Mailplane is a tool that makes Gmail recognize Mac-specific fonts and features designed by the folks at uncomplex gmbh. This useful tool has been updated to version 2.0, which is currently in beta but free to download as a trial version. Mailplane 2 adds a pretty impressive array of features, along with multiple tweaks to the existing features of earlier versions.

Those who use both Google's email client but also a Mac will find lots of comfort in using Mailplane, as it brings Google Mail's superb SPAM protection, endless storage and global access and the UI-friendliness of your Mac together.

Some of the most note-worthy additions and tweaks include full support for Gmail 2; mailplane:// URLs for accessing and searching your Gmail database; an OmniFocus "clipping" plugin; better photo attachment customization; the ability to assign different notification sounds and colors to specific Gmail accounts; the ability to post Google Spreadsheet forms; Picture Attachment Dialog; integration with Mac OS X Address Book; a "Do Not Disturb" mode; use System WebKit preference; "Close instead of Hide" preference.

And because Mailplane uses Growl, it lets you know you have new mail the instant it arrives. The tool can also be set to play a sound when new items arrive, and to show the number of unread messages in the application icon. Best of all, with the latest version of Mailplane, you now get full control of Google Mail with your keyboard, by using Mac keystrokes. This enables you to access the toolbar the Mac way.

Dozens more improvements are available with Mailplane 2, which will be will be free to registered users as soon as it's released. New users will have to fork out for $24.95 to buy the application.

Watch this short screencast showcasing the most important features of Mailplane for Mac OS X. Click HERE to download Mailplane 2.0 Beta. The same address will take to the stable version of Mailplane (1.61.4) if you follow the second download mirror.