What may be the best/preferred Email solution(s)?

Background:

I am using Office for Mac 2011. I used to use Office on the PC and kept all my email on my hard disk. I want my life to synch between my computer and phone. I now keep my calendar, reminders and phone directory using the native Apple Applications. So now, I'm less wedded to the outlook application.

I have multiple email accounts. One long term one is on gmail, and I've been weaning myself and others to my account on live.com. Live.com is on the outlook.com platform--a domain like outlook.com or hotmail.com.

Additional History:

Though many companies suggest using their cloud, I've found that doesn't always work. Previous email accounts linked to either my cable company or local phone company were lost when I moved. When I moved cross country, I had to change banks, and old "online financial records" that I didn't need to keep on paper also were lost. I now use the gmail and outlook email accounts as they are not connected to phone or cable services that require monthly payments, or are limited to a physical address.

As computer/software companies don't often play nicely with one another, and must continually look at new financial models, I think (I've got a cloudy crystal ball), that in the future, that Microsoft may charge for having an email account on their domain. (I hope I'm wrong.)

Which may be best?

I CAN access these accounts using a browser. I've used a dedicated application (outlook for mac) in the belief that by keeping the email on my computer, it acts as a backup, and allows offline use. Again, I'm not wedded to Outlook as I once was.

1) Should I merely stop using my local apps and use a browser? I have connectivity almost all the time. It would save space on my computer and allow me to use any computer or phone. Any thoughts there?

2) IF I continue to use an app, might I be better off using the Apple Mail Application? If so, it will work better with my calendar/phone directory. Any other thoughts?

I'm open to all perspectives here, and know we each have our own specific needs. Thanks!