The Time Capsule from Apple is an Internet router with a built-in hard drive, designed for use with OS X Leopard's Time Machine backup software. It can backup your Mac over Wi-Fi, ensuring that your data is always protected. It even features a USB port for printer and hard disk sharing.
The router allows you to share your Internet connection between several computers via the draft 802.11n wireless protocol. It also features three standard 10/100/1000Mbps RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet ports. The router is fully backwards compatible with legacy 802.11a/b/g devices.
The Time Capsule features a firewall to protect you from malicious software that can attack your computer from the Internet, as well as wireless security to insure that your data remains private. It can serve as an Internet router for both Macs and PCs.
| Base Station | |
|---|---|
| Standards | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n |
| Network Protocol | TCP/IP |
| Data Rate |
802.11a/g: 54Mbps 802.11b: 11Mbps Ethernet: 10/100/1000Mbps USB 2.0: 480Mbps |
| Frequency Range |
802.11b/g/n: 2.4GHz 802.11a: 5GHz |
| Channel Support |
North America: 1-11, 36-48, 149-165 Japan: 1-14, 36-64, 100-140 Europe: 1-13, 36-64, 100-112, 132-140 Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand: 1-13, 36-64, 149-165 |
| Security | WPA, WPA2, 40/128-bit WEP, MAC address filtering, NAT firewall, RADIUS, 802.1X, PEAP, LEAP, TTLS, TLS, FAST, Time-based access control |
| Antenna | 1x External |
| Operation Distance | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Transmitted Power | 20dBm |
| Power Over Ethernet | None |
| Ports |
3x RJ-45 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet 1x RJ-45 10/100/1000Mbps WAN 1x USB 2.0 |
| General | |
|---|---|
| System Requirements |
Mac Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5.7 for configuration; Mac OS X 10.2.7 for USB printing; Mac OS X 10.4.8 for AirPort Disk access; Mac OS X 10.5.7 for Time Machine backup Hardware: Ethernet or AirPort interface Windows Operating System: Windows XP SP3 or Vista SP1 for configuration, USB printing and AirPort Disk access Hardware: 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi or Ethernet |
| Power Requirements |
AC: 100-240VAC, 50-60Hz, single phase Consumption: 34W |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 7.7 x 1.4 x 7.7" (19.7 x 3.6 x 19.7cm) |
| Weight | 3.5 lb (1.6kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Fast and functional
The router is Fast with the 801.11 N signal. Noticeably faster than the Linksys 801.11 G router it replaced. 2 Terabytes is Huge for storage. 3 terabyte version of this product isn't worth the...Read complete review
The router is Fast with the 801.11 N signal. Noticeably faster than the Linksys 801.11 G router it replaced. 2 Terabytes is Huge for storage. 3 terabyte version of this product isn't worth the additional $200 price tag.
The set up was easy, but it did require a call to Comcast for them to bounce my signal. The router was was stuck on the Yellow light until Comcast bounced the signal...then it went green. Easy fix...
I've researched this product and it was rated to have a faster WRITE speed than it did a READ speed on the hard drive. This is because apple optimized this to write fast for backing up your mac computer. The read speed is not as efficient as an independent hard drive might be, but by no means should this deter you from making this purchase.
If you demand top of the line performance for streaming movies and music, you can always purchase an additional hard drive that has top of the line READ speed and plug it into one of the 4 network ports on the Time Capsule. I'm not saying you NEED to buy an additional drive to stream movies...I'm just telling you that this until is made for backing up your computer and WRITES faster than it READS. The READ speed is not terrible, it's just not top of the line...because this is backup device.
The 4 network input ports can also be used to add a printer. This means you can make any printer Wireless. This means that any device you can plug into the router will be wireless and available on your home network.
One more thing I like about this router is the fact that it has 3 levels of security. 1 password for the hard drive, 2nd password for the administration of the main wireless network and a 3rd password for a GUEST wireless network. That means my friends can log into my wireless guest network on their phones/computers when they come over and I don't have to worry about anyone having access to my hard drive or hacking my computer because they're in my network. Sweet.
One more thing on this unit. I can use my windows lap top on the Guest network, but it is not able to access the main wireless network or have the option to get backed up on the Time Capsule. The backup functionality is only available for Apple products (mac computers, iPods, iPads, iPhones).
