> what do people use a desktop e-mail client for.. ie thunderbird ?

I use Apple Mail for reading mail because I have email accounts at a number of different providers and web UIs differ so easier to bring everything into one app. Also, sometimes it’s good to have email offline.

> Mine as start sending hand written messages and licking stamps..

I do that too, sometimes.

How is it worse than having to use up all my RAM in a few browser tabs with unresponsive PWAs such as Outlook for work? I much rather have Thunderbird or Evolution silently in the background popping up notifications when I get emails - not to mention it’s much easier to compartmentalise within a DE, i.e I know my email is workspace #4 instead of having to flash scroll through all my open tabs

It is more efficient in a browser, given that Thunderbird isn’t true native app either.

Among other reasons, in built privacy features like ability to not load images or ability to avoid loading css or other trackable files. Reading pure text email or HTML only is very refreshing in today's age where everything is meant to distract your attention.

Ah yes, really living in the future loading up an entire browser, consuming all the ram, to type and read text.

The browser is already open, for most users, it’s the only thing open.

You do know Thunderbird uses the Gecko browser engine, right?

Most webmail clients aren't great, tied to big tech, out of your control and only manage one email address, don't integrate well with the rest of the desktop. Too name a few.

It works offline and supports multiple accounts in one program.

My email provider (me since I self-host) doesn't provide a web UI

Desktop e-mail clients integrate well with the operating system, making work much easier. Native desktop apps are also faster to use and lets you access your e-mails if your connection is interrupted.

I pull all my webmail into a single location on a regular basis and have a full, easily-restored backup thanks to thunderbird

K-Mail from KDE 3.5