.Mac ... Anyone use it, recommend it or otherwise ... ?

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Hi guys 'n gals ... :wave:

I don't think this question has been directly asked before ... :shrug:


I am considering going for the .Mac system of online connection facilities ... :suspect:

I am out of the 'office' (away from home !) more and more lately and it just seems a great way to maintain synchronisation and accessibility to my files, photos ... and loads of other stuff ... :shrug:


Some of you may not agree with the additional cost of registering and running .Mac, @ £69 per annum, but the reality is it does provide a service and seems to have some great benefits and functionality.

I would be interested in hearing any real world experiences and/or views on this topic from anyone who has/is using it ... or anyone really ... :D


Thanx for your time ... :thumbs:



Ven...:p
 
I have a.mac account, seriously underuse what if it offers but I'm still happy with what I pay.

Pretty much the only thing I do is output pics from aperture into a .mac gallery and it's sooooooo easy. I hate web stuff, resizing, sharpening and faffing about. This is a one click solution for me.

If I made use of it fully I'm sure be be completely :woot::woot:
 
:thankyou: Daz ... :thumbs: ... sounds like you are a fan anyways ... :D


Much appreciate the feedback ;)



I will probably use some of the other stuff like files and synchronising but probably NOT the photo stuff quite so much ... :suspect:

:p
 
Funnily enough Rog, I've been considering the same subject for a little while myself. So I'll be watching this thread with interest ;)
 
Cheers Paul ... :suspect: ... anything to be of service ... :D


But you could always geddit and let me know what you think ... :rules: ... :naughty:



Actually I will probably sign up for the Free Trial they are offering anyway ... :shrug: ... nothing to lose there really ... ;) ... except a bit of time perhaps ... :lol:






:p
 
I've been using it for a couple years now. Mainly to keep work files in sync between three computers.

I'll start making better use of other features shortly now I've installed Aperture.
 
2blue4u said:
I've been using it for a couple years now. Mainly to keep work files in sync between three computers.

I'll start making better use of other features shortly now I've installed Aperture.
Click to expand...

Thanx ... :thumbs: ... I assume you are liking it Blu if you are going to extend your usage ... :shrug:





:p
 
i signed up about 6 months ago, i dont use it to its full potential...yet... all i really use it for is the email address, and web space, (for my iweb site) altho saying that i do like having the option of the space for backups etc. if i need it.
 
Venomator said:
Thanx ... :thumbs: ... I assume you are liking it Blu if you are going to extend your usage ... :shrug:





:p
Click to expand...

ah - sorry. trying to work and browse at the same time. Haven't mastered it yet, you know.

Yes, I highly recommend it. I've recently subscribed for my third year. As well as keeping files in sync, it also keeps bookmarks and your keychain in sync. I find that particularly handy as I have a holiday-usage lappy that replicates my main machine.

The only thing I would suggest is that you don't use it for your main backup. Whilst it is great for some data files, it can take an age for larger groups of files. The same would be true of any online backup facility.
 
chrisgrieve said:
i signed up about 6 months ago, i dont use it to its full potential...yet... all i really use it for is the email address, and web space, (for my iweb site) altho saying that i do like having the option of the space for backups etc. if i need it.
Click to expand...


Thanx for the feedback Chris ... :thumbs:


2blue4u said:
ah - sorry. trying to work and browse at the same time. Haven't mastered it yet, you know.

Yes, I highly recommend it. I've recently subscribed for my third year. As well as keeping files in sync, it also keeps bookmarks and your keychain in sync. I find that particularly handy as I have a holiday-usage lappy that replicates my main machine.

The only thing I would suggest is that you don't use it for your main backup. Whilst it is great for some data files, it can take an age for larger groups of files. The same would be true of any online backup facility.
Click to expand...


That's great Blue ... :thumbs: ... really appreciate your getting back on that ... :D


badgerbaiter said:
i wouldnt mind it.. but its way too expensive for what it is.
they should give it away free when you buy a mac
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Don't get a lot for free these days BB ... :suspect: ... especially when it's a lot your after ... :shrug:





:p
 
I am using the trial at the moment for the iweb site [ just 1 click to upload] and email as i cant always get into my msn addy. Will be paying the signup in the next week, still trying aperture trial and not sure about that one yet
 
I use a free account at www.logmein.com to access my work PC, three OP's PCs for when they need help and my Mac. All I need is a browser and internet access and being a true Highlander love that it is FREE! :lol:
 
Thanx Rog ... :thumbs: ... Aperture was going to be ny next question / trial ... :D


So ... as you are going to sign up it is safe to assume, happy with it, you are ... :thinking:






:p
 
Venomator said:
Thanx Rog ... :thumbs: ... Aperture was going to be ny next question / trial ... :D


So ... as you are going to sign up it is safe to assume, happy with it, you are ... :thinking:

:p
Click to expand...

It is a lot of money for what it is but i seem to struggle accessing my msn, so i need the .mac email, I get fed up changing my email every time i switch ISP.

if you create a website with iweb it is only 1 click to upload to .mac no ftp uploaders to worry about and i find iweb so much easier than MS frontpage that i used to use.
Will proberly explore the backup feature later dont need the sync as i only have 1 mac.
As for Aperture not sure yet i currently use Capture NX but cannot get the hang of sharpening and noise yet plus it does not have a cloning type tool. I cannot afford CS3 but might try elements with noise ninja added. as i said not sure.
But i am loving the iMac
 
My 2p worth.

I tried the trial, and didn't dislike it, but...

I will not be paying for the service. There are a coupe of reasons. First is that it doesn't really offer me anything I can't get elsewhere. Second is the fact that the service outside the USA is nowhere near as good as within the US. I am led to believe that the servers are bandwidth limited for connections originating outside the US so even on a lightning fast connection you don't feel the benefit.

