Time capsule or other wireless alternative?

I'm planning to start doing backup of a couple of Macbooks. I have 300 gb used in both of them. I don't need all the bells and whistels that comes with Airport Time Capsule and prefer not to pay the hefty price tag either ($350 here in Australia). All I need is to wirelessly backup my files using Time Machine and restore when I need to. I'd prefer a device that can be connected to my wifi network without it having to plugged in to the ADSL modem, something like the Epson 645 printer does. But I guess such a backup device doesn't exist? Failing that something like the Airport Time Capsule would be ideal but without the hefty price tag. My ADSL modem has a USB port so I could share a backup drive that way. Or if it's really worth the money, I could just bite the bullet and get a 2 TB Time Capsule.

The apple refurbished store has the Gen4 2TB for $209..
http://store.apple.com/au/product/FD032X/A/refurbished-time-capsule-2-tb
and if you are prepared to live without the warranty I see Gen4 2TB go on ebay in Australia for $150.. plus or minus. Certainly the refurbished store price sets a pretty clear upper limit.
For your situation the TC plugged into the adsl modem would still work the best. AC wireless in the latest model will do you nothing unless your MBP is brand new.. all the older ones have 450mbit on 5ghz N wireless and it works extremely well as long as you can put the TC close enough.. otherwise the 2.4ghz works fine. There is no improvement in the latest model.. same disk size.. same usb2 port.. same N wireless speed. Even range for many people is no better. Regardless of all the antennas in the latest one. Without AC wireless clients up close the two perform line ball with each other. 
As long as you do the initial backup by ethernet the incremental backup are fine.
As per Bob comment.. there is no modem with USB that is going to work for this. Even on a modem that does support a USB disk, they will NOT support TM extensions.. nor will it be reliable even if it did. People quickly discover that TM is really an all Apple invention.. and locating TM backups on other devices is just bound not to be successful. Heck it is not even that reliable now with Mavericks on a TC.

Similar Messages

  • Can time capsule be connected wirelessly and still use ethernet ports for other devices?

    can time capsule be connected wirelessly and still use ethernet ports for other devices? we have it connected wirelessly but devices connected to the ethernet ports are not working.

    Not as an additional router.. the TC will be plugged into the main router via ethernet (or ethernet equivalent)..
    Then the TC is setup in bridge mode. It will simply act as a Switch and HDD.
    The wireless can be setup in a number of ways.
    From your convenience point of view use it in roaming network mode..
    you simply give the TC the same Wireless Name as the existing routers SSID.
    Same security setting and password. WPA2 Personal = WPA2 AES which is the best.
    But they both use different wireless channels.. normally if you leave the TC on auto it will work fine, but I prefer to control the network.. so set the main router to say 1 and the TC to 11.
    You can also use a completely different wireless name etc.. that is up to you. It is still a single flat network and the only thing that is important is only having one router.

  • Time Capsule Disconnects OTHER devices on wireless network during backup?

    Hi everyone,
    I need help here. I have a 500gb TC as my wireless base station as well as my backup for a new-ish 2.8 iMac. I have 2 laptops on the network as well as 2 airport express stations that just serve speakers. The house is a small 1-floor 3-bedroom.
    Every time my iMac does a time machine backup (which is often), the airport express bricks lose their music streams, and the laptops (a original Macbook Pro and a previous gen. MacBook) lose their internet and network connection - BUT they still show full signal strength and show that they are connected to the network.
    The only thing that seems to "solve" it is for me to turn my computer airport off then back on and wait for it to re-join the network.
    I have tried resetting my Time capsule - which only resulted in a VERY slow initial backup which took over 2 days to back up 200gb worth of data and then back to the same problem.
    I have the TC set up as a mixed n/b/g network, and I have one express brick extending the network ('cause I thought a weak signal might be the problem but it appears not), and the other brick joining the network. All firmware/ software is up to date. Any help is appreciated!
    Many thanks,
    jb

