text: The other answers were pretty good. Here are the things they left out:\nGet Gmail invites from this site http://www.bytetest.com/ ( it's completely automated; click and you're at the Gmail sign-up page )\n\nWhat's so good about Gmail:\n1. You've got a huge amount of storage for your email: almost 3 GB\n2. You can use Google Docs and Spreadseets (web based word editor and excel spreadsheets )\n3. You can create your own web site with localized downloads ( 100 MB ) and tons of features.\n4. You can use Google Reader (  web based rss, xml, atom.. reader ); it's better than most desktop applications ( keyboard shortcuts ... and lots of features )\n5. You can use their calendar.....\n6. A lot of other things (all free)\n7. You don't need to switch right away; create your account see how it works; and switch when you feel comfortable (like me)