Google Groups Back in Beta

I have only used it briefly so far, but I had to come rave about the new Google Groups Beta! I wont say much, but I will point you to their new beta version and their blog announcment.

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October 9, 2006 · Dustin · 4 Comments
Posted in: Web Sites

  • ed

    i recently opened a gmail account and i am sorry to say it has left me a little disappointed. Since it is Google i expected the same kind of ease of use i associate with Apple, unfortunately i found the GUI to be tedious and slow. For examaple the reply control is located at the bottom of the interface – i had to scroll to find it. Even the control for creating a new message is not obvious – its off center to the left. Also IMHO i found it disconcerting to have product ads scrolling down the right side of the interface. I use Thunderbird as my regular mail client and i have to say Google’s effort comes up woefully short in comparison.

  • http://www.nerdydork.com Dustin

    You are right. There are some things still left to be desired with Gmail. For example, I would like a shortcut key to delete mail. But the issues have mentioned are not really issues in my mind.

    the reply control is located at the bottom of the interface – i had to scroll to find it.

    Well it seems natural to put the reply at the bottom where you would see it AFTER reading your email. Truth is though that you don’t even need to click reply in Gmail. The text box is there for you to highlight and start typing, or better yet, learn the keyboard controls. I find they map oddly enough, much like vi which I’m sure linux gurus love. Just type ‘r’ for reply.

    Even the control for creating a new message is not obvious – its off center to the left.

    Type ‘c’ for compose.

    Also IMHO i found it disconcerting to have product ads scrolling down the right side of the interface.

    I think they are unobtrusive. I rarely even notice them I guess. What do you expect in return for a free email account with 2.5 gigs of storage?

    I use Thunderbird as my regular mail client and i have to say Google’s effort comes up woefully short in comparison.

    I love Thunderbird also, but since I have more than one computer and like to check my email on other computers, Gmail provides a much better package for me as far as features, speed, consistency, spam control, etc. etc. than my previous Thunderbird/Squirrelmail IMAP solution I was using before.

  • MC

    I’d like to use the keyboard command but just typing r or c does not do anything. I think you left out something critical here.

  • http://www.nerdydork.com Dustin

    Yes, you’re right. You do need to go in to your settings and turn on the keyboard shortcuts.

    Gmail settings

    You can view a list of all the shortcuts here.