As I mentioned a few tips ago, Microsoft is making Hotmail/Live mail access available to all Outlook 2003/2007 users via a connector. That connector is now available. If your hotmail acct has not been converted to the live servers you need to log into Hotmail and click the link to convert it.


Microsoft Office Outlook Connector
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=7aad7e6a-931e-438a-950c-5e9ea66322d4&displaylang=en 

As always, the fine print has some important caveats not mentioned previously:

"Outlook Connector Beta enables you to use your Live Hotmail accounts within Outlook:
Read and send your Office Live Mail/Windows Live Hotmail e-mail messages.

Manage your Live Mail Contacts.
Use advanced options for blocking junk e-mail messages.

Manage multiple e-mail accounts in one place.

With a paid subscription, Outlook Connector Beta enables these additional features:
Manage, share, and synchronize your Windows Live Calendar in Outlook.
Access your Tasks and Notes."

Oh well, at least the mail and contacts are free. :)

You can also try the replacement for Outlook Express and Vista's Mail:
Live Mail Beta
http://get.live.com/betas/maildesktop_betas