IMAP settings and periodic check

Submitted by ktp on Thu, 06/20/2013 - 22:05

Forums:

Hello,

1) Is there any difference between X-Notifier for Thunderbird and for Firefox? Since I use both Thunderbird and Firefox, what is recommended?

2) In Thunderbird, in X-Notifier options, there is no field for either POP3/IMAP server, and the default 10 minutes mail check is used. Why?

I would prefer to have IMAP IDLE notification (like Gmail in Android), so no need for X-Notifier to periodically poll the mailbox? Otherwise I do not see now the advantage of X-Notifier vs. Thunderbird since Thunderbird has already built-in periodic inbox check.

 

Maybe I am missing something. Thank you in advance for your explanations.

 Edit: I found a standalone utility named POP Peeper. It is portable and works well.

RpD

Thu, 06/20/2013 - 23:53

1) It is the same add-on for both Thunderbird and Firefox (although there may be internal routines specific to which program it is added onto).  However, Thunderbird no longers supports javascript ...so it will not access some mail sites or some features of mail sites, while Firefox can.  Thunderbird is not a full browser implementation.

2) In Thunderbird, in X-Notifier 'Options', when defining POP3/IMAP accounts, there IS a field for the INCOMING POP3/IMAP server, and I have no trouble setting a specific interval to check mail.  The 'default' is simply there for a generic default interval when defining new accounts.  You can change the account-specific interval (even though it may look 'grayed out')...  use 0 (zero) to disable automatic checking (although Notifier will still check all accounts on TB/browser startup, unless you UNcheck that option as well).   POP3/IMAP are not 'webmail'... there is no Outgoing server specification ...however, there is a "Link" box where you can define an email program to open or a webmail login page URL address.

I use Thunderbird for primary email client... and X-Notifier add-on for Thunderbird.  It is a handy "at-a-glance" means to check many different types of accounts (not all of which are supported by Thunderbird itself) with audible and visual alerts... which may not occur with just Thunderbird.   It is not simply 'redundant' of Thunderbird... it adds much value (features) to Thunderbird, and others (browsers).

I believe there has been a recent request of support for IMAP IDLE, and the admin may be considering that, if I remember correctly.

ktp

Fri, 06/21/2013 - 03:09

@RpD

Thank you for your clear and detailed answer.

I also use Thunderbird as email client instead of using Webmail (Gmail).
X-Notifier settings for 'Gmail' account does not require POP3/IMAP server, while it IS present as you said if I select
IMAP in the combo-box.
Since X-Notifier seemingly does not support yet IMAP IDLE, I cannot use it as I would like
(no periodic polling for new emails). Currently I have to use my Android phone : Gmail notification is quick,
with no polling from the email client.