SnipClik is the best tool for that task
+ couple other features like date stamp, exif, auto rotate (cool)
http://snipclik.com

I use photoshop now, but polyview for several years.
www.polyview.com

Try Xat.com's Pro JPEG optimizer - its basically a batch optimizer - ive
  tried it on a gallery of 460 photos without error. You get resize,
resample, crop, enhancement aswell as having a file size limiter (you
set your maximum size and the compression size is fitted to that) and
full JPEG control. It is shareware but is great value for money

You want to check out IrfanView.  It's a free graphics utility that you can
use to resize a whole folder full of images in batch mode.  You can do tons
of other stuff with it.  You can batch rename, alter properties, etc.  In
addition to resizing your photos, you should change the dpi to around 72 for
displaying on the web.  You can also use it to convert between graphics
formats.  It should be in every digital photographer's bag of tricks.  You
can get it at www.irfanview.com.

Bruce

If you are using Microsoft XP, a tool from Microsoft called Image Resizer is
free, and works very well, and you can batch resize (select all, right click
and click on "resize pictures").  On the web page look for "Image Resizer".

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

This program will be added to the right click menu of your mouse when
viewing pictures.

Snipclik is the best - no need to load any app (like Photoshop) - just
select your photos, right click and paste them to the outlook

Try PictureGirdle.  Its a free utility that will resize your images in
one step.  You can batch as many as your computer's resources can
handle.  Very easy to use and minimum loss of quality.  if you are
interested its at http://www.scrammit.com/software.htm

HTH

I've seen apps you mentioned
I like snipclik because: it keeps exif information, no additional app to
load, has a date stamp.
Thank you for your help!