Difficulty accessing Gmail via POP3

For the past week I've seen quite a number of occasions when I've been unable to access my Gmail mail via POP3.  It times out.  Is Google having capacity problems?  Are they mucking around with configurations?  What's the story?

 

Of course, we all have to realize that Gmail is still in "Beta", so all bets are off.  This is just another gentle reminder that Gmail is not ready for prime time use as your "main" email account.

 

-- Jack Krupansky