Sparrow 1.6.4 Build 1176

Overview

Sparrow is a user-friendly, feature-rich e-mail application for Mac OS X that is designed to increase productivity and give users an online communications platform that is well-integrated within their operating system.

Installation

Anyone with Mac OS X 10.6 or above should be able to install Sparrow with no problems. With a file size of about 12 MB, Sparrow 1.5 downloads and installs quickly. The setup requires minimal effort on behalf of the user, as a simple wizard style software guides you through the process.

Interface

The Sparrow user interface contains a plethora of options and tabs, yet is not convoluted enough to create confusion in new users. With drag-and-drop functionality you can quickly attach files, edit contacts, and perform every other main function. By default, the interface gives you access to all of the features via self explanatory button icons located along the left navigational panel and the top toolbar.

Pros

• Instant sharing capabilities – with integrated plugins like CloudApp and DropBox, you can quickly attach files to e-mails in the form of a convenient hyperlink by simply dragging the file into the e-mail text box.

• Complete integration with Gmail – every feature you would find in your Gmail inbox is available within the sparrow 1.5 interface.

• Features like Quick Reply make it easy to quickly respond to e-mails and facilitate expeditious correspondence.

• Fully customizable inbox that lets you choose from a variety of appealing templates

• Integrated with Facebook Connect to help you keep in touch with all of your contacts

• Paid version is compatible with an unlimited number of e-mail accounts. In other words, all of your e-mail addresses can share a centralized inbox within the Sparrow interface.

• Provides automatic desktop notifications to keep you aware of your latest e-mails

• New draft management technology helps you send e-mails faster, synchronize within your network with less connectivity problems, and avoid the hassle of accidentally losing e-mails

Cons

• The free version of the software is supported by ads, so you may be annoyed by adverts in the sidebar. The trial version also only allows one e-mail address to be attached to each user account so consider using the paid version which provides a cleaner user interface and full features.

Alternatives

The most notable alternative to Sparrow is the resident Apple Mail application that is included with OS X by default; a program that is also designed specifically for Macs. Other similar programs that are available for multiple operating systems include Thunderbird (Win version linked here), Microsoft Office Outlook, and Postbox (Win version linked here). Even if you are already used to the Apple Mail application within your operating system, it would be easy to adapt to the familiar Sparrow user interface, and there are several additional features.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a compact, yet comprehensive e-mail application for the Mac, Sparrow is by far the most formidable competitor. With an interface that makes it look like it is built directly into OS X, any Mac user will find Sparrow to be an ideal email manager.