How can I start Gmail (and other google applications) when I'm offline?

Question

Using Gears, I can download my mail, calendar, etc. from Google Apps and when I disconnect from the net while the application is opened in the browser, I can still access my data. Google also places icons in my Desktop/ folder which I can use to start firefox on the correct page, but they link to "google.com" which is not available when I'm offline. Is there a way to keep a local copy of the google apps so I can start the appliactions in offline mode?

Answer 1

I don't know if it's possible with other browser than chrome. The shortcut i have leads to:

chrome.exe  --app=https://mail.google.com/mail/

Answer 2

Gmail Offline in Gmail Labs :

in Gmail go to setting -> labs then enable the Offline feature, after that you can surf Gmail offline and even see your attchments

Make Gmail go where the Internet doesn't. Access your inbox through your browser and use Gmail's familiar features when you're offline. To get started, enable this lab and then click on the "Offline" link in the upper-right of your inbox.

Answer 3

Not sure about Firefox. I read my mail with Chrome, and I created a shortcut on my desktop (using the link in Mail - Settings - Offline - Other options). And when I click that shortcut when I'm offline, it brings me to my mailbox.