Postbox is widely recognized as one of the most sleek and effective email clients for the Mac OS X platform. OS X has always been about simplifying the user experience and Postbox seems to follow this exact same philosophy, creating a brilliant marriage under that operating system.

As a Windows user myself, the experience is no different. Closely related to Thunderbird, if you’re familiar with most popular email clients then you’ll feel right at home running the latest version Postbox. While this email client caters best to those of us who use Gmail, users of any and every email service provider should find that Postbox 3 works like a charm.

As we’ve done in the past, we’re offering 25 lucky readers a completely free copy of Postbox 3 (for Windows and Mac) at an overall value of $750! Read up and maybe you’ll be one of those lucky winners.

Setting Up Accounts

Setting up your email account in Postbox is really quite effortless and, as mentioned earlier, very similar to Thunderbird.

Simply enter your account information and proceed through the process.

If you use an email provider that isn’t on the obscure side, Postbox will automatically fill out the most painful information for us, including server information, ports, security type, etc.

Your Inbox

I’m a very retro Windows enthusiast. I’m talking 98, not even XP. One of the first things I do on a fresh Windows install is set the color scheme to Windows Classic and turn off the Themes service. With that being said, the Postbox 3 client still looks incredibly clean and elegant on a system running under barebones visual settings.

Although it’s a very simple and to-be-expected sort of feature in a paid email client, Postbox 3 makes quick replies a breeze. No pop-out reply windows means less confusion and clutter at the taskbar.

The Focus Pane (an optional pane under the View menu) is a very nice touch that allows you to isolate certain elements of your email to help prioritize the way you handle your inbox. The Focus Pane allows you to see only unread emails, emails with attachments, and more.

Postbox 3 has full support for Gmail Labels, as well as a dedicated view for Important labels, the Send & Archive function, Gmail keyboard shortcuts, and more.

Add-ons & More

Postbox supports many add-ons and extensions, all listed on their official website.

Some of these add-ons feature functionality that can completely change the way you use your Postbox. I’d really recommend checking through the entire list to make sure you aren’t missing out.

Aside from these third-party extensions, Postbox also integrates an entire social atmosphere within the client. As listed on their features page, this includes:

• Profile photos from Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Gravatar and the Address Book
• Automatically displays job titles and company names from LinkedIn
• Quick and easy access to LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter profile pages
• Update status directly to Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Postbox also integrates support alongside services like Dropbox and Evernote. It’s a very complete a feature-rich piece of software that simplifies your life of email by including the rest of your online services wherever possible.

Using this software, personal and business email can go from a confusing hassle to a real breeze. Postbox has put together a nice little piece of work for you and 25 lucky MakeUseOf readers will be able to get their paws on the paid version without dropping a dime. For those of you who are anxious or don’t plan to enter the giveaway, you can always buy or try Postbox on your own for just $29.95.

How do I win a copy of Postbox 3?

It’s simple, just follow the instructions. Please note that we’ve included a new entry method which utilises your MakeUseOf points.

Step 1: Fill in the giveaway form

Please fill in the form with your real name and email address so that we can get in touch if you are chosen as a winner. Click here if you can’t view the form.

The giveaway code required to activate the form is available from our Facebook page, our Twitter stream and Google+ page.

Step 2: Share!

You’re almost done. Now, all that’s left to do is to share the post!

Alternative entry method: Use your points!

If you don’t have a Facebook, Twitter or Google+ account, you may exchange your MakeUseOf points for an entry into the competition. It’s really simple: create a MakeUseOf account, earn points and exchange your points for an entry! Learn more about our Game system and Rewards program.

Sorry, the competition is now over

This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, June 15th. The winners will be selected at random and informed via email.

Spread the word to your friends and have fun!

Interested in sponsoring a giveaway? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us via the form at the bottom of this page.