I've been using Gmail for some time along with countless testers. Perhaps, the biggest concern I've heard users express is the inability to use other email accounts. People want to send email from their other accounts within Gmail. You could use an alternate Reply to address, but not create email from a different email address until now. Google also made it easier for anyone with a US cell phone number to get a Gmail account.

For years, I've used a mail forwarder. One of the forwarding addresses I use is my Gmail account. I find it a fast and convenient web mail system especially if you need to find emails. To gain access to my email, I only need an online connection and browser. Sometimes when I'm offsite, I need to send an email, but I don't want it to look like it came from my Gmail account. This can be problem if the recipient doesn't know this account or is using a "challenge response" email system. The nice part about this feature is you don't have to worry about mail server settings.

To add another account to Gmail,

1. Click the Settings link toward the top right.

2. On the Mail Settings page, click the Accounts link.

3. Click the link Add another email address.

4. In the Add another email address pop up, type the new name and email address.

5. Click Next Step button.

6. Confirm your address and click Send Verification.

Gmail will send an email to the address you provided with an invite code and a hyperlink. I found it easier to close the pop up and click the hyperlink in the email

7. Click the Log out link in the top right to sign off Gmail.

8. Log back into Gmail.

9. Click the Compose Mail link. You should see a drop down menu next to From: with your new addresses.

How to get a Gmail account

For those you who have wanted to try Gmail, the sign up process is easier. You no longer need to get an invitation from a Gmail user. You can now request an account if you have a US cell phone. Google is using the cell phone number as one way to deter spammers. After you provide your cell phone number, Google will send a text message to your cell phone with your code. Some carriers may charge a fee for these types of messages.

If you don't have a cell phone and would like a Gmail account, click the Contact Us link and drop us an email requesting an invite.

Additional Information

• Create a Gmail Account