Email - Advanced Android use with Gmail, Google Apps, Fastmail, Mail Clients, etc.

[abourne]

Email Services I use - Google Apps and FastMail.FM

I use Google Apps for Email

Standard (Free) Edition
Google Apps Standard Edition helps groups build communities - Google Apps Standard Edition

* Google Mail with my own domain
* Google Talk with my own domain

Google Apps account also includes:

* Calendar
* Docs
* Contacts

The Primary Google Account has necessary features not offered in Google Apps:

* Google Voice
* Google Reader
* Blogger
* Notebook
* Finance

Unfortunately, Google does not allow the above properties to be including in Google Apps accounts at this time.

Therefore, I'm continuously logged into two Google Accounts:

1) Google Apps
2) Google Account

When on the web, Android, etc., I can be logged into both the Google Account and Google Apps simultaneously - two separate gateways that do not interfere with one another. This is also nice because I use Google Voice to place calls as well as sending SMS messages.

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Fastmail Account:

I also use Fastmail.FM. Here's a recent article about Fastmail with an interview with Jeremy Howard, one of the Fastmail founders.

Here are a few of the reasons why I use Fastmail (enhanced account)

1. * Virtual Domain Management - MX Mail Servers
2. * Aliases - Subdomain alias features
3. * Compose with Personalities Management (alternate sending From: Headers)
4. * File Storage / Websites
5. * Advanced Sieve Filtering
6. * Alternate Logins - One Time Passwords (OTP)

Using these Services on Android

In Google Apps Mail/Gmail (on the web) I have a drop-down menu in the From: header to send from alternate email addresses. When using the Gmail App on Android or through the browser, there is no drop-down menu or option to send from an alternate email address.

I've been having the same issue on the iPod Touch (or iPhone) through the Safari browser as there is also no drop-down menu or option to send from an alternate email address.

Using the mobile-based Fastmail.fm, I find that this works very well on the Android browser. Fastmail.fm is the only web-mobile email service I've found that allows one to take use the drop-down menu at the From: header to select an alternate email address.

I find it odd that Gmail has a similar From: header drop-down menu on the standard web, but not on mobile devices.

Hence, when I need to choose a specific header to send from and I'm on my Android device, I use Fastmail via the mobile browser.

The only downside of Fastmail via the mobile browser is there is no autofill like on the Gmail App and Gmail mobile site. I have to "add from the address book" which involves extra steps. However, I have put in a request for this on the Fastmail forum.


Mobile Email Client - IMAP

Of course, all of these services (Gmail, Google Apps, Fastmail) offer IMAP and we can use the mobile email client as a viable alternative.

It should be noted, however, that the email clients do not offer the option modify the default From: sending address.

I really wish that Android would offer a way to include the standard From: drop-down menu within the Gmail App and on the Gmail mobile web browser.

I have placed a request here in the "Application Requests" forum:

http://androidforums.com/application-requests/14077-gmail-app-mail-app-offers-drop-down-menu.html

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[polakatl]

I'm glad this issue has been raised. I switched from a Black Berry that was running on basic internet access (no BIS/BES) and the GMail app on the BB was great. I had no problem selecting a send from address. I can't see how Google omitted this important feature.

I have four google accounts forward mail to one which had (on the BB) the option to select send from. This allows me to do ALL of my e-mail from one account.

 

[abourne]

I can't see how Google omitted this important feature.

I'm glad this issue has been raised.

Perhaps you could help me raise this issue. It seems to falling on deaf ears.

...the GMail app on the BB was great. I had no problem selecting a send from address.

Wow. I didn't realize the BB App built this in. Why doesn't Android? Or Google on it's mobile web site?

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[polakatl]

Any tips on how to get this to be noticed?

The simple problem is driving me insane! I can't e-mail business contacts with my personal email address. Reply works fine, but it is a pain to find an old e-mail, click reply and delete out all the RE material.

I know I can also add my other gmail accounts and set them up to manual sync (those mailboxes are empty since they archive) and choose accounts under the android app to switch. It all can be done but it is tedious.

 

[abourne]

Any tips on how to get this to be noticed?

Post in Gmail help discussion pages.

Tell the developers here.

Post this on Android Google developers site.

Post this to the attention of other developers on multiple Android forums.

Try to get TechCrunch, Lifehacker, Phandroid, Phonescoop, etc. to write articles and blogs on this subject.

The more we get the word out, the more people who this feature will relate to it.

 

[abourne]

I have four google accounts forward mail to one which had (on the BB) the option to select send from. This allows me to do ALL of my e-mail from one account.

polakatl - Since you use multiple From: headers when sending, you may want to look into using

FastMail - reliable email hosting services (IMAP, POP, SMTP, Web)

I have an enhanced account (because I use it to manage domains) but the features for sending from multiple email addresses works well both online, and the only mobile service I know of that offers the From: Header drop-down menu on a mobile device.

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[Electro]

I had thought I was the only one using Fastmail. Have been for some time now, and think the service is great, even though I am using the free account. No trouble with my Storm, but when I picked up my Droid and entered in my account, I got this message back from the Fastmail Admin.:

Dear FastMail.FM User,
> You have just used our SMTP server. This service is not provided at
> your membership level. Although you may use your email software to access the service at all membership levels, you must upgrade to use SMTP. Please see our help pages for complete details on how to setup your email software to access your account to send and receive emails.
http://www.fastmail.nethelpremote_email_access_server_names_and_ports.html
> If you do wish to use this service, please upgrade your account to the
appropriate level. You can do this by logging in into the web site and
clicking 'Options' and then 'Upgrade' to upgrade your account, which
takes only a few moments.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us by replying to
this email. If you can not get your email software to work in order to
reply, simply use the web interface to reply.
Sincerely,
> The FastMail.FM team
> webmaster@fastmail.net

Apparently even though I configured my account as IMAP (necessary for the free account but not the paid accounts with which you may use POP) somehow one of the messages had been sent through SMTP. The administrators were very polite and everything was settled. So here is a tip to avoid free Fastmail account troubles - please be sure to configure your Fastmail free accounts to IMAP.