October 20th, 1999

[8:00 AM] Microsoft Rolls Out Outlook Express, Offers iMac (5) Give Away As Promotion Microsoft has released Outlook Express 5. Outlook Express is an e-mail client with a host of features. The new version sports performance enhancements, an entirely new interface, and all kinds of new features. Better yet, Microsoft is offering a way for potential users to test the product while still maintaining their previous e-mail client. Microsoft Corp. today announced the immediate availability of Outlook(R) Express 5 Macintosh Edition, which introduces innovations that help solve real-world problems. New features such as Smart Attachments and Junk Mail Filter helped Microsoft(R) Outlook Express 5 capture a Best of Show award at Macworld Expo New York 1999. Built-in support for synchronization with the MSN.COM(TM) Hotmail(TM) Web-based e-mail service and 3Com Palm Organizers helps people bring information together into a single location. The new Test Drive feature in Outlook Express 5 makes it simple for people to try out this new version while continuing to use their current e-mail program. Outlook Express is still a free product. You can find more information at the company's web site. Microsoft is also offering an iMac give away in conjunction with trying Outlook Express. The company will be giving away 5 iMacs, one of each of the original candy colors. The Mac Observer Spin: Several Mac Observer staff members have commented that this new version of Outlook Express seems to be pretty nifty. Since we are a tough crowd, especially when it comes to Microsoft products, this is a very good sign. As news has swept the Net on this product, it seems lots of excitement over its release has been generated. For its part, Microsoft is throwing some money and effort at its release. Offering a chance to win one of five free iMac just for trying out the free product is a nice touch. Microsoft - Outlook Express