First off--JoNo--thanks for my invite from your previous batch! I am loving it.
Secondly, and one other point about Gmail, since it is still beta, you have a better chance of getting your first choice screen name. For example, I was able to choose my first initial, last name. And, since I think I will probably be seeking new employment in the next 18 months, a nice, professional sounding email address certainly cannot hurt.