Google

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I’m a proponent of Google’s web based tools, and it all started with Gmail. I recommend it often, so I made a list.

Why I use Gmail:

• It’s a core part of my web proficiency. I use the web a lot.
• I love the conversation mode, where emails with the same subject are grouped together.
• Gmail can merge my other email addresses into one account (using POP access).
• It’s web based (I can log into it anywhere I have browser access).
• It’s super fast at searching for old mail. Google is the engine behind it, after all.
• It has powerful filtering so I can better manage my mail.
• Keyboard shortcuts speed things up, and every little bit of speed helps.
• It will work just like a local email client (meaning it works without a current Internet connection). Install Google Gears for your browser and it will sync your mail to your local computer.
• It syncs mail, contacts and calendars with iPhones and other mobile devices
• It gives you access to Google Docs, Calendar, Reader, Voice, Wave and a whole lot of other Google tools. (You need a Gmail account for all of these.)
• Gmail integrates with Google Wave, which promises to revolutionize online communications.
• It’s free, unless you want to pay for more features and support at Google Apps.

Related article:

• Google waves goodbye to Docs offline function (go.theregister.com)