Ruth Haines
Apple's AirPort Time Capsule is a wireless backup solution that can be used as a router. It was sold until 2018 and has since been discontinued, with Apple ending support for the product in 2023. While some users have praised the Time Capsule for its ease of setup and increased wifi range, others have noted that it is an outdated product that may not be worth purchasing in 2024. The decision to buy an AirPort Time Capsule depends on your specific needs and whether you require a physical backup solution for your data.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of setup | Plug and play, with a setup utility that walks you through each step |
| Wifi range | Almost double that of a Belkin router |
| Backup | Automatic wireless backup of up to 3TB of data |
| Use case | If your income depends heavily on your personal computing and if the maximum amount of income losses from total memory failure would be greater than the price of a Time Capsule |
| Price | £70 (about 90 USD) for a 2TB pre-used model |
| Alternatives | Synology, WD, Mac Mini, or a router with a USB drive |
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What You'll Learn
Ease of setup
Setting up the AirPort Time Capsule is a straightforward process. It is often described as a "plug-and-play" device, with a setup utility that guides users through each step of the installation. For Apple users, the Airport Utility will be a familiar process.
The AirPort Time Capsule can be easily set up as a wireless network, and its range is impressive. Users have reported that the AirPort Time Capsule doubled their Wi-Fi range, providing a strong signal even in previously out-of-reach areas like balconies. This makes it an ideal solution for those looking to extend their wireless network coverage.
The device is also a convenient option for those seeking a reliable backup solution. It offers automatic wireless backup of up to 3TB of data, ensuring that important files are always secure and easily accessible. This feature is especially beneficial for those who frequently work with laptops or portable devices, as it eliminates the need for manual, external hard drive backups.
While the AirPort Time Capsule has been discontinued by Apple, it remains a functional and cost-effective option for those seeking a simple and reliable backup and wireless networking solution. However, as with any discontinued product, there are concerns about long-term support and potential compatibility issues with newer hardware and software.
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Wireless backup
The AirPort Time Capsule is a wireless backup device that was introduced by Apple in 2008. It combines a wireless AirPort Base Station with an internal hard drive and the macOS Time Machine backup software. The Time Machine software automatically backs up files, eliminating the need for an external backup drive. It also has the ability to manually back up data using the Time Capsule as a NAS volume.
The Time Capsule is easy to set up, with a plug-and-play design and a setup utility that guides users through each step. It offers a significant increase in Wi-Fi range compared to other devices, such as the Belkin AC759. The second-generation Time Capsule, released in 2009, offered simultaneous 802.11n dual-band operation, allowing older devices to use slower wireless speeds without affecting the performance of devices using higher 802.11n speeds. This generation also introduced Guest Networking, which allows the creation of a separate wireless network for guests with different authentication credentials.
The fourth-generation Time Capsule, released in 2011, improved the Wi-Fi signal range and performance with a Broadcom BCM4331 chip. The fifth-generation Time Capsule, released in 2013, featured a name change to AirPort Time Capsule, a redesign, and the newest Wi-Fi standard 802.11ac. This generation also offered faster download speeds, beamforming improvements, and wireless or desktop network control with iCloud integration.
Despite being discontinued by Apple in 2018, the Time Capsule remains a viable NAS backup solution, with many devices still in good working order. It is a convenient way to perform quick network backups without significant trouble or expense. However, it is important to note that some users have experienced issues with backup files getting corrupted, requiring clean backups to be performed.
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Wi-fi range
When considering purchasing an Apple AirPort Time Capsule, one of the key features to look at is its Wi-Fi range. The AirPort Time Capsule is marketed as a wireless network solution, and one user has reported that the Wi-Fi range was almost double that of a Belkin router. This user went from having no signal on their balcony to getting a signal down to their car.
The AirPort Time Capsule is an excellent option for those seeking a wireless time machine backup solution. It is a simple, effective, and cheap way to ensure that your data is always backed up. However, it is important to note that Apple discontinued this product a few years ago, and the only way to purchase one now is through third-party resellers.
While the AirPort Time Capsule offers impressive Wi-Fi range and backup capabilities, there are some concerns about its age and potential performance issues. Some users have reported that it can be slow, and given that Apple is no longer manufacturing or directly supporting this product, it may not be the best long-term investment.
Additionally, with the advancements in technology, there are now alternative options available in the market that offer similar or even better features. For example, the AirPort Extreme promises up to three times faster Wi-Fi speeds, and there are also non-Apple products, such as the Synology, that users have suggested as viable alternatives.
Overall, while the AirPort Time Capsule may offer an impressive Wi-Fi range and easy backup solutions, it is essential to consider its discontinued status and explore the latest alternatives to make an informed decision.
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Cost
The cost of the Airport Time Capsule depends on the model and its condition. On Amazon, a 2TB Airport Time Capsule (renewed) is available for purchase. On eBay, a 5th Gen Apple Airport Time Capsule is listed.
The price of a new 2TB Airport Time Capsule is not readily available, but a pre-used model from a reputable supplier can be purchased for £70 (approximately $90 USD).
In comparison, a user on Amazon mentions switching from a $100 Belkin AC759 to the 2TB Time Capsule. Another user mentions that they were able to purchase a 2TB Time Capsule to replace their broken backup drive for £70, which is a much cheaper option than buying a new one.
The Airport Time Capsule is a good investment if your income heavily depends on your personal computing and if the maximum amount of income loss from total memory failure would be greater than the price of the device.
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Discontinuation
In 2016, Apple disbanded its wireless router development team, and in 2018, the entire AirPort line of products, including the AirPort Time Capsule, was discontinued without replacement. This decision to exit the router market was described by Bloomberg News as "a boon for other wireless router makers", and it came as a disappointment to many Mac enthusiasts who loved the backup and recovery features of the Time Capsule series.
Despite the discontinuation, Apple and authorised resellers continued to sell AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule while supplies lasted. Apple also committed to providing customers with service and parts for current-generation AirPort Base Stations for the next five years, ensuring that those who purchased the product could rest assured that they would be covered, hardware and software-wise, for half a decade.
The AirPort Time Capsule was a popular product for Apple users, with its easy setup, plug-and-play functionality, and impressive WiFi range. The device doubled as a WiFi router and a backup solution, with its large internal hard drive, which was typically a Hitachi Deskstar drive, sold by Hitachi as a consumer-grade product. The hard drive storage space of each model was doubled in the second generation, released in 2009, with capacities of 1 TB and 2 TB.
Although the AirPort Time Capsule has been discontinued, there are still ways to use Time Machine for backup and recovery purposes. Apple can format an attached disk device, such as those offered by Western Digital, for Time Machine purposes using Time Machine's preferences pane. This method allows users to utilise the entire drive as a Time Machine backup location.
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Frequently asked questions
Airport Time Capsule is a wireless time machine backup solution by Apple. It is a central hub for wireless backup of up to 3TB of data.
If you are an Apple user, an Airport Time Capsule can be a good investment for seamless, automatic wireless backup. It is easy to set up and has a good wifi range.
The product was discontinued by Apple in 2018. However, according to their 5-year support policy, they are obliged to support the product until 2023.
The product has been discontinued, so it is not available through official Apple retailers. You can find pre-used Airport Time Capsules on eBay or from other third-party suppliers.
