Check your pockets, find that wallet, pull it out and open it up. Is there a card in there that says that you use Gmail? If there isn't make sure to put everything down and proceed to fall asleep because you sir (mam?) are behind the times. Gmail and Google apps are some of the best email clients on the market right now. Google even offers a sweet solution to that disgusting Microsoft Exchange you have chugging in the back room. That means you can have Google sync contacts, calendar and mail between any of your precious devices. This post is aimed at people who actually use Google Apps / Gmail (sorry noobs, you can still stick around though) because we are going to talk about how to control Gmail specifically like a Vi / Vim pro. Without further ado, here are some exceptionally important shortcuts for controling Gmail strait from the keyboard:
First, look at the picture provided and navigate to settings in Google Mail and make sure the radial button for keyboard shortcuts is initiated. No need to reboot for things to work all you nervous Microsoft fans.
c (shift + c for a new window) - Opens up the compose window...you know, to write emails.
j or k - cycles through conversations. Very reminiscent of Vi.
u - Brings you back to the "Inbox" view.
s - Stars a message (who uses this function anyway?)
r (shift + r for a new window) - reply to a message.
esc - removes your cursor from the field of view (a reset of sorts). Another heavily Vi inspired keystroke.
y - archive message.
If you want something more permenant...like to decorate your cubicle with, here is a
Google mail cheat sheet. Peace!
