I can see some options available:
1) Use PEAR's POP3 class --> tried it, having some weird weird issues like FF choking to death on their sample code!!!
2) Use PHPClasses (here) --> seems to be the viable option at the time, still working on it
3) Write my own or use one of the snippets available
The target is currently Gmail, but I would like this to work on my ISP mail too (not necessarily same code of course).
What do you use? Pointers to working snippets would be much appreciated.