OK I have seen a lot of this question - I even had the same question about a
week ago after first getting a new computer with Vista and Windows Mail.
Windows Mail is very similar to Outlook Express - but it is not identical in
how it handles "auto-completion" of email addresses in the To/CC/BCC field.
Even though the option to turn this feature on/off is listed with almost the
same language in Outlook Express and Windows Mail - it does not work the
same way.
First of all, when you start typing an address in the To/CC/BCC field, the
program will show recent addresses that match for you to pick - but this is
only very recent ones still in memory.
In Outlook Express, as soon as you start typing an entry, it will show up
the nearest match- with the rest of the address in reverse video. If its
the address you want, you simply key in comma or semicolon to accept and
enter next address (or press enter to tab to get to next field). If its not
the address you want, you keep on typing the entry.
OK so how is Windows Mail different? It does not show you any match as you
type. The trick is to type at least 4 characters of the address (either the
first 4 characters of the first name, email address or nickname you created
in the contacts). After typing 4 characters - hit the enter key. Windows
mail will put in the matching address from the contact book, or if multiple
entries match, it will show you all matches to pick from.
If there is only one match, the entire contact book entry is put in, with a
semi-colon at the end so you can then enter another address. If you have no
further addresses you can hit the tab key instead of enter key. Then after
supplying the entry, the cursor drops to the next level (CC or BCC), etc.
Do I think this is better or worse than Outlook Express?
I think I can get used to it.
I still like Outlook Express because I can see the full headers and text of
all inbox messages (unlike Outlook), and I like the way it allows me to see
the source code, add images, etc.
I am not sure I would go to Windows Live Mail, because I think that would
may not be acceptable for users who need VPN connections to their work mail
server, and maybe there are other issues with having another web mail
carrier handling those messages.
