[vacri]

Also, you get to keep a copy of your e-mails, so if Google removes your account...

Or, more likely, if you're offline for any reason at all. All web tools disappear in a puff of smoke if there's a problem between you and your ISP. Or, more rarely, between your ISP and their peers.

[tjohns]

It's worth mentioning Gmail Offline. I actually like that interface more than the regular one.

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/gmail-offline/ejid...

[cbr]

You can use gmail offline in the browser now. I do this most mornings on the subway. It's read/write and very similar to having a desktop app.