Outlook.com - Streamlined and Practical Free Email

Forfeiting two legs of four hands you a stand solid as a tripod when you're on the lookout as a meerkat. It is the tail, of course, that works as a surrogate leg when the meerkat rises to its hind feet for more panoramic a view.
Now, let's take more close a look at Outlook.com. Can it stand on its own as an email service? Does it come with handy a web interface? Do you have to forfeit IMAP access to get Exchange ActiveSync?
›› Outlook.com serves free email with practically unlimited storage accessible on the web with a rich and helpful interface or using POP and Exchange ActiveSync in email programs on desktop and mobile device.