I may change my mind if the job I'm going for in Texas comes off, but while I'm in the UK I shaln't be bothering.

That is all.
 
RogDen31 said:
It is a lot of money for what it is but i seem to struggle accessing my msn, so i need the .mac email, I get fed up changing my email every time i switch ISP.

if you create a website with iweb it is only 1 click to upload to .mac no ftp uploaders to worry about and i find iweb so much easier than MS frontpage that i used to use.
Will proberly explore the backup feature later dont need the sync as i only have 1 mac.
As for Aperture not sure yet i currently use Capture NX but cannot get the hang of sharpening and noise yet plus it does not have a cloning type tool. I cannot afford CS3 but might try elements with noise ninja added. as i said not sure.
But i am loving the iMac
Click to expand...


Excellent thanx Rog ... :thumbs: ... really useful ... :D


Chillijam said:
My 2p worth.

I tried the trial, and didn't dislike it, but...

I will not be paying for the service. There are a coupe of reasons. First is that it doesn't really offer me anything I can't get elsewhere. Second is the fact that the service outside the USA is nowhere near as good as within the US. I am led to believe that the servers are bandwidth limited for connections originating outside the US so even on a lightning fast connection you don't feel the benefit.

I may change my mind if the job I'm going for in Texas comes off, but while I'm in the UK I shaln't be bothering.

That is all.
Click to expand...

Hello again CJ ... :D ... thanx very much for the feedback ... ;) ... hopefully they'll get it sorted for UK use as more people sign up ... :thinking:


Yes ... :suspect: ... it is initially for my Air ... but I am planning to get an iMac very soon so it will be even more useful for things like synching diaries (iCal) and the rest as well as getting some sort of iWeb presence in the near future ... :shrug:





:p
 
Venomator said:
Hello again CJ ... :D ... thanx very much for the feedback ... ;) ... hopefully they'll get it sorted for UK use as more people sign up ... :thinking:
Click to expand...

I'm not holding my breath. Still waiting for Apple to release Movie rentals for AppleTV outside the US. As much as I love Apple products, the company don't sem to have any real notion that they're operating in a *global* economy.
 
Chillijam said:
I'm not holding my breath. Still waiting for Apple to release Movie rentals for AppleTV outside the US. As much as I love Apple products, the company don't sem to have any real notion that they're operating in a *global* economy.
Click to expand...


I couldn't disagree with that given the shortcomings of the iPhone ... :shrug: ... gorgeous as it is ... :D


Not really thought through for the UK market imhgo ... :rules: ... smacks of a rush job rather than a thoroughly researched and analysed business strategy ... :cuckoo:




:p
 
.Mac:

I have had mine for about 2 years now. I dont really use the backup solutions or the syncing to be honest. I got it for the e-mail, which, to my amazement does not deliver hundreds of spam messages to my inbox every week. In fact, I dont get spam. I am happy to spend 69 quid a year on this alone. The .Mac mail integration with Mail.app is great too.

I have come to the conclusion that .Mac really comes to life for iWeb users. The fantastic blogging capability and iPhoto integration is superb. You can even use your own domain names by pointing the Apple DNS to them. Fantastic. This lead me to believe that, for the average Joe, the space, syncing and inter-compatibility with mainstream Apple software (iLife 08') is just that, average Joe. For .Mac to benefit the professional it will need to have more advanced, more capable integration with Aperture, Final Cut and industry standard applications. For now, I'll stick with my own domain name hosted by UKWebSolutionsDirect and do the donkey work myself.

Hope this helps.
 
To be fair to Apple (and also go back to their US-centric view of business) the iPhone was essentially crippled by the lack of 3G services in the USA. Because none of the major networks here were carrying 3G traffic, Apple saw no reason to add the functionality to the device. Despite most of Europe and Asia having the capabilities... *sigh*

However, the good news is that there are string rumours of new and improved hardware being released around the June timeframe, to coincide with the release of the version 2.0 firmware and third party application support. One of the rumoured bits of new functionality is 3G support. If true, I may be tempted to "upgrade" to one.

BTW, I love the interface - I have an iPod touch and love that so the move to iPhone wouldn't be too much trouble for me.

I need to get out more, don't I?
 
King_Boru said:
.Mac:

I have had mine for about 2 years now. I dont really use the backup solutions or the syncing to be honest. I got it for the e-mail, which, to my amazement does not deliver hundreds of spam messages to my inbox every week. In fact, I dont get spam. I am happy to spend 69 quid a year on this alone. The .Mac mail integration with Mail.app is great too.

I have come to the conclusion that .Mac really comes to life for iWeb users. The fantastic blogging capability and iPhoto integration is superb. You can even use your own domain names by pointing the Apple DNS to them. Fantastic. This lead me to believe that, for the average Joe, the space, syncing and inter-compatibility with mainstream Apple software (iLife 08') is just that, average Joe. For .Mac to benefit the professional it will need to have more advanced, more capable integration with Aperture, Final Cut and industry standard applications. For now, I'll stick with my own domain name hosted by UKWebSolutionsDirect and do the donkey work myself.

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...


Thanx King ... :thumbs: ... it certainly does help and I'm of the opinion the charges are not too high at all for all the functionality and future benefit ... :shrug:


Chillijam said:
BTW, I love the interface - I have an iPod touch and love that so the move to iPhone wouldn't be too much trouble for me.

I need to get out more, don't I?
Click to expand...

You and me both CJ ... :D ... but I couldn't live without either of them now ... :eek: ... brilliant gear and sooooooo beautiful to just look at let alone work with ... :love:





:p
 
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