Domain name registrars / google apps (mail)

JIM_BOB7813 · 13 Jun 2008 at 16:00

Am I correct in thinking that i can buy a domain and then just use google apps to pick up mail, so i don't even have to buy any email hosting?

What's the difference between 123reg and register1; to register a .com is £21.13 with 123reg and only £12.88 with register1 (for 2 years). How come there is so much difference in price? Does 123reg give more for your money?

I can't find much about register1 on the internet, so I presume they are a smaller company?

daz · 13 Jun 2008 at 16:05

Most domain registrars will also host your DNS, which will allow you to set the requisite MX records and enable you to use your domain name with Google Mail.

With regards to pricing - some providers just have higher/lower margins than others. Some use domains as a loss leader or as an enticement - once you're in their system you're more likely to buy other products from the same company, for example. As long as you go with someone respectable (do a google search, ask around etc) then there shouldn't be any issues.

voodooflux · 13 Jun 2008 at 16:18

JIM_BOB7813 said:
Am I correct in thinking that i can buy a domain and then just use google apps to pick up mail, so i don't even have to buy any email hosting?

Yep, I did this for a while.

allosunshine · 13 Jun 2008 at 22:19

You need to make sure whoever you get your domain from gives you Full DNS Management. I've got a domain with UK2 and I have to pay to have Full DNS Management.
Personally I use namecheap.com, you get free whois privacy, Full DNS Management at no extra cost and at the moment you can get a free SSL certificate.

JIM_BOB7813 · 13 Jun 2008 at 23:28

I've done some more research and 123-reg apparently has (had?) poor/slow support.

allosunshine said:
Personally I use namecheap.com, you get free whois privacy, Full DNS Management at no extra cost and at the moment you can get a free SSL certificate.

Namecheap seem to get good reviews, but will i have any issues with them being based in the states?
Free SSL certificate is pretty damn good, i thought SSL certificates were supposed to be quite expensive!

I'm thinking register1 for the .co.uk, and namecheap for the .com

voodooflux · 14 Jun 2008 at 10:13

JIM_BOB7813 said:
I've done some more research and 123-reg apparently has (had?) poor/slow support.

I've never had any issues with them on the couple of occasions I've had to contact them (via phone and email).

JIM_BOB7813 said:
Namecheap seem to get good reviews, but will i have any issues with them being based in the states?
Free SSL certificate is pretty damn good, i thought SSL certificates were supposed to be quite expensive!

You shouldn't have any issues with them being stateside - I use GoDaddy for my .com domains and they've been fine. That free SSL certificate sounds useful as well.

JIM_BOB7813 said:
I'm thinking register1 for the .co.uk, and namecheap for the .com

Register1 are fantastic to deal with - their support is among the best I've encountered.

JIM_BOB7813 · 15 Jun 2008 at 18:43

I bought the .com with namecheap, seems pretty good so far but their control panel sometimes times-out when updating records (about every one in 5 attempts :\), default login screen doesn't use SSL, you have to select "secure login" which seems kinda stupid.