I have to agree that Gmail is the choice now. I've been a member since the closed beta,and I have now route all my mail through my gmail account. I just looked at my account and realized I've been a Gmail member for four years today! I have over 3500 emails that I have saved, and haven't ever had a problem. Gmail is also one of the most easily forwarded email programs out there. I have my mail going to my Outlook @ my office, my blackberry and saved on my home computer as well These all sync, so a message deleted on one place gets deleted on them all.
Spam isn't a problem w/gmail, to the point that I don't filter any mail that comes from gmail, and I bet I don't have 2 spams a week get through.
Joe