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

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.

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.

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! :-)