Q: Can I write an email and schedule it to be sent later?

From what I have researched, it's not built into MacMail...sigh. I miss my PC.

Supposedly Automator does this, but my research also leads to multiple steps...sigh, I miss this function in Outlook.

So, it can be done. But not with a few clicks withing MacMail.

In this respect what you miss is Outlook, (which is not a no cost option). Scheduling emails on a Mac cannot be done with Mail.app but it might be something that third party apps can do.

jmcleary have you looked at Thunderbird?

But the Mac itself is not a no-cost option to start with. It costs on the order of 50% more. If costs are factored, the Mac starts significantly behind whether factored with MacMail and/or any open source option like Thunderbird.

A PC is not a no cost option either.

I could name you a number of features you get in cheap cars but not in a Rolls, if you see where I'm going.

Anyway, I think Outlook for Mac maybe?

It should be in MacMail if you asked me. The only costs relevant are the additional costs, not the base expenses of having a computer, whatever kind.

I agree it should be. But even with a PC IIRC it's not included as standard.

Here's a kludge that should work. I've used a modified version of this procedure in earlier versions of the OS. The directions spend most of the time talking about running Applescripts but the same process works for Automator which they address in the article http://www.tuaw.com/2013/03/18/triggering-applescripts-from-calendar-alerts-in-m ountain-lion/

You will need to use the following Automator actions to get the mail sent.

New Mail Message expand the actions and save with the appropriate information.

Send Outgoing Messages

Save an uncompiled version of this and it can be used as the basis for future messages should the text/recipients need to change

ChungaSoft just realeased a plugin for Mail which does exactly this...provides a second "send" button right next to the main one which opens up a dialog box allowing you to specify the date and time for the email you have open to send. Then the message sites in your outbox and sends when you told it to. Much easier and slicker way to do this than using Automator. http://www.chungwasoft.com/sendlater/

Thanks for the heads up. I didn't know about this alternative. Hopefully this solves the problem for folks who need to schedule sendine e-mail.

No problem...I didn't know about it either until I received an email from them today. I've already purchased and tested the plugin and it works great...I've been pining for this functionality in Mail since I left Eudora several years ago and I can't tell you how excited I am it exists!

Rick, I just searched on this very problem and acted on your suggestion.  Is perfect!  Thanks for your contricution....

hmm...  'contribution'....

I could use this too - I think Eudora did this (sometime in the last century...) and it was cool.  I could send myself reminders ... I guess I have calendar to do that now.  I could send emails to my Mom once a week and set them up once a month...

i'm checking out the plugin right now, thanks

Ahh Eudora...I remember you so fondly...