[Nobody]

I am still debating, but I will probably end up doing it (grudgingly) because I haven't decided on another email address to move to.

I wish they would at least give PHP, JSP, or limited WebObjects access for server side scripting if they are going to charge like that.

[Macrohard]

I joined almost immediately. Unlike the majority of the people here, I do use homepage, iDisk, etc. What I don't use is the e-mail. I find it very slow, I remember it taking a couple days to receive/send a simple message wihout any attachments and I have DSL connection.

I have family and friends overseas, homepage is the best way to share pictures, movies, etc. I have a couple of homepages, albums that I update from time to time and I didn't want to lose them, so I didn't have a choice. I had to join. I had also once paid for additional storage a year ago, since I didn't have a rewritable CD drive in my then computer, iMac DV 400!

Incidentally, has anybody been able to download the McAffee virus? I am using IE and pressing option key while clicking onthe download link doesn't help either.

I like the direction that Apple is taking .mac to, however, as an average user, I still don't like the way they did this. I think we should have options, a basic free service, and paid extra features. I am sure Apple must have calculated that introducing .mac would be a bumpy ride and there would be a learning curve, but in this day and age of information, it is very hard to impose things like this on consumers. Especially with the possiblity of economy being unstable at least until mid 2003, was it absolutely necessary to introduce this? And then hit again with a Jaguar update? Seems like pushing the luck. Well, we'll see, the market will determine.

My 2 cents images/icons/smile.gif

[Nobody]

I did it cuz I could for $50, and because I use iDisk a great deal now that it moves a great deal faster in 10.1.5. It's been a really useful tool for the last few months.

Oh, and I got Virex. I don't know if I need it, but it's cool to have if ever I do.

I also like the iPhoto homepage deal. It's so quick and so easy.

For me, it's a good deal all around.

[Nobody]

I am still debating too. It is a good deal I think most people complaining about the price I don't agree with. My problem with the whole thing is that apple gave it away free to get us all hooked and then started charging us. Makes me feel like I'm dealing with a drug dealer or something. In the end I'm sure I'll break down and get it though.

Soundguy

[Nobody]

I really only use the e-mail. I definitely want to keep my e-mail address (I've given it to everybody, I need it at this point). So, I'll wait until September 29th to see if Apple will offer an e-mail only service for maybe $10 or $15 a year. But, if they don't, I'll just pay the $50 and maybe I'll start to use Virex and iDisk. But, I really don't need them. So, I understand Apple needs some revenue, and I think that $10 or $15 a year is decent for a reliable e-mail account. Don't you?

-Jim

[Nobody]

I signed up, but I'm starting to worry about my space images/icons/shocked.gif Too many photo albums already, but the fam loves them. Guess I'll have to spring for the space upgrade soon images/icons/rolleyes.gif

[Nobody]

I did. I love having the extra space. Now I can post videos on my website without having a huge space problem.

[skidoo1952]

I have been agonizing over whether to sign up myself....I think it would be more attractive at $50 a year period, but if future inhancements and software are included for the same price it would be worth it. I will most likely pay for .MAC.... I bought a new MAC 4 years ago and it came with OS 8.1..Within 1 month 8.5 came out but there was a coupon in the box that allowed me to get it for $20...I think they should do a simular thing for those who paid for OSX or new computers and wish to stay current. Apple should preferance those MAC people who stay current with software and hardware and therefore support the company and it's products. Just a thought...Pete

[Nobody]

I signed up without hesitation. Besides using mac.com as my primary email account (and I pay for hosting/email for three other sites), the package of services and integration with the OS is a no-brainer.

I also have a "far-sighted" view of .mac and think there are A LOT of things that will be added to the service in the future besides the already announced iCal and iSync stuff.

[Nobody]

Definitely will 'watch and wait' on this one. One email address gone is really no big deal to me. Will wait for more and better features to come out, then reconsider.

[Nobody]

The way I see it, as far as I'm really using the service to its fullest potential, then $50 now is quite justifiable. If one is only using it for email, it does seem a little unreasonable to pay $50 and think you'll be paying a $100 next year. I still think an email-only option with, say 3-5 MB space, would make everyone that little bit happier.

My only gripe so far is with Backup. My Ti400 does not burn, but the kids' Indigo 500 does. Why doesn't Backup.app alow me to save backups to disk so I can transfer and burn later? And why doesn't it even work if you're not online? Why does it have to do that check everytime I launch it? Oh well, version 1.0 images/icons/frown.gif

PS. I just wanted to thank you all for the nice words on my new iPhoto page Visions. All my previously made Homepages were direct digital camera pictures. This time I was experimenting with PhotoCD slide scans that were made in 1993! These are actually much lower in resolution than the maximum originals at 3072 x 2048. So only Red1 and the icy shots are Olympus C4040 shots that were taken earlier this year. The rest were originally Fuji Velvia slides.

Thanks to all. I just wanted you all to know how much fun and simple it is to do something like that, direct from iPhoto images/icons/grin.gif

[Nobody]

im going to sign up most likely
100mb of space seems great for me - and I like accessing it via the finder.
and backup would be really useful too.

really, the only two things I'd like Apple to add is some scripting support (php or perl... but thats only because I want an email form on my website...) and maybe ability to use one's own domain names. We'll see what they drum up for us over the next few monthes though

[Nobody]

I simply cant justify the cost for this. Yes it is $49 this year but what about next year? $100? No way it is worth it. There should be a cheaper option with less features. What I really want is email since I gave the entire world that email, and access to the ICards. I would be happy to pay even $20/year but not $100. I get a free email from my ISP that works just as good. I guess I better start switching people to the new email! In fact I just changed my macworld profile...Hopefully they will offer another option or lower the price over all.

[Nobody]

The answer I have to that is that this year costs $49, and next year I'll see what it costs... I have no way to back this up, but I'd be surprised it actually costs $100 next year to re-up. But I'm an optimist... or I'm in denial... take your pick. :-)