[begriffs]

Why not use a desktop/mobile mail client of your choice to access gmail over open protocols? Then they can clown up the web UI all they want and it won't matter to you.

[system2]

If you are using multiple machines, your desktop client will be a huge headache to set up each. Business computers at work have outlook, but personally, I cannot use the client(s) for my 6+ separate computers. Browser email is the way to go.

[izacus]

Copying a settings folder is a "huge headache"? It takes s lot less time than writing a complaint post on HN.

Even if you have 6+ computers.

[matthewmacleod]

Mmm I’m sure you accept that’s an extreme minority requirement.

Anyway, what’s painful about setting up multiple clients?

[system2]

Gigabytes of data per account. Sync issues. If you are asking, you probably never suffered from these.

[begriffs]

> a huge headache to set up

OK, but "huge headache" is somewhat exaggerated. For many clients, gmail connection settings are a preset option, where you enter a username and application password. It's a one-time configuration.

> outlook

My condolences.

> my 6+ separate computers

You are perhaps an outlier? But I can see how it's a hassle in your particular case.

[system2]

Outlook type of software download all of the emails. Which means gigabytes per account. I use multiple google emails (gsuite), and this makes things harder.