why do i need an iCloud email address when i have already got an email address

If I want to use notes it seems as if I do have to set up an icloud email or I cannot sync my notes. I see no reason for this as notes should be just notes. Why do I need an email addy for notes? What else do I really need the email for? How can I use the email? If I give my @icloud email out will people be able to email me and I can email them back and all is stored in the cloud? What gives?

Thanks

bernwhat wrote:

I am trying to get my emails synced between my i phone and my macbook.

iCloud syncs only its own email: it has no relationship to any other email service. You can set other email services up separately in the Mail app: if they are IMAP they will appear as synced between devices.

Why do have to have an icloud email address when i already have a hotmail address?

You don't 'have' to have an @icloud.com address if you don't want one; it's one of the iCloud facilities on offer, but if you don't want to use it just don't enable it in the checklist when you sign in.

No. If you check the 'Mail' checkbox you will be asked to create an @icloud.com address and this will be synced between your Mac, the iCloud website, and any other Macs/devices which are signed in.

If you do not check the box the you will not have an @icloud.com address.

In neither case will iCloud affect other email services in any way. iCloud does not sync other email services: you can set them up in the usual way in the Mail application, independently of iCloud.

bernwhat wrote:

I am trying to get my emails synced between my i phone and my macbook. Why do have to have an icloud email address when i already have a hotmail address?

Because Hotmail is a POP system and will not sync between your iPhone and your Mac.

MatthewMan wrote:

Why do I need an email addy for notes?

I don't use Notes so I can't advise there - you should ask in a new thread, titling it specifically about Notes to get a response. As this thread you've tacked on to isn't about that you're not likely to get a reply here.

What else do I really need the email for?

Apart from Notes, if it really is the case it's required for that, you don't need it - it's an additional email service you can use or not use as you wish.

How can I use the email?

Sign in in System Preferences (or Settings)>iCloud and check Mail in the checklist there. (Lion 10.7.2 minimum or iOS5/6 required.)

If I give my @icloud email out will people be able to email me and I can email them back and all is stored in the cloud?

Yes - it's an IMAP email service just like any other.

Thanks Roger, Sorry to steal a thread like that, I guess it was rude of me. You sounded knowledgeable so I wanted to ask you. You have answered many of my questions and I will have a few more. I will also try not to hijack anymore threads! :-)