Gmail: The Future of Email?

Since its launch in early 2005, Gmail has become a major player in the web based email market. With such strong services, is there any reason to use any other service?

Gmail, the email system invented and ran by Google, has taken the Internet by storm. While Google has never officially released the number of Gmail users, it is estimated to be in the millions, making it possibly the most popular web based email service. If you are unfamiliar, you are one of few, but here are some basics. Gmail is strictly web based email, although they do allow POP3 access. The system boasts an ever growing storage limit, currently around 2.8GB. Thats the largest free email storage available. They allow attachments up to 10MB, making a Gmail box a convenient place to store files and pictures. Gmail allows such a large storage box, because they incorporate the Google search system into the email box, allowing you to archive email instead of delete it. Archiving takes it out of the inbox, and places it in limbo on the Gmail server. Searching through your mail is quick and easy, allowing you to find anything you were looking for, with out sorting pesky folders, or digging through an over crowded inbox. Of course, you can still delete things if you want to, and you can make labels, similar to folders, if you choose to organize that way, but the Google search feature makes it not really necessary. With new additions like Google Apps, you can now even get your own domain email attached to a Gmail account, which was the last stand out for paid for email. Gmail also lists your email messages in conversation form, meaning that if you exchange replies with someone, on a single subject, those emails are grouped together for your convenience. No more looking for a lost reply, or looking for your last message, their all together.

Google is integrating all their services into the Gmail system, allowing users to access a complete range of Google programs via their Gmail box. Google Talk, Googles instant messaging program is built in. Google Talk knows when your signed into Gmail, so while your checking your mail, you can exchange IM's with friends. If someone goes off line, your IM can be delivered as an email. Very convenient for staying in touch. There are also links for Calender, Documents, Photos, Groups, and any other Google system you are signed up for.

All of these features, combined with the ever growing power of Google, sets Gmail apart from the rest of the free web based email services. If you haven't already, try it at www.gmail.com.