I wrote this POP3 Watcher application. I downloaded one off the web but it did not do what I wanted - even after I modified the code.
This was written in Borland C++ 6 (The Navy is behind the technology curve). It is pretty nice, but the data is hard coded as of right now so I always get the error when it checks my work email. But since these are little popup windows or toast windows, they do not get in the way... Well, at least not all the time.
I like how the Google email watcher thing will tell you who emailed you and the subject. Sometimes it is enough to know that. Other times it is awesome to be notified that I got interesting email so I can login and read it if I want to.
Hopefully I'll get the finished product out, but like most good ideas don't get the time to be completed. Too many interests I guess.