There are more and more free email choices to be found out there everyday because anyone with a domain name can set up a cockamamy email system as a tool to build a community or whatever. I think there are a couple of clear leaders, Yahoo mail and Hotmail. I have had proxy email accounts at both for years, but Yahoo in my mind is a clear leader for a number of reasons. First, it is more clearly tied to the whole Yahoo experience: Your email doubles as a password for every service you can utilize in the Yahoo world. From Yahoo auctions to shopping to games and everything you can do on Yahoo, your Yahoo account gives you an "identity" that allows you to surf and enjoy everything they have to offer. The interface is also fun and friendly and easy to use. The layout is self explanatory and allows even a first time user to utilize the myriad of functions the email system offers. Some of my favorite elements are the new calendar feature that allows you to keep a web-based schedule and plan your to do list over the Internet (so much for Franklin Planners and websites that ONLY offer calendars). It also has an options list that easily allows a user to personalize features such as signatures (your name and contact info at the bottom of the email), reminders, address blocking and email filtering, a great vacation response feature for when your away, forwarding, and personalized Yahoo content delivery. It also allows you to easiy store address lists and save emails in folders. This is killer feature. It also has a help desk that can answer your basic and more complex questions. You can also find JFax-sponsored voice and email features a click away from your personal inbox. My advice? Set a Yahoo mail account and Hotmail account, use them both for a week. And then give your friends your Yahoo account and become a part of the wonderful Yahoo omnimedia experience. The only thing I can think of that might be construed as a negative that you always at the mercy of the Yahoo server and your own connection to the Internet, which can slow you down at times or give you a problem getting in. So far, I haven't had any problems though.



Recommended: Yes