Overall, I'm Very happy with this purchase. Go get one. You know you want it. It's worth the $$$.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
It looks better than it is
I am a Windows user and wanted a backup drive that I could use to backup my files and access them from anywhere, but I found out after installing it that the Time Capsule only...Read complete review
I am a Windows user and wanted a backup drive that I could use to backup my files and access them from anywhere, but I found out after installing it that the Time Capsule only works as a local share drive. I was hoping for a web interface, but it is not available, at least not yet. The Wi-Fi router features are limited. I tried using the Wi-Fi expander features with my D-Link router and it did not work. As a matter of fact, I ended up disabling the Wi-Fi on the Time Capsule all together and connected it to my DLink router using an Ethernet cable because I constantly kept losing connection to it and had to reboot it every time to regain access. The current latest firmware running on it still offers you to connect to MobileMe which was replaced by iCloud and the iCloud doesn't seem to be supported by the Time Capsule at this time. Why would you connect to either one? your guess is good as mine, but I tried to connect to MobileMe since they offer the option to see what it could offer. I was also hoping to backup my iPhone and iPod Touch to the Time Capsule instead of the iCloud, but it doesn't seem to be any option to do that at this time. Overall the only thing that Apple impressed me with so far when it came to the Time Capsule was with the nice packaging. I am hopping Apple releases a firmware update that would make the Time Capsule 2TB worth [$]. Right now I don't see it any better than sharing a drive on a Windows workstations. Of course, I keep in consideration the value of the 2TB of storage space.
Reviewed by 54 customers
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Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
The Time Capsule has almost doubled the download speed of my home wifi and backing up my entire system is effortless...I don't worry about it anymore. And the icing on the cake was the price. Saved big time over the Apple online price.
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Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
One installation and it takes care of the rest automatically. No need for manual back up. Easy and simpel to use.
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Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
I've always been a PC guy but recently decided to try out the Time Capsule. I've been in need of a new dual band gigabit router and also a shared storage device. I did some research and saw good reviews for the Time Capsule. My friend has one and suggested it.
I'm glad I picked this over another NAS/router combo or buying a separate router and NAS device. The setup through a Mac is ridiculously easy and allows you to take all the settings from the old router and apply them to the Time Capsule so you don't have to make changes to the encryption on your wireless devices.
I have both a PC and Mac and sharing files was usually a pain without a shared storage device. Also my iTunes on my Mac takes up a ton of space. The Time Capsule allows me to off load all the files onto it and also share the library to my PC laptop without having the Mac on. The file transfer to the Time Capsule best works using the gigabit ports but you can also do it wirelessly but takes more time.
Overall, I think this is a great product and purchase. I haven't had any problems with it yet except sometimes when transferring larger files wirelessly, it loses its connection. Best to transfer files through the gigabit port.
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Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
I spent a couple of months after buying the iMac shopping around for the best way to do backup. I really wanted an Apple product for seamless syncing, so the Time Capsule was the obvious solution. And the best part is, this little beauty is also a wireless router, so I dumped the cable router and put this in its place - it is capable to providing wireless to 100 computers! With 4 computers, TV internet, iPhone, multiple iPods and iPad....it's great to finally have a router that can handle the traffic. I bumped up to the optimal speed from Time Warner and upped my modem. Now we have superfast internet (and RELIABLE), and constant backup of the Mac. The Time Capsule searches for any updates on the computer to back up every hour. Awesome. And with a 2 TB hard drive, it's more than enough to cover our 1 TB iMac. SO completely easy to set up, it's literally plug & play.
And - last but not least - it's a beautiful piece of machinery that looks beautiful on the desk next to the Mac. Glossy white with a big black apple on top. SWEET!
B&H definitely offered the best price & fast ship. Worth every penny.
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Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
I use it in my office and it works great!!
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Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
Good product as usual from apple
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Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
I used Time capsule to connect to Airport Extreme to extend the range in the house as well as make a wireless to Wired connection in the house. works great.
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Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
It works in just a minutes after pluging in. Easy to set-up, wi-fi works excellent. The only thing is that a connection error message keeps popping up with actualy no connection problems.
