I’ve always considered myself a fairly demanding email user. For a long time, I’ve expected to be able to use folder hierarchies, server-side rules, secure connections and an easy to use interface. For personal email I’ve used IMAPS or IMAP/ssh tunnel and procmail since 1999. I expect proprietory mail systems to fit the bill too (which I’m often disappointed by.)
But now along comes GMail and its changed 5 years of habits. I have switched pretty much all of my personal and mailing list email to it. It doesn’t have offline support, but I spend most of my time at a computer on a broadband connection now so that’s less important.
There are several reasons for switching, but they are all usability related: filtering is much easier to do than in procmail; I find I don’t need hierarchies anymore; I have a manageable inbox for the first time in years; its blisteringly quick, and so many reasons more.
I can’t recommend it enough – switch to GMail today if you can. If you know me and want me to refer you for a GMail account just ask.
Mike Roberts