Gmail users extra features and tips..

For a while now, hidden in your SETTINGS page (which you get to by clicking SETTINGS up the top right of your gmail screen), has been a section called LABS.

Labs, which is a term commonly used at google for 'cool ideas we're working on and want you to try', has in it a list of new features for gmail which are NOT default to users.

Of recent fame is the UNDO SEND function.

Enable this, and whenever you click SEND on an email - instead of just saying 'Sending', it says 'Sending - Cancel', and then a new bar pops up to also UNDO sending.

The UNDO link is ONLY there for 5 seconds.

Simply put, Google delay the ACTUAL sending of the message, 5 seconds. 

is 5 seconds long enough?? I'm not convinced.  Expect a future labs update to allow you to specify the duration of that delay.

For people using Microsoft Outlook for mail, Don't feel left out. You too can have this feature.  it's just a LITTLE more complex to setup.

• In outlook:
  On the Tools menu, click Rules Wizard, and then click New.
  In the Which type of rule do you want to create list, click Check messages after sending, and then click Next.
  Click Next to have this rule apply to all messages, or, if you want to limit the messages that the rule applies to, in the Which condition(s) do you want to check list, select any options you want.
  In the What do you want to do with the message list, select defer delivery by a number of minutes. (Delivery can be delayed up to two hours.)
  In the Rule Description box, click the underlined phrase, a number of, and in the Defer delivery by box, enter the number of minutes you want messages held before sending.
  Click OK, and then click Next.
  Select any exceptions, and then click Next.
  In the Please specify a name for this rule box, type a name for the rule, and then click Finish.
  That's it. Now, all your messages will be held in your Outbox for a specified time after you click Send.

Some other useful gmail LABS features you should consider:
Mail Goggles - ever worked REALLY late one night, and been so tired you sent an email you just should never have written.
Are you prone to sending drunken emails and having to crawl and grovel out of the sitatuation the next day?

Enable the goggles feature, and when you try and send a message, you are presented with some mathematical problems.

The feature works on a set of scheduled times (say Weekends after 10pm, until 6am).

You answer five or so problems, and you can then send mail!

Offline
A handy feature if you are on the road, enable the OFFLINE Labs feature, and once you disconnect from the Internet you can still view mail from your inbox.

very useful if you use a laptop/netbook with wireless broadband and are concerned the connection might drop, or if you are heading out and can't get wifi or broadband and want to read through your inbox.

Tasks
A common feature on all mail software clients, but also now available in gmail.

Email Addict - Forces  you to take a break
I like this one.  This one stops you doing anything and presents you with a message recommending you get up and take a break.  You can ignore it of course, but it's that friendly reminder that really helps!

Forgotten Attachments Detector
Now, how often - honestly - do you send an email saying "i've attached the document" and you actually havent. 

Enabling THIS feature means that if you mention an attachment in your email (it detects that word or combination of words) and you do NOT have an attachment it will prompt you to confirm that you know that. (because your words may refer to a previous attachment of course)

very handy stuff.

So if you are a gmail user, check out LABS and see if anything could make your email experience just that little bit better..

(and as I've mentioned before, Paid google Aps accounts do NOT get the Labs features.  COME ON GOOGLE - I'm PAYING YOU!!