Best Free email service?

Can anyone recommend a dependable free email service (not yahoo)?

• I have had repeatedly the same problem accessing my Yahoo mail within the last couple of months. I can acess the screen to type in my email address, but then the screen just suddenly freezes. This can happen numerous times. Then eventually, I can access the mail after repeated attempts with includes having to re-boot again and again. Finally, I realised that this is a Yahoo problem. I have an email account with my local telephone company which is rock solid reliable. However, I wanted access to my email when I travel, so I used Yahoo as well.I would like to know if there are any other reliable free email services. I do not want a lot of extras. I just want reliable access to email on a daily basis. Also, how can I manage to access my other email from my local telephone company while travelling? I need to consider all options. I have had it with Yahoo email, and I am sick of wasting time trying to get access to it. Any help, suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

• Answer:

  I personally like gmail, especially with their archiving and search function! But, there are also times (although not recently) when the site is under maintenance and inaccessible. I guess this is inevitable, and tolerable as long as it is kept to a minimum. :)