Syncing macbook pro mail 4.2 with Imac 3.6mail

Question

I have trouble with macbook pro mail in that once I read the mail on it, the mail no longer shows up on my Imac. I am able to read mail on the Imac first, and it shows up on the macbook pro. The mail programs are different versions: macbook pro is 4.2, and Imac is 3.6. All settings are set up the same on both computers.
I'd like to have access to all the mail on both computers -- is this possible?

Answer 1

Who is your email provider? It depends upon how they are setup to deliver email to you. If you are using a provider that supports IMAP, then both Macs can synchronize email easily. What one mail client does when connected to the mail server, the other will see once they connect and pick up changes.
If your provider uses POP3 then it's more difficult. Mail clients using POP3 to get their email don't sync very easily. The reason is that when one mail client downloads email from the mail server using POP3, it then deletes the email that it just downloaded off the server. The other mail client connects later and doesn't see the emails because the first email client deleted them after downloading them.
The main difference between IMAP and POP3 is that mail clients using IMAP leave the mail on the server, even after you've read it. The only time it's deleted is when you choose to delete it.
Now, if you're using an email service using something other than IMAP or POP3 to deliver email, then you should say so in a reply.
HTH