so do I really need a .mac account?

hello friends,

searched for this topic before in the forums but could not find what i wanted. i was wondering if a .mac account was so worth it, apart from the "@mac.com" status symbol.

lately ive been trying to find ways to save my contacts and files to an online server and access these with ease. I know a Mac account has this as a feature but there are also creative ways to store info online.

i'd like feedback from those peeps who CANT live without their .mac accounts. has it become that integral to your life?

PS -- does the PhilMUG discount for .mac still apply?

thanks and good day!