Thunderbird for Gmail/Hotmail

[metrognome7]

I've been waffling back and forth for a few days now on whether or not to install Thunderbird and convert over from Outlook. As it stands I have four email addresses: really old Hotmail now used to filter junk, old Hotmail primarily now used for mailing lists, personal Gmail, and work Gmail. I know that there's a fairly simple POP workaround for Gmail and T'bird, but I've heard it's tough to get Hotmail to work with the program - even when using the Webmail extension. The other issue is that I occasionally need to attach/integrate Office files into my email for work. I have no need for complex programming interface, just a solid, virus/phishing free desktop email program.

In your opinion, is it worth it convert to Thunderbird, or should I just stick with Outlook?

PS - I use Firefox for browsing and have been doing so for a long time.