Collect data through email, other then outlook

[bbwolff]

I read a lot about collecting data through email, but it seems like you really really need outlook. Problem is that noone uses that anymore. I can instal it on one computer and manage all incoming mail through that and create forms through wizard.
Is it possible to use gmail or something else on client side?
Does the mail have to be form only, or can it contain other info, particularly pictures?