Outlook or WLM or Thunderbird?

I'm using Outlook for email only and I wonder if it is more than I need--and using resources I could use elsewhere. Are Windows Live Mail or Thunderbird less "heavy?" (Don't know if that's a computer term.) I just want something for email without all the bells and whistles, such as a calendar or to-do list.

 

Thunderbird is quite simple.

 

If you are using Vista You won't find anything lighter or simpler than Vista's own Windows Mail - no calendar, no nothin'. The others you mention are all good programs, but all have bells and whistles you have said you don't want. If you are on XP then you can use good ol' Outlook Express. If Win 7 WLM is probably best for you.

Don't confuse Windows Mail with Windows Live Mail, they are completely different programs.

 

... and there is always gmail, hotmail and so on. Simplest and lightest of all.

 

Thanks for the replies. Sure gives me plenty of options.