Auto Access points? Best settings for IMAP account? — Nokia N95 and N95 8GB

Some questions from a newbie in mobile data:

1. In terms of access points. As different applications require connections, they all seem to ask me to select a access point either when they start in the background (e.g. Handy Weather) or when I select them e.g. the Browser.

I know I can set Handy Weather to use GPRS in the background for example, but it terms of all the other apps, rather than having to choose an access point from the list each time one starts, is there some heirachy of connection points that can be specified somewhere in the phone?

For example, I'd like the logic to be: if any defined wifi available, use wifi, if not use 3G ('Orange Internet' in my case), if no 3G, use GPRS (Orange GPRS setting) I'd like this 'logic' to happen without any prompts so I can just click the application and get on with using it. Is there any way to set this up?

2. In terms of data connections. I have an IMAP email account. I'd like either hourly notification of new mails (so I can then go to messaging and download if relevant) or constant 'pushing' of these mails so when I get them at the IMAP account, the phone gets them.

As a related aside; am I right in thinking a constant data connection will only actually cost me money if data is received (e.g. a message is downloaded) and therefore, even if I keep a constant connection - if no data is downloaded (lets say I get no mails during a day), I will not incur any charges? I ask this having read the article about pseudo-push mail by Mr Litchfield.

So, given my scenario, what are the best settings under 'Automatic retrieval' in Messaging...?

Do I want Email-notifications set to Auto Update? Or Email retrieval set to Enabled?

Just a little confused as to what the best use of each is.

Hope someone can clarify.

With regards to (1), not as such, no. You need to define the APs within each program. Some are better than others at being able to handle multiple APs but you can't force the N95 to make the best choice. Truphone for instance has an AP priority list and will auto connect to whichever it can find in the order you specify.

(2) Use something like Profimail and it will poll your IMAP account at predefined intervals, so that sounds the best way forward for you. Got to pay for it though 😉

And yes, holding a data connection open shouldn't 't cost you unless data traffic is actually happening. I have a connection open all day when running Fring. Just be aware though that it will affect you battery if it happens to be a WiFi or 3G connection. They are heavy users of juice. GPRS is a lot easier on the battery.