Ref : http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/choose-which-messages-get-downloaded.html

While this is also a useful feature for those on the go, I think that many folks would find a ton of time savings via Gmail Filters.

In Gmail, one common use of these filters as a way to allow custom, automatic processing of messages as they arrive. I put each mailing list into into own “label” (folder) automatically, to keep my Inbox tidy. For some of the lists that I don’t read very often, I even set the message status as “has been read” for those, to keep the number indicator low in my folder list. (different colors per label / folder make things easier to distinguish, even after many hours per day at the monitors)

There are numerous advanced filter possibilities, as well as some undocumented features that work well, in my limited experience.

I find Gmail (via their Google Apps / Standard Edition) to be of quite a bit of value for myself and the family. However, many folks simply don’t know what the service is capable of, and it’s painful to see them struggle with their email.

As a friend, a few quick Filters can really help them out for a long time to come. There are numerous other tweaks that can help them via the Gmail Labs, as well as the standard Settings page (force https mode, etc.)

If you have an especially helpful tip or set of tips for filtering or Gmail, please forward and I will give due credit, thanks!