The Bat! 9.3.4

Overview

Users dealing with multiple email addresses and bulk emailing are well aware of The Bat's efficiency. For those who have never used it – The Bat! is a superior email client that offers a comprehensive set of tools and options to process bulk emails. This program is especially useful in a corporate environment, and for those individuals running a business from home.

All the excessive functionality is available for $45 for a Pro version, and $35 for Home Edition. The difference between the two is in security features – the Pro version supports hardware authentication with mail servers, message encryption and biometric authentication. The trial version comes with all features active and is valid during 30 days.

Installation

Installing the client on your Win OS is smooth and intuitive. However, it does require your attention. You need to choose between a complete setup, or a custom installation, where you get to choose which program components you need to install.

The following setup requires your attention as to where you want your email to be stored locally, as well as configure the protocol management. You will have to check that information with your email provider. Creating your first account is rather intuitive, but do not make any quick moves if you are a beginner. The most difficult part is choosing between POP and IMAP, or MAPI. Check your email settings for advice on that and make sure you enable them in your online email version.

The Bat! has been on the market for quite a long time now, and it supports all Win OS.

Interface

Those who have been working with Bat before, the interface has not changed. For the newcomers, the interface is pretty clean and intuitive, but it does require some learning and getting used.
The layout is friendly for reading a selected message, viewing all your added accounts and folders in them. There are also customization options to make the design match your preferences.

Features

- The amount of features is overwhelming to the extent of getting confused while you learn:
- Encryption options
- Privacy-conscious email client
- Powerful filtering features
- Convenient templates
- Message parking
- Back-up and restore features
- Mail synchronization
- Handy address book
- Comprehensive task manager and reminder

Pros

The Bat's flexibility beats the competition. It offers any option an advanced user can think of: message encryption, synchronization, advanced and highly customizable templates, backup and restore functions, ample address book, extensive filtering, task manager and reminder.

The layout is also highly customizable to fit any requirements of a savvy user. SmartBat and Scheduler are great comprehensive tools by themselves and add high value to the email client.

Cons

The Bat! is by far a superior email client, but it requires some reading and learning. For a non-corporate beginning user, the number of features and settings is somewhat overwhelming. Other than that, there are absolutely no Cons in this stellar piece of software.

Alternatives