There is a powerful but little known Gmail feature that lives in Labs called "Add any gadget by URL". This feature has to be turned on before using it. The experimental feature allows you to add iGoogle gadgets (or any gadget specified by an .xml file) to the side of your Gmail account. While most of these gadgets are built by third-parties and not owned or maintained by Google, they can be super handy.
Assuming the "Add any gadget by URL" feature is turned on, go to the new "Gadgets" tab under "Settings" and add the relevant .xml address for installation of gadgets.
Googmle Gmail suggested 10 gadgets worth trying.
1. Wikipedia
Look for a specific query right from Gmail.
http://www.google.com/ig/modules/wikipedia.xml
2. Google Calculator
Make some quick calculations while typing an email.
http://calebegg.com/calc.xml
3. Note
Add a sticky note to the corner of your Gmail account.
http://www.google.com/ig/modules/sticky.xml
4. Remember the Milk
If you’re a fan of this task management system, accessing all your “Remember the milk” notes from right within Gmail can be super handy.
http://www.rememberthemilk.com/services/modules/gmail/rtm.xml
5. PolyClock
Gives you the time of day for any place in the world.
http://gad.getpla.net/poly/clock.xml
6. Currency Converter
A real time currency converter.
http://helloworld123---.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/currency-converter.xml
7. bit.ly URL shortener
Lets you shorten URLs in a single click.
http://hosting.gmodules.com/ig/gadgets/file/107368512201818821991/bitly-shortener.xml
8. Chuck Norris fact generator
Displays a different “Chuck Norris fact” every day of the year.
http://marsupialmusic.net/stu/scripts/chucknorris.xml
9. Google Calendar
Displays your Google Calendar agenda right from Gmail.
http://www.google.com/ig/modules/calendar.xml
10. Google Docs
Gives you quick access to your most recent documents.
http://www.google.com/ig/modules/docs.xml
10 Gmail gadgets to try [via]
