Clash of the Webmail Titans

In this special "Clash of the Webmail Titans" update - I'm going to my opinions on the top 3 web-based free e-mail services before they are officially launched. (Note: All three are current in the Beta testing mode.)

Windows Live Mail

For me, and many others, Hotmail was my first introduction to webmail - it also was quite a cool thing to have a completely FREE email account - (especially in 2004 when I managed to bag my own cool hotmail.co.uk email) - but this was 10 years ago now! And this new upgraded version of Hotmail is doing my head in. Slow to load, long delays opening messages, lack of easy-to-use shortcuts, and the spam filter isn't that impressive either.

I'm really disappointed with the one. At least Windows Live Messenger is still making my Hotmail account worthwhile.

2 Stars * *

Yahoo! Mail

A really nice use of webmail that uses a sexy tabbed interface (I'm a Firefox fan). Also has some nice sidebar features such as RSS feeds and the usual contact managment that you'd expect from Yahoo! What Yahoo! have lost on the instant messenger market, they have made up for in a good webmail service, but they face fierce competition.

4 Stars * * * *

What can I say but "believe the hype"? Initially famous for their generous storage (2GB was the first figured quoted) G-Mail have a lot more to offer than ample storage. Emails are saved in nice Instant Messenger style format which make them easy to follow. The "Archive" feature is great for a clutter free desktop, and the famous "Google" search facility can return your mail to you in an instant. You really need to get this!

5 Stars * * * * *

Please note, Google Mail accounts are by invintation only, so if you want to join up, leave a comment and i'll see what I can do.