Mailplane for Mac Gmail -- out of public beta

Today's Tech Test Drive column covers recent advances in e-mail, both Web- and desktop-based.

I note in the column that I've moved from FastMail.FM to Google's Gmail for my personal mail, and credit the Macintosh-based Mailplane program for easing this transition.

I've blogged about the in-beta Mailplane before. I mention it again because the application will soon come out of private testing and be released to the public. Per developer Ruben Bakker:

The beta started in March. This was such an intense and exiting half year. Thank you for all ideas, bug reports, and support! I feel that the time has come to prepare Mailplane for public availability and to announce the price for it:

• A Mailplane single user license is $24.95 and includes free 1.x updates.
• There is a family option available ($8), which allows you to use Mailplane in your private household on up to five Macs.
• The evaluation period will last 30 days.

For a short time, Mailplane will remain in beta. There is still no time limit: the evaluation period will begin when the beta ends. However, if you have already made up your mind, visit https://mailplaneapp.com/store to get your license.

Special offer for beta users: Buy a single user license and get the family option for free. (Offer expires when Mailplane goes public.)

Related: Mailplane for Mac OS X Brings Gmail To Your Mac Desktop.