[Asad]

Which do you prefer, Gmail or Hotmail, and why?
Gmail. Much better interface (imo), and generally Gmail trounces Hotmail in terms of numbers (attachment limit, storage space, etc). The GMail experience also seems more fluid. Even though I like the new changes in the Hotmail UI I still prefer GMail's. Nothing tops it with a minimalistic theme you like.

Who do you trust more with your data, Google or Microsoft? Why?
I really don't think they'd have any reason to do anything to my data. I know Google comes under fire for the whole "world domination" and "we steel ur dataz" thing but I don't think they have any negative ulterior motives lurking underneath.

Whose service is more reliable overall?
Hotmail, I would say. Gmail does suffer the odd outage though thankfully it hasn't been something that's affected me. In terms of losing data I'd say they're on par, I've never personally lost anything with Gmail or Hotmail.

Is storage space a factor in your decision?
Not really. I'm using 2% of my total Gmail storage space. It does help knowing you have a lot left, though.

Do you use the web interface for these services, or an desktop client?
Web interface.

[Tyler]

Which do you prefer, Gmail or Hotmail, and why?
I prefer Gmail because basically Google owns the web and Gmail works better with my iPhone than Hotmail/Live Mail does.

Who do you trust more with your data, Google or Microsoft? Why?
I don't really care if they have my data or not there's nothing worthwhile in having it. Even with my websites I use Google hosted mail service. There has never been a reason for me to not trust them.

Whose service is more reliable overall?
I say Gmail only because I don't use Hotmail enough to know if it's reliable or not.

Is storage space a factor in your decision?
Nope what both advertise isn't realistic anyway it's just a number they throw up because the know no one will ever reach that limit.

Do you use the web interface for these services, or an desktop client?
I use Postbox desktop client I have way too many email addresses to keep track of to not use one.

[Steven Doran]

Which do you prefer, Gmail or Hotmail, and why?
Gmail, because I'm a G, and it's "G" mail.

Nah, but I prefer it because the ads aren't intrusive, and when you send a message it doesn't say crap like, "DO MORE WITH WINDOWS 7, WE ARE PATHETHIC" like Hotmail.

Who do you trust more with your data, Google or Microsoft? Why?
I trust both as equally. Maybe Microsoft less because of obvious reasons, and their spam filter sucks.

Whose service is more reliable overall?
Google, as I've had problems with Hotmail in the past, and it supports IMAP for free.

Is storage space a factor in your decision?
Nope

Do you use the web interface for these services, or an desktop client?
I use Mail included in OS X to access my Gmail.

[Eugene C]

Which do you prefer, Gmail or Hotmail, and why?
Either, really.

Who do you trust more with your data, Google or Microsoft? Why?
Google, they're huge, and their data is already nice and secure.

Whose service is more reliable overall?
I'd have to say Microsoft, actually. Based on their history.

Is storage space a factor in your decision?
Not really, unless it's like, 10MB.

Do you use the web interface for these services, or an desktop client?
Web.

[Benjamin Hubbard]

Which do you prefer, Gmail or Hotmail, and why?
Gmail as it's a tad more lightweight. But it's extremely close.

Who do you trust more with your data, Google or Microsoft? Why?
Microsoft. Because I hate google as a company.

Whose service is more reliable overall?
Both are always there, and always work. (when I call on them anyway.)

Is storage space a factor in your decision?
No. honestly, there's no way I will ever reach their limits so I really just don't care. also, gmail and hotmail expand your space for free when you reach that limit, the "limit" is just how much space they put aside for you at the beginning.

Do you use the web interface for these services, or an desktop client?
Depends. it's about 50/50.

[Tyler]

I just use my Gmail address with Live services works just like having a Live/Hotmail address.

[amon91]

Which do you prefer, Gmail or Hotmail, and why?
Gmail, way more lightweight, faster and prettier. Hotmail has gotten a lot better but for now, Gmail.

Who do you trust more with your data, Google or Microsoft? Why?
I have no issue with trusting anyone. They're both safe and reputable companies.

Whose service is more reliable overall?
I think they're pretty much neck and neck, despite Gmail's occasional outages.

Is storage space a factor in your decision?
Well, I usually don't use all the space they provide me, so no not really.

Do you use the web interface for these services, or an desktop client?
I use the web on Gmail and a client on Windows Live Mail.

[Eugene C]

Yeah, I can use my Hotmail address for Google services.

