ThunderbirdTray

If you're a frequent Thunderbird user, you'll be very happy to know that keeping your email client open in the taskbar will no longer be an issue. Why? Simply because someone thought about creating an application that allows you to minimize Thunderbird to your system tray. This means more space for you without having to compromise for it. Keep your Thunderbird application open without crowding your desktop. ThunderbirdTray is one possible app choice amongst a few others.

The application is not original, nor is it filled with functionality. It's as basic as you'd expect. So what exactly is surprising about this application? Apart from the fact that it allows you to minimize your Thunderbird email client, it's an application that will not have issues working with newer releases of the client application. Extensions usually need porting between releases, while this application will not. This is due to the fact that the app internals rely on .NET and Win32 structures instead of WebExtensions.

In terms of how well it works, the answer is very well. One can't usually expect such an application not to work since it only provides one particular function. The menu it displays, if you can truthfully call it that, is made up of two options. You can either exit the application or show/hide the email client. That's about it. This works in the advantage of such programs because it is not difficult to use. The app does not nag you in any way. It's just there to do the job it promises. With that in mind, there isn't anything else you can expect from ThunderbirdTray.

Thus, if you are a frequent Thunderbird user, and you'd like to have more workspace or have a clean desktop, ThunderbirdTray could very much help you with that. Otherwise, if what this small app has to offer does not fit in with your usual desktop routine, you're better off without it. With single-function applications, things have to be this easy. You either need them or you don't. ThunderbirdTray does exactly what it advertises: it minimizes your Thunderbird email client, keeping it hidden in the system tray.