Other web building tools like iWeb?

[SchneiderMan]

I'm using iWeb and MobileMe to host and upload a site I did with my domain and it was nice, easy and fast. But I'm not sure I want to pay $100 just for that. Is there any other similar tools I can use? I'm new to all this, thanks

[sanPietro98]

RapidWeaver is pretty good. I think it costs $79, but it has a wide range of plugins to customize to your needs.

[sanPietro98]

Of course, if you use RapidWeaver (or any other tools for that matter), you'll still need a place to host the website. MobileMe is expensive if that's all you're using it for.

There are numerous hosting companies out there that will host small low-bandwidth sites for $5 / month. There may be free ones too, but I haven't researched that recently.

If you just want a blog-style website, you can always go to WordPress.com.

[SchneiderMan]

So rapidweaver is like iweb but then i still need to host my site right? any other tools like rapidweaver for less money? thank you for your help. im downloading the trial now.

[Kwill]

Sandvox (http://www.karelia.com/sandvox/) ($57/97) is similar to RapidWeaver (http://www.realmacsoftware.com/rapidweaver/) ($79). The main advantage over iWeb (http://www.apple.com/ilife/iweb/) ($79) is that it (for now) still supports Tiger on PowerPCs in addition to Intel Macs. It publishes to MobileMe or to other hosts via FTP. iWeb requires Leopard. However, I must admit, iWeb designs are more polished than Sandvox.

Freeway (http://www.softpress.com/) ($79/249) uses a different approach for developing Web sites. Dreamweaver (http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver/) ($399) is another tool. These have steeper learning curves.

Once a site is within one of the template-based programs, it is easy to switch from one design style to another. However, the applications are not interchangeable; you can't switch from iWeb to Sandvox or visa versa without entering all the data and images again. Considering the time it takes to build and maintain a site, within reason, initial cost for the application should not be your primary concern. Find something that works well and is easy to maintain. Demos are available.

[SchneiderMan]

Sandvox (http://www.karelia.com/sandvox/) ($57/97) is similar to RapidWeaver (http://www.realmacsoftware.com/rapidweaver/) ($79). The main advantage over iWeb (http://www.apple.com/ilife/iweb/) ($79) is that it (for now) still supports Tiger on PowerPCs in addition to Intel Macs. It publishes to MobileMe or to other hosts via FTP. iWeb requires Leopard. However, I must admit, iWeb designs are more polished than Sandvox.

Freeway (http://www.softpress.com/) ($79/249) uses a different approach for developing Web sites. Dreamweaver (http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver/) ($399) is another tool. These have steeper learning curves.

Once a site is within one of the template-based programs, it is easy to switch from one design style to another. However, the applications are not interchangeable; you can't switch from iWeb to Sandvox or visa versa without entering all the data and images again. Considering the time it takes to build and maintain a site, within reason, initial cost for the application should not be your primary concern. Find something that works well and is easy to maintain. Demos are available.

Thanks for your help!

[moderniste]

Moonfruit has some nice options:
http://www.moonfruit.com/