ABCSpell for Outlook Express 7.1.3 - Outlook Express Spell Checker

ABCSpell for Outlook Express offers solid spell checking for Outlook Express and without requiring Microsoft Office to be installed. ABCSpell for Outlook Express integrates with Outlook Express so well that it copies the shortcomings of the native spell checker (no as-you-type checking and no automatic language recognition, for example).

Of course, Outlook Express includes a spell checker — if you have Microsoft Office installed. Those without a need or desire for Office are left behind and without a spell checker.

Enter ABCSpell for Outlook Express. Plugging into Outlook Express the same way the native checker does, ABCSpell for Outlook Express offers a seamless and easy experience.

ABCSpell for Outlook Express can check the spelling on demand or automatically before a message is sent and is smart enough to ignore quoted text and URLs, for example. With ABCSpell for Outlook Express, you even get the advantage of 14 supported language, easily installed with an integrated update. A thesaurus and a shortcut to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary add more choice.

Unfortunately, ABCSpell for Outlook Express does integrate and emulate so well that it also copies most of the native spell checker's shortcomings, though. These limitations are by no means dramatic, mind you, but if you are used to something better they can be irritating nonetheless.

ABCSpell for Outlook Express cannot check the spelling as you type, for example, and it does not recognize the language you use automatically. More frustrating is that the language used for a message cannot be changed after you have started it (you have to save the email as a draft, change the language, and get back to editing).

Still, ABCSpell for Outlook Express is a welcome and highly useful addition to the Office-less Outlook Express user's toolbox.