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Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
Ridiculously easy to set up for WiFi and storage - up and running in < 10minutes. Back up your files to the TC first ethernet to macbook, then set up wifi. otherwise first transfer can literally take days. To date the connection has been 100% reliable up to 160', haven't tested beyond this measure. This 2for1 device is worth the money - apple quality & reliability, sufficient speeds and loads of storage for average home user, only 1 device to connect and maintain, reducing clutter and cables. Cautions - make sure you have a newer printer if connecting it to the TimeCapsule. My 8yo HP multi-function chokes 50% of the time when connected to the device, while completely reliable when hooked up directly to the macbook. Also it does run very hot for piece of mind placed it on an upside down mesh basket for air circulation.
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Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
AS ALWAYS, APPLE PRODUCTS ARE GOOD, SIMPLE AND RELIABLE EVEN WHEN DEALING WITH RISKY FACTORS SUCH AS WIRELESS BACK UP, ETC.
SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE NETWROK HARD DRIVE AS WELL.
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Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
When I bought my iMac, I tried to copy the data straight from my old computer for 3 days, and it did not work. I decided to get a good external drive, and found the TC, which took me 5 mins to setup and start backing up. it took 10 hours to back up, and 50 mins to restore. Mine is not connected to the Internet as a precaution. I change networks everytime I need something from the drive. Setting up the printer was very easy, although I will need to buy a new one as mine is 8 years old.
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Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
It took about 2 minutes to setup. My Macbook Pro found it, started backing up. The first backup of about 200GBs took 12 hours over my wireless network - backups after that take <5min. Been working great for a week or so.
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Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
The Time Capsule (2TB) by Apple is being used to backup all my Apple products, (IMac, Mac book, IPods and IPhones). Setup was not just plugging in cables. Some software upgrades had to be added.
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Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
My daughter does web pages and editing for a new film company. She did the research and decided to return her capsule due to the build up in heat of the unit and the stated problem that if the computer user doesn't catch that their computer has crashed, your next SAVE may be result in nothing being stored! Therefore you are likely to loose your data that you previously stored. For the price, she can get memory more reasonably and regularly backs up her own data. Not worth the risk. Will be returning mine too.
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Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
Easy to set up. I would give it 5 stars of it would not spin down all the time. Darn power saving stuff. Kudos to BH for having this in stock.
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Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
Sets up easily, backs up quickly and looks great on the desk. And, by not buying the overpriced, enormous hard drive on sale at Apple stores, affordable.
Pros
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Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
I am a Windows user and wanted a backup drive that I could use to backup my files and access them from anywhere, but I found out after installing it that the Time Capsule only works as a local share drive. I was hoping for a web interface, but it is not available, at least not yet. The Wi-Fi router features are limited. I tried using the Wi-Fi expander features with my D-Link router and it did not work. As a matter of fact, I ended up disabling the Wi-Fi on the Time Capsule all together and connected it to my DLink router using an Ethernet cable because I constantly kept losing connection to it and had to reboot it every time to regain access. The current latest firmware running on it still offers you to connect to MobileMe which was replaced by iCloud and the iCloud doesn't seem to be supported by the Time Capsule at this time. Why would you connect to either one? your guess is good as mine, but I tried to connect to MobileMe since they offer the option to see what it could offer. I was also hoping to backup my iPhone and iPod Touch to the Time Capsule instead of the iCloud, but it doesn't seem to be any option to do that at this time. Overall the only thing that Apple impressed me with so far when it came to the Time Capsule was with the nice packaging. I am hopping Apple releases a firmware update that would make the Time Capsule 2TB worth [$]. Right now I don't see it any better than sharing a drive on a Windows workstations. Of course, I keep in consideration the value of the 2TB of storage space.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
The time capsule comes with straight forward directions in a well packaged box. It has a sleek glossy white Apple look, no need to hide this unit. It has a nice weight to it with a rubberized bottom, so no worries about it being knocked off the table. I was in a hurry to set it up, and the Time Capsule obliged with a quick disconnect of my old router and connect of the TC, a few simple steps of the Time Machine Wizard software already on my Macbook Pro, OS z Lion and I was up and running. It only took 1.5 hours to backup my computer. It runs very quiet, can't even here it, and it's right next to my bed. The only thing I don't like is more of a Time machine software issue, wish I could schedule the backups, rather than them occurring every hour. But, atleast it only backs up the new information and not the whole drive. The N router works great too. Highly recommended.
Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
Its a great device! My speed is greater and it took 2 mins to setup.
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Comments about Apple Time Capsule (2TB):
Interested in backup and remote printing. I have not been able to get the remote print function to work yet. Set up is designed for cable internet and I use Verizon.
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