, but if you think about multiple applications syncing it's
complex and there are definitely bugs to be ironed out in this area.

I like the interface better but that could be because I'm more familiar with
it.

I do know over the years we have people leave Entourage for Mail then return
in a few months because they missed so many of the features.

Backing up the database and database corruption are the two biggest minuses
for Entourage. You can get around this as long as you understand how it
works and have a good backup strategy. Backup is the key in any application.

All in all it's a personal choice.

I very humbly say, the Microsoft MVPs give excellent support. There is no
equalivant for Mail.

You might get more of a discussion on the YouTalk list (mailing list to
discuss Entourage) than on this newsgroup. Lots of long time Entourage users
on the list. It's low traffic too.

<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/support_options/list.html>