[Steve]

Even though I think that Hotmail has a far nicer looking UI overall, the general functionality of Gmail is far superior. Looking at leaked shots though it seems Google are moving Wave's UI into other services, so Gmail will have Wave's UI with window bordering etc.

Awesome!

[Tyler]

Also in Gmail there are no ads in the signature for signing up to Hotmail.

[Ryan Price]

Which do you prefer, Gmail or Hotmail, and why?
Gmail, way more lightweight, faster. Hotmail is alright but i usually use it for my beta stuff.

Who do you trust more with your data, Google or Microsoft? Why?
Both are massive companies and I trust both, more MS over Google.

Whose service is more reliable overall?
Both are very reliable.

Is storage space a factor in your decision?
Well, I usually don't use all the space they provide me, so no not really.

Do you use the web interface for these services, or an desktop client?
I use both for Gmail and Hotmail.

[Karmakaze]

Which do you prefer, Gmail or Hotmail, and why?

Gmail. Simply because I love Google. Gmail was a giant step in terms of web-based email. Solid UI, cool themes, and a big effin' storage tank.

Who do you trust more with your data, Google or Microsoft? Why?

I think both companies are really on par with each other. Microsoft is very respected, and there is no reason for them to do anything shady with anyone's information. Hell, they own half of the planet as it is. Google, despite global domination, has been coming up with great free alternatives in many applications. I trust them both.

Whose service is more reliable overall?

I think Google is more reliable. I've had some trouble with Windows Live Mail in the past, and it's to the point where I don't even use Live Mail because Gmail is so handy and convenient.

Is storage space a factor in your decision?

It is somewhat, but I have an OCD problem of keeping my emails, so I always delete them.

Do you use the web interface for these services, or an desktop client?

Web. Web. Web. And the email client on my iPhone.

[Paul]

I wanted to bump this because I'm curious about everyone's thoughts on this. Also, I realized that I didn't put in my two cents yet.

Which do you prefer, Gmail or Hotmail, and why?

Personally, I prefer Gmail. It packs greater functionality, and the UI is a lot simpler and "thinner", which I love. It feels more responsive to me as a whole, and I just love its overall layout/feel.

Who do you trust more with your data, Google or Microsoft? Why?

I trust both with my data equally. I don't think that Google is the next Skynet, or that Ballmer looks through people's email accounts. They're both large, trusted corporations.

Whose service is more reliable overall?

Hm, hard to say. Both have had their outages throughout the years, but again, they're large corporations with the resources to maintain a reliable network. I have to say though, lately I've noticed more issues with WL (more so on the Messenger front though).

Is storage space a factor in your decision?

Not really at this point.

Do you use the web interface for these services, or an desktop client?

The web interface. Drifting a bit offtopic, I tend to lean towards the web interface for everything. Perhaps this may come off as odd, but I actually use the web interface for Twitter unlike many who use desktop clients; I actually find it easier and more pleasant to use, and despite my many attempts at using a desktop client I wind back on the web interface after a short while.

[WizardCM]

Which do you prefer, Gmail or Hotmail, and why?
Hotmail, probably because I've always used it.

Who do you trust more with your data, Google or Microsoft? Why?
I'd have to say both. They are both well known major companies, and I'm sure they wouldn't choose to lose their popularity by stealing information.

Whose service is more reliable overall?
A hard question, but it goes down to Microsoft.

Is storage space a factor in your decision?
Not really. I tend to delete old emails or just move on to the next email account.

Do you use the web interface for these services, or an desktop client?
I use Windows Live Mail, because it's got a clean design and is easy to use with emails.

[Steve]

Which do you prefer, Gmail or Hotmail, and why?

I chose Gmail, mainly because it's much easier to use than Hotmail and is more widely supported. Having the ability to have my emails synced between my iPhone and my computer is a good thing as well. It also gives me access to other features too such as Calendar.

Who do you trust more with your data, Google or Microsoft? Why?

I trust them equally, as long as it's kept secure it shouldn't be an issue.

Whose service is more reliable overall?

I can't really judge here, I've heard of Gmail going down on the odd occasion but Hotmail has never been reported as going down in recent times (That I remember reading anyways).

Is storage space a factor in your decision?

Nope, when it gets full check for stuff I want to keep, otherwise trash the lot.

Do you use the web interface for these services, or an desktop client?

I use Windows Live Mail (Wave 4). I prefer to use a desktop client for my email.