    jwbeaton,
    While it doesn't directly relate to your connectivity issue, might I suggest not storing other files on the TC. Use and external disk attached to the TC via USB.
    *Using a Time Machine Hard Disk (or Time Capsule) for Other Files*
    Here is Apples’ line on this: “Time Machine works best if you use your backup disk only for Time Machine backups. If you keep files on your backup disk, Time Machine won’t back up those files, and the space available for Time Machine backups will be reduced.” [http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.5/en/11430.html]
    This hasn't stopped some from successfully partitioning Time Machine hard disks and storing data on the other partition. As long as the Time Machine backup has its' own partition, you avoid any potential opportunities for conflict.
    However, this is not an option for Time Capsule users as there is no easy way of partitioning the Time Capsules’ internal hard disk without elaborate effort. Granted, the Time Capsule is advertised as being able to perform both as a Time Machine backup destination and as a shared network drive [Apple Store (U.S.) - Time Capsule - 500 GB]
    Nevertheless, some have experienced problems with maintaining files/folders occupying the same disk as Time Machine backups. In this case, they use the Time Capsule hard disk solely for Time Machine backups. Then attach an external hard disk to the Time Capsules USB port and store additional files there. This added disk will still be available to all Macs that can access the Time Capsule. (Note though, that any USB disks attached to the USB port of the Time Capsule can not then be backed up to the Time Capsule via Time Machine. Time Machine will only backup your Macs internal hard disk or any external hard disks physically attached to the Mac. Time Machine can not backup one remote device to another remote device.)
    Hope this is helpful.
    Cheers!

  • Using Time Capsule with 2nd wireless router

    Hi,
    I have been trying to extend my time capsule and have had limited luck.
    I have my time capsule in my office which is a separate building behind my house. The cable internet service runs to this location. I purchased an airport express and put that in the house so we would have wireless access in the house. I have tried every location available in the house and it is still really slow. (I get a transmit rate of 270 in the office. In the house it ranges from 7 to 20).
    So, I was thinking maybe I could run a 30ft or so ethernet cable from the time capsule to another wireless n router in the house. So when out in the office I would connect to the TC and in the house to the Linksys (or whatever I buy). My question: would this even work? Can I have 2 wireless routers and would the Linksys work if it was connected via ethernet to the timecapsule vs. being connected directly to the cable modem?
    Alternatively, can you connect 2 cable modems to one incoming cable line if I could find another cable modem somewhere?

    Sure, happy to help.
    Temporarily, move the Express close to your computer and connect an ethernet cable from your computer to the Express for the configuration.
    Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility
    Select your AirPort Express and click Manual Setup
    Click the Wireless tab below the row of icons
    Wireless Mode...set to Create a wireless network
    Wireless Network Name...Exact same name as your Time Capsule network
    Radio Mode....802.11n (802.11b/g compatible) would be a good choice
    Wireless Channel...Automatic
    Wireless Security....Exact same setting as your Time Capsule network
    Wireless Password....Exact same setting as your Time Capsule network
    Wireless
    Click the Internet icon
    Look for the setting for Connection Sharing at the bottom of the page and set this to "Off (Bridge Mode)"
    Click Update at the lower right of the window and close AirPort Utility immediately and disconnect the ethernet cable as soon as you see the message that your settings have been stored.
    You can now move the Express to the location you need and connect the ethernet cable and power it up.

  • Can I regard a time capsule as a wireless external hard drive?, Can I regard a time capsule as a wireless external hard drive?

    Can I just regard a time capsule as a wireless external drive? I don't think I need time machine to back up, I just want more space to store my files (music, moves, photos). To save the space on my Mac, can I move those things to TC, and open them(watch movies, photos and listen to music) directly?
    And, if I bootcamp windows 8 os, can I still share/use the stuff on the TC, like a regular(wireless) external hard drive?

    Apple says specifically not to move iphoto to network drive.
    iphoto network no no.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1198
    It's recommended that you store your iPhoto library on a locally mounted hard drive. Storing your iPhoto library on a network share can lead to poor performance, data corruption, or data loss.

  • Is there a way to use my time capsule as a wireless access point without having it being connected by eithernet thru my DSL

    Is there a way to use my time capsule as a wireless acess point without connecting the eithernet cable to my DSL modem

    Do you have another router? If not, then the TC must be connected to the modem by Ethernet cable for you to have a network.

  • Airport Time Capsule stop send wireless signal, Airport Time Capsule stop send wireless signal

    After instaling several times, alway after a while the wireless router stop sending the signal, or does not start up like in the morning, especially from a windown computer.
    Out house have several computers in Windows and Mac, iphones and ipads and itouch mac book pro,
    How come the router will not start up after a "night of rest"

