In a very recent stunning move, Google has integrated Gmail with Google Gears, ergo, you can now access Gmail offline using the Google Gears functionality. If you have Google Gears enabled, you can read through your mail, send new mail, archive, label, delete mail etc. all offline. Gmail will automatically sync all offline actions when you go online.
With offline Gmail, you can -
- Read new mail (which are downloaded while syncing)
- Send mail (which will be sent the next time you connect to the internet)
- Do actions with mail, like delete, archive, label etc.
Gmail blog explains:
Once you turn on this feature, Gmail uses Gears to download a local cache of your mail. As long as you’re connected to the network, that cache is synchronized with Gmail’s servers. When you lose your connection, Gmail automatically switches to offline mode, and uses the data stored on your computer’s hard drive instead of the information sent across the network. You can read messages, star and label them, and do all of the things you’re used to doing while reading your webmail online. Any messages you send while offline will be placed in your outbox and automatically sent the next time Gmail detects a connection.
To enable Offline Gmail, log in to Gmail, go to Settings > Labs, enable the Offline Google option, and click Save. Now reload Gmail, and you will find a small link in the top links bar saying “Offline 0.1″. Click it, and follow the instrucions.
Known limitations
The mail synced cannot be selected as of now. Its done automatically based on an algorithm developmed by Gmail, which decides which mail to download, and which not to. The contacts manager will also be unavailable in Offline mode. Attachments can’t be added to mail which you send. The search results will be limited to the local cache.
And if you have too many attachments in recent mail, watch out! 
Requirements
You will need a browser supported by Gmail Labs and Gears: Internet Explorer 7.0+, Firefox 2.0+, Safari 3.0+, and Google Chrome. You will not be able to use Gmail Labs in Internet Explorer 6.
Theres also this handy option called Flaky Connection which you can use if your connection is not that fast, or is unstable (like a wifi with very low connectivity) which will put Gmail into semi-offline mode. You can work on Gmail, while syncing takes place whenever net is available.
Read the official announcement : http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-in-labs-offline-gmail.html
Doubts? Check out this comprehensive overview and announcement by Google System blog.
Implications
I don’t see much fire around this handy little tool. Hasn’t anyone yet noted the implications of this new Labs feature of Gmail? It will render most desktop mail software worthless if you have Gmail. As soon as Contact Manager is also included in the offline content, and selective syncing is enabled, and attachment support included, Offline Gmail will work as good as, if not better than, most desktop mail clients.
Not to mention, Offline Gmail looks spiffy fine with Chrome. Very neat, clean, the awesome Gmail Web 2.0 interface, and most of Gmail functionalities offline!
This is indeed a victory milestone for Google and Gmail. Another step closer to that completely online operating system rumour triggered by the launch of Chrome.
Pat on the back to the awesome people behind this development at Google. You’ve been doing an awesome job these days folks!
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