autoresponder...

If you are starting out, or have a minimum hosting plan, I would suggest you use a dedicated autoresponder service, like aWeber.

This software is installed on your server, and a great many hosting providers would have a problem with it (or similar) software as your lists grow. While you have small lists, it might not be noticed, but as your lists grow, the bandwidth and CPU usage rise, which usually requires you to upgrade your hosting plan.

If you have the idea of starting with self-hosted software, then moving to a service later, you will probably have difficulties with importing your lists. Most providers have limitations on import of external lists, and many require you go through double-opt-in all over again, which can significantly reduce the number of subscribers you get into the new list system.

For the cost of a decent hosting plan that will handle the cpu and bandwidth needs, or (if you are the do it yourself type) the cost of a high bandwidth roadrunner or dsl connection so you can send the emails from your home, you can probably have a nice hosted provider like aWeber, with a lot less hassle.

Having done the do it yourself plan in the past, and currently managing a commercial business network every day, along with the various issues of keeping a network together 24x7, when I started with IM, I opted for an aWeber account without a second thought. Yes, there are other providers of similar services, but I'm happy with them.

I agree, it's just so much easier to use aweber or mailchimp. You can do A/B testing with both of those.