    Unfortunately, a solid amber is light is not a good sign.
    Try a complete Factory Default Reset on the Time Capsule using the steps below. This procedure will not affect any of the data that you have stored on the internal hard drive.
    Power off the Time Capsule for 15-20 minutes or longer
    Hold in the reset button on the back of the Time Capsule first, and keep holding for an additional 9-10 seconds while you simultaneously plug the power back in to the Time Capsule
    Release the reset button after the 9-10 hold period and allow a full minute for the Time Capsule to restart
    The Time Capsule light should normally stay solid amber for about 30 seconds and then change to a slow, blinking amber light, indicating that the Time Capsule has been reset and it can now be reconfigured.
    If you try the Factory Default Reset a few times and the light stays solid amber, unfortunately the hard drive has failed, or there is an internal power supply issue with the Time Capsule.
    You should take the Time Capsule to an Apple Store.....if you have one in your area.....or contact Apple Support directly to discuss your options. 
    http://www.apple.com/support/contact/
    If the Time Capsule is out of warranty or not covered by AppleCare, Apple will not offer repairs but there are some shops that specialize in this type of repair. See this link for more details:
    Apple Time Capsule Repairers

  • I set up time capsule using a wireless 4g modem.  it's been five hours and it still is saying making backup disk available (4.97 GB of 18.52 GB).  Can I stop the whole thing, get a ethernet cable and start over to increase the speed of the backup?

    I set up a new time capsule on a wireless 4g modem.  I started the initial backup.  It's been five hours and it still says "making backup disk available (4.97 GB of 18.52 GB)."  Can I stop the whole thing, connect my computer to the time machine using an ethernet cable and start over to increase the speed of the backup?
    Thanks,
    David

    Bunce wrote:
    oh i already did that. Im working on my imac and looking into this on my macbook. Was able to reproduce the issue again by trying to open TM. Locked out the finder again and had to restart. I checked the serial number and it was an early 2009 purchase with no coverage.
    If you bought a Mac and got AppleCare with it, within 2 years of buying the TC, the TC is covered, too.
    I have to admit that this $500 unit was the first to apparently junk out. The western digital that had my main data on that is my daily external that I store about 2TB of data on is still perfect and the new technology TM appears to already be cashed. Love the computers, not to big of a fan on the externals of the apple TV's. No life expectancy. Neither here nor there.
    suggestions before I either get this looked at or scrap the HD on it and move forward.?
    Reset the TC. See [Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule FAQ|http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3728].
    Try a "full reset" of Time Machine, per #A4 in [Time Machine - Troubleshooting|http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/Troubleshooting.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of the +Time Machine+ forum).
    If all else fails, take it to your local Apple Store or Authorized Repair location, they may be able to determine whether the disk is dead.
    If it is, they might replace the TC for you. If not, they won't repair it, but if the electronics are ok, you can replace the HD yourself, if you want to. See http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2542983

  • Time Capsule not producing wireless signal

    We have a time capsule serving as our main wireless for the house and it recently stopped producing a wireless signal and has a solid amber light. I've tried leaving it unplugged and I've tried resetting the device. Neither of those plans had any effect at all. How can I fix this?
    I believe my wife bought this in 09 and its got a 2 TB hard drive. Not sure which version that makes this.

    Unfortunately, a solid amber is light is not a good sign.
    Try a complete Factory Default Reset on the Time Capsule using the steps below. This procedure will not affect any of the data that you have stored on the internal hard drive.
    Power off the Time Capsule for 15-20 minutes or longer
    Hold in the reset button on the back of the Time Capsule first, and keep holding for an additional 9-10 seconds while you simultaneously plug the power back in to the Time Capsule
    Release the reset button after the 9-10 hold period and allow a full minute for the Time Capsule to restart
    The Time Capsule light should normally stay solid amber for about 30 seconds and then change to a slow, blinking amber light, indicating that the Time Capsule has been reset and it can now be reconfigured.
    If you try the Factory Default Reset a few times and the light stays solid amber, unfortunately the hard drive has failed, or there is an internal power supply issue with the Time Capsule.
    You should take the Time Capsule to an Apple Store.....if you have one in your area.....or contact Apple Support directly to discuss your options. 
    http://www.apple.com/support/contact/
    If the Time Capsule is out of warranty or not covered by AppleCare, Apple will not offer repairs but there are some shops that specialize in this type of repair. See this link for more details:
    Apple Time Capsule Repairers

  • Since I've upgraded to Maverick the airpot utility does not recognise that there is a time capsule on the wireless network. I can see the TC using the air port utility on my iPhone5 and on my iPad. What am I doing wrong on my macbook?

    Since I've upgraded to Maverick on my Macbook Pro the airpot utility does not recognise that there is a time capsule on the wireless network. I can see the TC using the air port utility on my iPhone5 and on my iPad. What am I doing wrong on my macbook?

