I have decided to switch my personal email account from Microsofts’ hotmail to Google’s Gmail.
Why Switch?
I have been reading a great book called “Upgrade your Life,” written by the same folks who write the Lifehacker Blog (See post below). It’s a bit techy, but I would highly recommend it to anyone who uses a computer more than 8 hours a day. After reading this book, doing some research, and testing Gmail’s capabilities, I have made the switch. Some things that convinced me are:Google Search. It’s tough to argue against Google’s search capabilities. This makes archiving, and finding old documents really easy.
- Google Applications. Google Docs, Google Reader, Google Pages, Embedded Gtalk, Google Sites and many other applications that I use regularly. It’s my feeling that these will only increase over time, and will help me consolidate my daily online footprint.
- Gmail is just cooler. As nerdy as it may sound. Every techy, rogue developer, and blog poster I read, are all Gmail users. Furthermore, they are developing great time saving application like “Remember the Milk” plugin.
- Consolidating Email. You can receive, and send, yes send, emails from all of your accounts through email. Check out how.
How I Switched?
Google gives you a step by step tutorial on how to switch here. You can also forward email from your hotmail account by clicking options > Manage your account > Forward mail to another e-mail account. I have been testing Gmail for a few weeks now, and incorporating a inbox managing technique, The Trusted Trio, also learned from the Lifehacker Book. Needless to say, I am sold. Any questions, stories to share about switching your email?