I use Windows XP 5.1 and have been using Outlook for e-mail. I am
getting rid of my ground line hookup in favor of a satellite. I would
like to read my mail in Outlook and understand from what I have found
out so far that this means buying Hotmail Plus but every time I go to
the Messenger site to get it, there doesn't appear any offer for it.
Instead it presents the free programs, which I already have. All the
sites offering to help use Hotmail with Outlook have sent me to this
same dead end. Is it because I am in Italy? Question: Is there a
simple (including with service fee) way for me to continue using
Outlook with Hotmail - or for other addresses for that matter?

For configuration:  http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=287424

To upgrade: Log into Hotmail then go to: 
http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-us&page=hotmail/options

Hope that helped!

if you'd like to buy Hotmail Plus which has the below features, you
might go here http://join2.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-ca&page=hotmail/es

Extra storage space
Store more of your e-mail and attachments 
with a huge 2 gigabyte (GB) inbox.* 
Large file attachments
Easily share photos, and documents, and more?
up to 20 megabytes (MB) of attachments per e-mail. 
A cleaner look
No graphical ads for a more streamlined interface. 
Access your MSNŽ HotmailŽ account with Outlook Express.

Otherwise you could use other free email like gmail, or any one that
supports pop3 mail in order to manage your email with outlook
Hope it answers your question