    I have over 250G backed up and I really don't want to reset everything and start again.
    Not sure what you mean here. 
    A reset will not affect any of the data on the Time Capsule hard drive.  You would have to perform a completely separate and very deliberate Erase Disk operation for that to occur.
    I'm not recommending that you perform a default reset, but it is an option if there is really nothing else to try.
    I don't know if what you are seeing is a Mavericks issue or not, since I refuse to use any new software until at least the first major update with fixes comes along.
    Another user may be able to offer more input on Mavericks.

  • Time Capsule as a wireless hard drive - partitioning?

    I have just got my 1tb time capsule, connected it wirelessly to my wi-fi network and run all the updates on it.
    I can now back up to it via time machine, and see it under my shared devices but I want to partition it in two so I can have half as a TM back up and the other half as a wireless drive.
    How can I do this?
    Thanks, Lucas

    Not too sure if I can help you with this because I am trying to do it myself but...
    When I purchased my TC I asked the assistant in the Apple store if I could do this they said yes and proceeded to show me. Along the line I got a bit confused and didn't want to ask them to go over the whole thing again.
    But they wrote on a business card "NTFS" partition??? I have emailed them to see if they will elaborate on this and I am waiting for an answer. But maybe you can take something for this?
    If I get any more info I will post it
    L

  • Just want to use Time Capsule as a wireless hard drive?

    I thought I was computer savvy until now.
    I just want to use Time Capsule as a wireless hard drive. I do not want to connect my Internet to it whatsoever. I realize this would involve disconnecting from Time Capsule and reconnecting to my Internet every time.
    The settings for Time Capsule are just mind-boggling.
    Is there any easy way to set it up as a password-protected wireless hard drive?
    I am so lost with all the settings.
    Please help! I will provide points!

    First, you don't need to use Time Capsule with Time Machine. It can be used as a manual file storage or file exchange drive.
    Where do you have the Ethernet cable placed on the Time Capsule. Is it the WAN port or one of the network ports?
    If you are attempting to set-up the Time Capsule as your wireless router, it will need to be connected to the wired modem from your service provider through the WAN port for configuration. The Time capsule should then appear as a configurable Airport device.
    To start, turn off your cable or DSL modem and the Time Capsule. Turn them both back on with the Time capsule connected to the wired modem via of the WAN port so the modem can grab the TC's MAC address.

  • I have a 1 TB Time Capsule on a wireless network with my iMac and my wife's MacBook Pro.  The TC is almost full. What is the best way/device to increase storage capacity?

    I have a 1 TB Time Capsule on a wireless network with my iMac and my wife's MacBook Pro.  The TC is almost full. What is the best way/device to increase storage capacity?

    Replace the Time Capsule with one that has a larger hard drive. Or erase the one you have and start a new set of backups or backup one of the computers to a different backup drive.

  • Connecting the time capsule to a wireless network (university)

    I just purchased my first mac computer, and the time capsule. I am a university student, and my housing has wireless network, so i would need to configure it to that network (which requires registration). When I first opened everything up, I could see the time capsule in the airport utility, but now I cannot. I dont really know where to go from here, because all of the manuals go from being able to detect the time capsule. On top of that how do I connect the wireless to the registration required network? Any help is much appreciated.

    how can I use the time capsule as a "wifi acceptor" to connect with my wireless network, and then boardcasting wifi signal to my devices?
    Unfortunately, this is not possible.
    In order to broadcast a wireless network with Internet access, the Time Capsule must be provided with a wired Ethernet connection at its WAN "O" port.
    Check wtih your Internet Service Provider to see if they have an adapter or other device that will provide a wired Ethernet connection to the Time Capsule.

  • Connecting Mac Pro to Time Capsule to get wireless network!

    My brother just bought for me the newest Mac Pro with MAC OS 10.6 and already have a TIme Capsule. At the Apple Store they told him that there was no need for him to buy a AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi Card, because I already have Time Capsule and through it I could connect my Mac Pro to my wireless network at home. Is this right?
    The router of the internet is located at my living room and the time capsule is at my bedroom. What I'm trying to say is... Can I use the Time Capsule as a AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi Card for my Mac Pro?
    I'll wait anxiously for an answer.

    You seem a little confused. The Mac Pro must have a wireless card installed inside and connected properly. Then you can wirelessly connect to that Time Capsule.
    If you do not have the card installed inside that Mac Pro then figure a way to run fast cat ethernet cable to the Time Capsule.

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