Ask HN: Know of any good web-based email alternatives [to gmail]?

New gmail hurts my eyes [I know that you may use the old version, but my conception is that they will force everyone to the new one eventually], and google+ circles are creeping their way into my inbox.

Gmail is still the best web-based email I know of. Does anyone know of better or alternative options?

Factors that are particularly important to me are a clean/functional interface and not having a nasty privacy policy.