So I got gmail about 3 days ago. My experience with it so far is good. I enjoy the user friendly design, and capabilities. I keep telling my friends, "Send me some big files, F**K yeah!" I received a 16 mb file. It was sweet.

I looked down at my mailbox status. It said, 1% full. My friends sent me some crap files, 3% full. It's incredible.

I do have my reservations about my use of Gmail so far. I use a Nokia 3300 to check email. Having used Hotmail for the past 5 years I have gotten used to the format, and the fun extras, ergo, checking my email via cell phone. Google, as of this moment, does not offer the option. This leaves me with several options.

One, do not check email while away. Which, this is not a bad thing. I could probably use a break from, quote unquote, "civilized technology." The Mob never had cell phones. And there were no immediate repurcusions to actions. With cell phones in place, everything is instantaneous. Email, AIM, Google even has a mobile search engine available. It's descent. There just isn't a lot to search for on the mobile web.

Second, I could continue to use hotmial until Google comes out with a way to access Gmail from my semi-blackberry device. There is a 3rd party company that is working on the project as we speak. So soon, I hope. I'm not sure why I really want it. I'm just a kid in a candy store.

What I've decided is that usage of Gmail is currently, but not completely, inconvenient depending on how you want to access your email. I use Hotmail in communications I attend to quickly. And file transfers? That's where Gmail is the Cash Cow of all email platforms. Another perk from Gmail is its user friendly design. It took me a day or so to figure out what does what, and how do I 'blah blah blah.'

Email adresses autocomplete by typing in the first name of the recipient. It will also organize your email list, which pops up quickly in a nice box when needed, putting the most frequently used email adress at the top of the list. Convenient? Hell yes, b*tch!

Hands down, it's the best email platform around. I'm just waiting until they go public, and add some pretty little features like mobile mail. Free, it's free. No spam either. You report spam, and no one ever has to spend 5 hours deleted unwanted emails.

On a scale of one to ten, ten being highest, I give gmail a 7. It loses 1 point by not having mobile access, and 1 point for not being public. And 1 more point because I think the capability of gmail can go so much farther. How, you ask? I have no idea. But they'll find a way. Hotmail is a 6, being that it is soon to become obsolete. Microsoft will need to try to enhance their systems with the cost of FREE to their customers. They will, of course, top Google somehow. They've got the funds to do even better. We'll see.

Finally, email providers are fighting over me. (Sounds like a mortagage company, or car insurance.) 1gig, plus free, equals a happy camper.

Currently, Gmail is available by invitation from other Gmail users. It's in beta testing. There is no sign of when Gmail will be available to the public. I had to beg my friend to send me an invite. I used the ol,' "I'll be your best friend," routine. What a sucker. <grin>

Try getting a decent phone. Google is brilliant on the Treo 600. Derrrrrrr

I have a gmail invite available. If you want one, email me via mind-brain.com. I'll send an invite back.