Cloud versus cloud and using it with Name.com

So my uncle has been using Macs since way back when they were steam powered. He calls anyone who uses a Mac today an “Appleton”, which I think is something like a simpleton, but with Apple products. I can’t help it that I was born after smartly dressed men did simple math on computers the size of swimming pools, and I like that Apple products–heck, all computer products–are tiny, super powerful and so user-friendly that a lemur can Tweet. Now, things seem to have gotten even simpler. Not only do I bring this up because Name.com is now a slick, streamlined one-stop for all things domain, web building and overall personal and professional ease and joy, but that even an Appleton like myself is excited about the use of Apple’s new ICloud.

Besides, your Name.com services work well with ICloud, Dropbox or any other cloud-like service. Here’s some of the magic that can happen:

PageZen — When employing our easy-to-use web builder, you can access the media you need to get your site just right. Your photos, videos and other dazzle will be available no matter where you’re working.

goMobi — Not sure if you’ve checked out how simple it is to get your business in front of the millions using the mobile web, but building a site with goMobi is really fast, and with the Cloud, will make it a breeze grabbing the menu graphic for your restaurant, a logo for your brand or any other info for your mobile customers.

So what about iCloud versus Dropbox?

iCloud PRO: It does the sharing for you.

iCloud CON: It does the sharing for you.

With Photostream Apple whisks your pictures off to the iCloud. It’s automatic and fast, but from what I can tell, you have more control of your files with Dropbox. Of course with Dropbox you’re clicking and uploading and a few extra steps (you know, First World Complaints).

Dropbox PRO: Works with different platforms from OS X to Windows and Linux.

Dropbox CON: It’s not Apple.

I mean, really, you have to know Apple is going to make something fantastic. For many users it’s hard to even compare Dropbox with iCloud, as the latter comes with a pretty interface and syncs everything from pictures to emails to appointments. But for storage, there still seems to be a reason to at least take a look at alternatives.

Cost PRO and CON?

Right now Dropbox offers 2 free gigs and iCloud starts you out with five. They seem pretty competitive as the pricing goes up, but I did see a price chart with a service called SugarSync that offers 60 gigs for less than both Dropbox and iCloud.

One other question: How long will iCloud’s five gigs of free data last? You send up a hi-res Photostream and that space is gobbled up pretty quickly, and then you’re forking out some dough for more space. I guess that’s the business model, but something to watch out for.

For more about what the cloud really is, let’s revisit our conversation with the experts.