Quote:
If I did set up IMAP, the PITA would be having to be connected to touch any of my mail. I really need offline ability so I can at least read and compose for future delivery.

Almost every IMAP program these days has an offline mode, where all mail can be cached locally, then if any changes are made, they get synced to the server on the next connect. I got bored on the plane ride home and cleared out my inbox, including writing up a few replies and making a new e-mail folder. When I got home, the program talked to the server for a bit and everything was synced up. Mail was sent out and the messages got moved.