jtara - 4:21 pm on Jul 12, 2006 (gmt 0)

I use a commercial email provider that specializes in service for small businesses. I don't use the account or servers provided by my ISP.

I use my email provider's SMTP server. They support encryption with SSL as well as alternate ports for both SMTP and POP. So, there should be no issue if your ISP blocks the standard SMTP port.

They also do provide a webmail interface for use on-the-go without having to carry a notebook.

The service is inexpensive (I think $20/year) and reliable. I'm sure if you do a search you will find a number of companies offering this type of service.