Gmail Labs is out with a new feature: multiple inboxes.  

Except that it’s not. Multiple inboxes, that is. Think about it: that would defy logic – unless we’re talking about handling multiple email accounts, which is clearly not the case here.  TechCrunch has it right

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, calling the new feature multi-pane viewing. That’s exactly what it is.

It’s also the first new Gmail development I don’t like: tried it, found the screen too busy, and I lost one of the key productivity boosters Gmail brought to us: the ability to read the first line of content from the list screen.  I actually think the productivity loss due to this is more than the “gain” from having multiple panes.  But of course it’s all a matter of preferences – what do you think?  Please cast your vote below (and if you’re reading this in a feed, please click through).

Thanks.

Update: I guess the poll isn't too popular.  But Stowe Boyd agrees: