Apple Time Capsule (500GB)
Manufacturer: Apple Part number: MB276LL/A
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Apple's hybrid 802.11n wireless router/networked hard drive offers some powerful data backup features for Mac owners, as well as Apple's typical pleasing design. Windows users and anyone who demands speed from their 802.11n network will be disappointed.
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Where to buy
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| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Apple Time Capsule (500GB) price range: $217.77
- Reviewed by: Rich Brown
- Reviewed on: 03/03/2008
The good: Clean design; good deal for Draft-N router and 500GB or 1TB of storage; low maintenance data backup for Mac users; extensibility via USB port.
The bad: Only average networking performance; few advanced storage features beyond backup capabilities, and those only for Mac users.
The bottom line: Apple's hybrid 802.11n wireless router/networked hard drive offers some powerful data backup features for Mac owners, as well as Apple's typical pleasing design. Windows users and anyone who demands speed from their 802.11n network will be disappointed.
Apple's new Time Capsule is one of only two devices we know of that incorporates both a wireless router and a hard drive into the same product. The other, a year-and-a-half-old router from Asus, offers neither the same high-speed wireless bandwidth nor as much storage capacity as the Time Capsule, which comes in 500GB (for $299) and 1TB (for $499) varieties. In its niche, then, the Time Capsule is the most advanced product on the market. Its price is also fair compared with a separate router and network-attached hard drive. Mac owners and the space or design conscious should consider the Time Capsule if they're in need of a router upgrade. Windows PC owners should look elsewhere for more advanced storage capabilities, as should anyone that demands fast wireless performance.
Device type: Wireless router with attached hard drive
- • Network standard: 802.11n (draft), 802.11a/b/g
- • Bandwidth: 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- • Operating systems supported: Linux; Mac OS X 10.4 or later (for setup); Windows XP (SP2) or Vista
- • Security options: WEP; WPA/WPA2; NAT firewalls, MAC address filtering
- • Features: 3 Gigabit LAN ports; 1 Gigabit WAN port; 1 USB 2.0 port; DHCP support; DDNS
- • Notable design features: Antenna-less design
- • Support: One-year warranty; 24-7 toll-free phone support; e-mail support form; FAQs; knowledge base; driver and software downloads
Setup and ease of use
Time Capsule is essentially an Airport Extreme Base Station with a built-in hard drive and an easy-to-use, Mac-only automated backup program. Most of what we said in our review of the original, standalone Airport Extreme Base Station applies to the Time Capsule as far as its networking capabilities. Both products provide you with a 2.4GHz or 5.0GHz 802.11n wireless network. We are happy to report that we were able to connect an Intel-powered Mac Pro, an iMac G5, a Windows Vista-based HP Pavilion tx2000z laptop, and the Windows XP-based Lenovo X300 laptop to the Time Capsule wirelessly with little trouble. Each system was also able to read and write to the Time Capsule's hard drive.
The design of the Time Capsule is clean and visually appealing, and almost identical to the Airport Extreme Base Station. You still get one indicator light up front and a row of ports on the back. That's it. Many routers offer an array of blinking status LEDs, but the Time Capsule gives you only a static green light to let you know that it's working. The backside provides you with a single Gigabit Ethernet port for a connection to your cable or DSL or LAN connection, three Gigabit ports for hard-wired network devices, and a single USB 2.0 input. There's no power button, but you do get a reset button to restore the factory default settings. The power cable (and it's just a cable, not a brick) plugs directly into the back. We should note that while the Time Capsule is basically silent, the top gets hot, especially when the hard drive is moving a lot of data. Be sure to store it in a well-ventilated area.
Apple made the claim that setting up the Time Capsule to manage your network is easy, and if you're comfortable with basic networking concepts, it is. If you don't know whether you have a static IP address or you're unfamiliar with abbreviations like PPP and DHCP, you can still probably navigate Time Capsule's handful of setup screens, thanks to mostly clear English descriptions that accompany each option. You initiate the installation by inserting the Time Capsule CD, and from there (on a Mac) it will update your AirPort Utility, and then prompt you to select various options. Windows drivers are also included on the disc.
With your network established, Windows users should be able to see the hard drive in their network folder, and read and write files to it as with any networked storage device. You can set up a password to connect to the drive, although you get no user management interface like that of the HP MediaSmart Server. You can also access the Time Capsule's drive remotely through a .Mac account, which you have to pay for. The HP Server provides you remote access for free, although it's not a router.
Mac users can use the Time Capsule's hard drive for basic storage as well, but they also get more benefit from Time Capsule than the Windows crowd, due to its interface with Leopard's Time Machine feature. Time Machine lets you set automated backups from the Macs on your network directly to the Time Capsule. It took about two hours to back up a relatively sparse 21GB of data on a Macbook laptop over a wired Gigabit connection to the Time Capsule. Apple has also preset Time Capsule to perform several backups a day for the first week you set it up, several backups a week after the first day, and then throughout each month, until you run out of drive space. Each backup only saves the information that's changed, so you don't have to do the complete multi-gigabyte data transfer every time. You can also tell Time Machine to back up manually whenever you want.
Features
This brings us to the Time Capsule's USB port. The Airport Extreme Base Station had one as well, so much of the functionality is the same. The idea is that you can plug pretty much any networkable USB device into the Time Capsule and share it across your network. It can also accept a USB hub if you want to attach multiple devices. We successfully added a USB flash drive and a USB hard drive, each of which created another distinct drive volume on our network. Apple offers no RAID capability with the Time Capsule (unlike the old Asus router-storage combo product), so it cannot mirror added drives or map them into a contiguous volume. Mirroring a drive already set to backup might be excessive, but it would be useful to create a single volume out of multiple drives.
In addition to adding storage, Apple also touts the USB ports for adding printers to your network. We were able to add a Canon Pixma ip2600 inkjet printer with no trouble, even over a powered USB hub that also had a hard drive connected to it. All of the various Mac- and Windows-based systems on the Time Capsule's network were able to print to it. We also installed a Wi-Fi-enabled Lexmark X7550 to the Time Capsule's network wirelessly. The Time Capsule is not a print server, so if you send a job to the printer while it's printing from another system, you'll simply get an error message, instead of the Time Capsule adding the new job to a queue. That's to be expected, although it's still a bit frustrating, as Apple makes a point to advertise the Time Capsule's suitability for network printing.
You should also not consider the Time Capsule as a one-stop shop for your iTunes library across various systems, nor should you expect it to work with an Apple TV. In other words, a completely centralized Apple home media network is still out of reach. We were able to get an Apple TV onto the Time Capsule's wireless signal, but it would not find any of the iTunes libraries. Further, between the various account management pitfalls and the fact that you're already presumably backing your iTunes library up to the Time Capsule, its media file-management capabilities are also problematic. To be fair, Apple does not advertise Time Capsule as a media server, although we hold out hope that it might improve the possibilities of Time Capsule with a firmware or software update.
One thing we feared about the Time Capsule when we first heard of it is that because it's essentially a closed box, if the hard drive or the router fails, you end up losing both. It's been shown that you can peel off the Time Capsule's rubbery bottom and remove the hard drive yourself, but Apple confirmed for us that even if you were to do that, you couldn't treat the Time Capsule as a standalone router, as the hard drive hosts vital data on it for the networking functionality as well. That's another shortcoming, although Apple assured us that the Time Capsule's "server grade" Hitachi Deskstar hard drive would last a lot longer than the typical desktop or laptop drive.
Performance
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
As for its performance, we're happy enough with the Time Capsule's capability as a storage device. Results will vary depending on what kind of connection you use (see the wireless performance below, for example) but when you connect a system to the Time Capsule via a Gigabit Ethernet cable, you should feel comfortable knowing that its data transfer speeds lie within the range of what we expect from other network attached hard drives.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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Throughput max |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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Mixed throughput |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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Throughput 200 feet |
Although we're satisfied with its storage performance, as a wide-bandwidth 802.11n wireless router, the Time Capsule is decidedly mediocre. On the 2.4GHz performance indicated in our charts, the Time Capsule fell behind by a full 20 Mbps on our max throughput test compared with a NetGear RangeMax router. It's also on the lower end of the spectrum when compared on our long range and mixed throughput tests. We don't show 5.0GHz frequency scores for brevity, but our results on those tests scaled in a similar fashion. Anecdotally, backing up and moving data back and forth between the drive and various systems felt reasonably fast, but if you need your network to be especially speedy, our charts show that you have several faster options out there.
Service and support
Apple's service and support support are also unimpressive, but this isn't exactly news. The one-year parts and labor warranty is standard across the industry, but Apple's 90 days of phone support is the shortest coverage plan around. You can get in-person help at an Apple store if you live near one, and online you'll find the standard array of assistance. If you can't find the support you need from Apple's FAQs or troubleshooting document, the Apple user forum is a reliable alternative.
Find out more about how we test wireless routers.
User reviews
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Simple, elegant design, easy setup, meets the needs of a lazy user.
by Mycroft Jr. on March 5, 2008
Pros: Fast setup (less than 10 minutes), quiet, backup serves multiple computers without difficulty, no bricks, less cords.
Cons: Runs hot, inherently slower transfer speeds due to wireless networking.
Summary: As an OS10.5 user I've found that the TC 500gb performs its three functions without hassle: printer sharing, N network, and remote backups of multiple computers.
The most ...Summary: As an OS10.5 user I've found that the TC 500gb performs its three functions without hassle: printer sharing, N network, and remote backups of multiple computers.
The most important feature in my opinion is the out-of-sight-out-of-mind backup. Two weeks ago I lost 2 years of files. I paid the price for being too lazy and too forgetful. Now, I have something that'll be thinking about backups for me.
Another nice feature was the consolidation of the three separate devices that formed my office backup & network: I had a wireless print server, external backup, and router. Now I use only one plug with no brick or wallwart (which all three other devices had).
The limitations are of course what is to be expected when using a wireless network and an Apple device. Range, speed of file transfer, as well lack of user serviceability.6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good product with some bugs
by jmar198 on March 5, 2008
Pros: Fast wifi connection, easy file sharing, easy NAT setup
Cons: Gets real HOT, Compatibility issue with the Xbox 360, Initial setup can be hard
Summary: The Good:
Connects easily with both apple and windows based laptops.
Fast connection when using both g and n wifi modes.
Easy to setup NAT for port forwarding.
Easy to ...Summary: The Good:
Connects easily with both apple and windows based laptops.
Fast connection when using both g and n wifi modes.
Easy to setup NAT for port forwarding.
Easy to share MP3s via Itunes. I know the cnet review said they had trouble, what I did was simply put the mp3s on the Time Capsule hard drive. I then went into Itunes and redirected where to find the mp3s, I did this for my computer running MAC OSX and my girlfriend running Vista and it worked with no problem.
Wifi compatible with Nintendo Wii.
The Bad:
It gets HOT!!!!! I?m not sure if the disk ever stops spinning even when it is not be accessed. But be careful I check mine every day and as soon summer hits
Initial setup can be hard; I actually had to call apple tech support 4 times to finally get it setup correctly.
No wifi compatibility with Xbox 360 only via cable.
Overall:
It is a good product that will probably need a firmware update to do something about how hot it gets.
The hard drive works great and the music that streams from it into Itunes is perfect with no degradation or lag.
Defiantly a product for those who are a little tech savvy.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Apple does great
by ramenoodles on March 4, 2008
Pros: Saves space and can use Time Capsule for MULTIPLE Macs. Saves on the many external HDD needed for a few Macs
Cons: Does get hot when a lot is transferred
Summary: I don't get why a con by the reviewer is advance features are only for Mac users. Did you expect PC's to have some advance back up program? ...
Summary: I don't get why a con by the reviewer is advance features are only for Mac users. Did you expect PC's to have some advance back up program? Apple actually designed a program along with the OS X for people to actually back up their computer. I know that the majority of computer users, both Mac and PC, do not regularly back up. Since Time Machine came out, a lot more Mac users I know back things up.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Smooth, Easy, Awesome
by eddiekari84 on September 24, 2008
Pros: Plenty of Storage
Mac Users brainless backup, and if need be a external hard drive
open to multiple computers, for everyone living in the houseCons: Options seem limited, but then again it's a wireless hard drive what more would you do with it
Summary: As a mac user, Time Capsule Coupled with Time Machine, it is an elegant, smooth, and easy way to be confident that your data is backed up and having the ...
Summary: As a mac user, Time Capsule Coupled with Time Machine, it is an elegant, smooth, and easy way to be confident that your data is backed up and having the option of an external hard drive that doesn't need a USB is great
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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cant repair hard drive it something happens to it
by modogg10 on August 28, 2008
Pros: easy to use and install
Cons: if anything happens to the hdd, there is no way to trouble shoot.
Summary: since apple will only replace the unit but is not responsible for data loss, i dont recommend this for back ups. its very unreliable. it failed exactly a month after ...
Summary: since apple will only replace the unit but is not responsible for data loss, i dont recommend this for back ups. its very unreliable. it failed exactly a month after purchase. i lost 500gb on my 1tb time capsule. catch 22 is if you open it to extract the hard drive, you void the warranty. and it will cost you twice as much as the unit to get your data at a data recovery specialist.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Operates as designed - Easy Set-up
by ErrorAlreadyInUse on October 6, 2008
Pros: Love this thing. I use it as a wireless router for my mobile laptops, hardwired my two iMacs, Time Machine works seamlessly with it for both computers.
Cons: I don't know - it works. If it dies, that would, you know - be a 'con.' It does get hot, but I assume if I don't store it on a pillow or under a quilt, I'll be okay. Speed seems fine, though I do have it hooked up via cables because, well, I can.
Summary: Look, if you're a techy guy that laments you can't hook-up 10 computers with 4 different Windows versions, Linux and 3 generations of Apple products - maybe not ...
Summary: Look, if you're a techy guy that laments you can't hook-up 10 computers with 4 different Windows versions, Linux and 3 generations of Apple products - maybe not for you. If you're the average guy that wants one device for storage, printer/scanner access, wireless and backup - this is slick. Finally have a product that answered all my concerns. I'm not a networking geek and all these functions could presumably be done via Windows and some hardware. Apple makes it simple and seamless. I did make a reservation and trip to see one of the Apple Geniuses at the mall - very helpful. Like everything Apple, it just looks sexy too. I can create a common folder on it for sharing files and I finally have my ip4000r Canon printer hooked up and networked for all via ethernet. The USB port also allows you to hookup multiple other devices, including additional hard drives. For that reason, I bought the 500gb figuring I can add storage cheaper and independently via USB. Also adds a possible layer of redundancy.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Honestly, there isn't really a peer product...
by quitifa on August 13, 2008
Pros: Very easy setup, compact design, seamless intergration with Macs
Cons: Very slow intial backup, printer may print slowly
Summary: First of all, I just wanted to say that I think this product is well worth the price. If I had purchased a 500GB hard drive AND a wireless router ...
Summary: First of all, I just wanted to say that I think this product is well worth the price. If I had purchased a 500GB hard drive AND a wireless router AND a wireless adapter for my printer, the prices would have been almost the same...but the Time Capsule is compact and convenient.
So, I would really recommend it. That being said, there is always a wish list that could improve ANY product. For the Time Capsule that would be:
*OPTIONAL wired backup (especially for the first backup)
*Printer will sometimes take a while to print
*For the money/functionality, it's not that hard to include an audio option (AirTunes)
*The unit can get a little hot sometimes
That's about it. For sure though, there the versatility and ease of this product are incomparable, especially with use alongside Time Machine on an a Mac. Plus, students get a discount on it and the AppleCare Warranty covers the Time Capsule!
Highly recommended.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great backup/router device! Apple.. keep the great products coming!
by mohanman on July 1, 2008
Pros: Easy backup, time capsule is a great, user friendly interface.. quiet... works!
Cons: Slow router, doesn't have good qos like other routers (dlink)
Summary: I bought this based on reviews for backup purposes. its amazing. Simple, elegant, works, quiet, awesome interface.. apple just keeps coming out with great products. I wish the router could ...
Summary: I bought this based on reviews for backup purposes. its amazing. Simple, elegant, works, quiet, awesome interface.. apple just keeps coming out with great products. I wish the router could handle multiple streams better, but that could be fixed with a firmware update. no matter what the issues are, however, it still gets the job done. No more windows crashing! Things are smooth salin'!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A 10 for me
by BobBobBobBobBobBobBob on March 24, 2008
Pros: Works great with OSX
Cons: No cons if you're a OSX user
Summary: This is a wireless N router and a NAS drive for the same price as a NAS only. *** is that CNet reviewer smoking? This is by far faster than the ...
Summary: This is a wireless N router and a NAS drive for the same price as a NAS only. *** is that CNet reviewer smoking? This is by far faster than the NAS only 500gb and dlink wireless g I'm replacing. I don't usually back my data as frequently as I should, now, I'm backing up everyday and feel so good that my data is secure. If laziness is being smart ( as one reviewer twists), then call me lazy :P
The reviewer gave it low points because the advanced features are for OSX Leopard users only?? Review it as a any Mac product then give it a plus for making it compatible for windows users. Anyway if you use windows, then you deserve what you get.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I like this solution, a lot!
by edjemusic on March 4, 2008
Pros: USB for printer sharing, Airport Utility for Windows VISTA
Cons: None yet...
Summary: The Apple Time Capsule is a virtual back up, set & forget solution I have been wanting for some time. I ordered this with my new MacBook Pro 2.4 ...
Summary: The Apple Time Capsule is a virtual back up, set & forget solution I have been wanting for some time. I ordered this with my new MacBook Pro 2.4 processor. Its schweet.
Peace,
Ed1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apple
- Part number: MB276LL/A
- Description: Back up a lifetime's worth of memories with the all-new Time Capsule, a wireless hard drive that works seamlessly with Time Machine in Mac OS X Leopard. It's also a full-featured 802.11n Wi-Fi base station. Time Capsule works automatically with Time Machine in Mac OS X Leopard to create the perfect no-hassle backup solution. There are no cables, so you can back up all the computers in your home to a central location. The massive server-grade hard drive gives you all the capacity and safety you need for backing up all your Macs. Connect your DSL or cable modem to Time Capsule and quickly create a new wireless network - or extend an existing AirPort-based network - using the easy-to-use AirPort Utility for Mac and PC. Time Capsule uses next-generation 802.11n wireless technology to deliver up to five times the performance and up to twice the range of 802.11g wireless networks. Time Capsule also works great as a wireless hard drive whether you have a Mac or PC. It sets up in a snap, giving you a networked hard drive you can use for storing and sharing any kinds of files. Print documents, photos, and more from any room in the home or office to a central printer connected to Time Capsule via USB. Protect yourself with the built-in firewall and industry-standard encryption technologies including WPA/WPA2 and 128-bit WEP. Time Capsule works flawlessly with Apple TV, iPhone, iPod touch, and all your other Wi-Fi devices that use the 802.11a/b/g and 802.11n draft 2.0 wireless standards.
General
- Device Type NAS server
- Host Connectivity Gigabit Ethernet / 802.11a/b/g/n (draft)
- Total Storage Capacity 500 GB
- Width 7.8 in
- Depth 7.8 in
- Height 1.4 in
- Weight 3.5 lbs
Storage Controller
- Type Serial ATA - Integrated
Hard Drive
- Type Standard - 3.5" x 1/3H
- Capacity 1 x 500 GB
- Interface type Serial ATA-300
Optical Storage
- Type None
Optical Storage (2nd)
- Type None
Storage Removable
- Type None
Hard Drive (2nd)
- Type None
Networking
- Type Wireless access point - Integrated
- Data link protocol Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
- Transport protocol L2TP, PPTP, IPSec
- Remote management protocol SNMP
- Network Services Compatibility Apple Bonjour Protocol
- Features DNS proxy, NAT support, DHCP support, IPv6 support, Print server, RADIUS support, VPN passthrough, Firewall protection, MAC address filtering
- Networking standards IEEE 802.1x, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Bays Total (Free) 1 ( 1 ) x Internal - 3.5" x 1/3H
- Expansion Slots Total (Free) None
- Interfaces Ethernet - USB, 4 x Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T USB - RJ-45 - RJ-45, 1 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A
Miscellaneous
- Features Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately)
- Compliant Standards RSS-210, UL 60950, EN 300.328, EN 301.893, FCC Part 15, ARIB STD-T66, CSA 22.2 No. 60950, FCC Class B certified
Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
- Voltage Required AC 120/230 V
- Operational power consumption 30 Watt
Software / System Requirements
- Software type Drivers & Utilities
- Min Operating system Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP SP2, Apple MacOS X 10.4 or later
- Peripheral / Interface devices USB port, Ethernet port
Video
- Video Output None
Environmental Parameters
- Min operating temperature 50 °F
- Max operating temperature 95 °F
- Operating humidity range 20 - 80%
Product series
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Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Apple Time Capsule NAS server, 1 TB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Standard, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
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Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Apple Time Capsule NAS server, 500 GB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Standard, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Manufacturer info
- Apple
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Apple products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.apple.com
- Address:
One Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014 - Phone: 1-408-996-1010
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