Here is an interesting experience of using console applications only. As you may see everything can be done without GUI:
- Web Browsing: Elinks, Lynx, Links, or w3m.
- Email: Mutt.
- Chat: Freetalk, Naim, IRSSI.
- Reading RSS: Raggle.
- File Management: Midnight Commander.
- Text Editing: VIM and Emacs.
- Viewing Images: ZGV.
- Watching Video: Mplayer and VLC.
- Playing Music: Cplay.
- P2P: RTorrent.
- Window Management: Twin.
Personally, I use VIM and Midnight Commander everyday, links – time to time. I used mutt before I moved to Thunderbird. I was really surprised by playing music and video in the console mode. A Window Management system Twin also looks cool!