There was no way of toggling settings to get around this so I decided to move on in frustration. Four down and one to go.

SoftHome
SoftHome has a variety of services, from domain hosting to server hosting. Somewhere in the mix is free email. Their Web site doesn't have much to it, in regards to email, as you can see in Figure J, so signup was quick.

FIGURE J


This is a somewhat barren page but don't judge a book by its cover. Roll over picture for a larger image.

I was using my desktop again at the time so I won't have any Windows CE screenshots for this service.

I found no details available in regards to what features or functionality the mail access had, such as the number of possible message transmissions per day, file size limitations, etc. The only feature that I did find mentioned was the fact that they have their own POP3 and SMTP servers, so there's no need to obtain the use of a third party SMTP server.

After observing the introductory page, the only choice was to pick a personal or commercial email address, with the personal account available at no cost and the commercial account coming at cost (I couldn't find a cost on their Web site though).

After I chose a personal account and entered all of the required information, I was given the information on configuring my software to operate with their service. The instructions were very concise, but I didn't find them lacking at all. I entered the information that I found on the final page into my Velo 500 and set it up to connect to the Internet.

I composed an offline test message to myself (not using the new address, however) and placed it in the Outbox. I connected to the service. I began to time the session of logging on and sending a simple three-line message. Nineteen seconds was the time. Not only did it go through, it was faster than TeleBot by eight seconds! Success! I found an account that worked flawlessly and was faster yet! I was ecstatic. I didn't need to place a pair of brackets around my recipient's address to get it to go through, either. Utter bliss!

Wrap up
I must say that this was one bumpy road I hope I don't have to travel again. Between switching off my desktop's modem and my Velo's modem, and syncing status reports back and forth (using the fine HPC Notes, I might add!) to keep myself organized, it was a lot of trouble to just find a compatible free email account. Aren't the free things in life supposed to come easily?

In any case, I hope this has proven helpful. Out of all the services, I recommend SoftHome. It hits the nail on the head with the faster session time and it's a competent service that stands on its own feet without help from another service. I was impressed and would recommend it to anyone in need of free POP3 email. TeleBot has a lot more to offer and is a worthy choice as long as another SMTP server is accessible to you. Good luck and happy emailing.

Dan Huber is a high school sophomore at Palmerton Area High School. He can be reached at wince@bigfoot.com.