Using KMail (ver 1.8 using KDE 3.4.0):
note: outlook express and thunderbird screenshots can be found here:
http://www.geocities.com/havaji/mailprograms/

Creating mail account is ... confusing for new users.
You have to set identity, which is used for your name and email address only.

Then you have to set "receive server", which is in different place.
then "send server" in different place.
Why does it ask me about kwallet?

How do I read newsgroups with it?


What does that "any" combo box do? In 
"new mail" dialog, near the lock. 
Security? It never says so.

Check security icon menu in Thunderbird.
When you click on it allows you to sellect type of security you want.
What is "sticky" checkbox for?


"New mail" window is much better in outlook express than
in KMail:
there isn't button/combobox/checkboxes on both sides.
"Identity" combobox is shown by default in Thunderbird/O.e., unlike in KMail.
Identity is binded to one mail (smtp and pop usually) server.

(In Thunderbird smtp is binded to identity, but you can create only one smtp server? 
"New mail" window looks similar to Outlook Express.)

In Thunderbird/O.e. html editing is on by default which IMHO it should be turned off by default.


Suggestions:
-Bind identity to one mail (smtp and pop) server
-Simplify creating new account. Look at Outlook Express or Thunderbird. 
(note: Outlook express is bad at security but good at design that average users expects. )
Outlook express has "password" edit box where Thunderbird has "outgoing name" editbox.

(Thunderbird asks for password when you click on to "get mail" button,
There is has no way to change password, when you select
to store it in file?)
What does "precommand" do?
What is "include in manual mail check"?

Maybe wizard for creating new account?

-Clean up "new mail" window.


Or create one "light" version for average users,with less options, and one heavy for developers and power users.

I am KDE user, not KDE programmer.
This criticism is supposed to show some flaws in KMail design 
IMHO,and to compare it to outlook express and
Thunderbird. It is not meant bash on Kmail programmers.
This is written under assumption Kmail programers want average users to use their programs.

This will be probably added to bugzilla in some form.

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