Currently we are using Gmail as the mail server for our emails, even though the email addresses don't contain any reference to Gmail, the email addresses being name@company.co.nz 

With our move to employing staff and the prospect of having staff located all round the country we need to look at managing our communications both internal and external, document access and appointments etc.  Other than the staff that will be based at our head office all other staff will be out on the road so to speak so will be accessing these things via their laptop with mobile internet.

There seems to be two options Windows Live and Google Apps.  

With the increase in staff we need to decide now whether or not to remain using Gmail and go with Google Apps or go to Windows Live and set up the email accordingly.

What do users think of each platform? Are there any gotchas we need to be aware of?

The other consideration is the choice of mobile phone.  While the majority of accessing will be on the laptop there will be a need to synch some stuff (calendar/emails) to the phone as well.  I'm kind of guessing that the WP7 phone will work better with Windows Live and  the same for an Android phone with Google Apps.  However I know for example that Google Apps work with Nokia via Nokia's Mail for exchange so there is probably some interoperability between the various mobile platforms.

I'd be interested in any objective opinions.

Thanks