Time capsule Vs. Airport + External HD

I'm aware that at this point the question is purely hypothetical, but in theory, does one setup carry advantages over the other?

As you can see on the boards, a lot of people are having difficulties with plugging a USB drive into an AEBS. But let's forgive that for the moment, and we'll assume that some magical software update becomes available that remedies most users' issues.
Time Capsule vs. Airport Extreme Base Station + HD...
*Time Capsule's advantages (as I see it)*
- Simpler solution (drive's built in)
- Server grade hard drive (rated at 1 million hours mean time between failure)
- Built-in power supply (no 'brick' ac adapter to have to hide)
- Shiny Apple logo on top (some people like that sort of thing hehehe)
*Airport Extreme Base Station + USB HD...*
- Less expensive if you already have a hard drive to plug in
It's also worth noting that with Time Capsule, you can not partition the hard drive. You also can not currently use Disk Utility on the drive (since Disk Utility only works with disks physically attached to your Mac).
If you do not already have a USB 2.0 hard drive to use, I'd say go with Time Capsule. The 500GB model sells for $299, which is about $120 more than the cost of the Airport Extreme. $120 is a pretty reasonable price to pay for 500GB, and it's better class of drive than you'd normally get.
If you already have a drive... then scan through these boards and look to see if your make/model is something people are reporting a lot of problems with. Do a search on Google, too. Neither one guarantees there won't be a headache, but you'll get an idea as to whether it'll be painless or not.
Hope that helps!
Message was edited by: trilobyte

Similar Messages

  • How can i use the airport time capsule as a external hard drive?

    how can i use the airport time capsule as a external hard drive?

    Why do you recommend not place things like iTunes libraries or photo libraries on the drive? It was what I am looking for...
    I suggest that you ask the experts over in the iPhoto Support Community about their opinions on placing an iPhoto or Aperture library on the Time Capsule....even if you plan to use a wired connection for your Mac and the Time Capsule.
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    In addtion, LaPastenague has the answer for you in a nutshell......corruption problems.
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  • Windows not recognizing my time capsle - I just purchased a new computer that runs windows 8 and it doesn't want to recognize the time capsule as an external hard drive (ie doesn't show up under my compter).  I've downloaded airport utility...

    I just purchased a new computer that runs windows 8 and it doesn't want to recognize the time capsule as an external hard drive (ie doesn't show up under my compter).  I've downloaded and run airport utility, but it seems to have a hard time finding the time capsule...maybe one out of 10 times it will find it.
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    In this case the TC should be in bridge mode.
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  • Using AirPort Time Capsule as an external drive with access to files by guest account

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  • How do I use my time capsule as an external hard drive?

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    1.  Run AirPort Utility
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  • How can I use my Time Capsule as an external Hard Drive for my PC?  My PC can't find it.

    Hi, I just bought this Time Capsule for my home.  I've got the internet access for all my devices (Mac, iPad, PC, iPhone) and I've got the Mac backup working through Time Machine.  I'm supposed to be able to use the Time Capsule as an external drive for my PC, but I can't figure it out.  My PC doesn't recognize the Time Capsule as a Network Place.  I called AppleCare, but they don't have all the answers for "PC issues."  They tried to get me to Map a Network Drive, but my PC popped up a window asking for a Username and Password.  It looks like something similar to when I VPN into my company network from home.
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    Any help would be appreciated.
    Thanks!

    Download and install the airport utility for windows.. it isn't strictly necessary but the bonjour service makes life easier.
    The request for username and password is correct. Username is whatever you like.. but windows needs it.. so admin.. being the common router one.. password by default is public unless you changed it.
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  • Time capsule or Airport Extreme + USB hard drive

    I would like to get a wireless update solution (to work with time machine) and I am considering the following options:
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    3. Airport Extreme Base Station + USB external hard drive attached (to use with Time Machine)
    I am wondering what the opinions are in this forum. What is cheaper? More reliable? Better?
    Any other suggestions? Thanks!
    I am running Mac OS X 10.5.5 on an iMac

    Yeah, I've seen your explaination that those are glasses before. But I can see why some might be confused. (First laugh of the day!)
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    I'm curious how it works out, though, because I've noticed a few comments here that state these drives (or one of the WD models) has trouble waking from sleep for routine backups when connected to the TC USB port. I guess I'll find out.
    Great to hear from you.

  • Is it possible to use time capsule or airport extreme as a wireless hard drive for iphone?

    Is it possible to use time capsule or airport extreme as a wireless hard drive for iphone.
    I would like to strem movies from the hard drive to iphone.
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    I did a typo. My current computer is a 2010 1/2 iMac.  The stand alone monitors are still out of my price range so I'm looking for other options. By buying an external hard drive and a broken iMac, I'm still ahead. Still, if I understand you right, the 27" 2010 and earlier iMacs  would be possiblities.
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  • Should I get a Time Capsule, an Airport Extreme, or a Linksys Wireless N?

    Hi I have several questions before I make my purchase. I've got 2 computers in my upstairs bedroom that are wireless. I currently have a Wireless router which is a Linksys WRT54G.
    It's already getting on in age so I was thinking of replacing it with a better wireless router. I'm deciding weather I should go with a Linksys N or go the apple route.
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    Is a time capsule going to perform the same as a Linksys? Which router is better?
    what is the difference between Time Capsule and Airport extreme. Are they basically the same with the only difference being the hardrive?
    If I get a Time Capsule then do I still need a Linksys router? Is it easy to setup a wireless network using a Time Capsule or Airport Extreme?
    Last question. My mom's computer upstairs uses a Linksys Wireless G usb adapter. It is also getting on in age.
    The connection is always labeled as low and sometimes she can't go on the internet. What would be a much better wireless adapter for my mom's computer?
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    Stuart Lawrence wrote:
    Hi I have several questions before I make my purchase. I've got 2 computers in my upstairs bedroom that are wireless. I currently have a Wireless router which is a Linksys WRT54G.
    It's already getting on in age so I was thinking of replacing it with a better wireless router. I'm deciding weather I should go with a Linksys N or go the apple route.
    Will I get faster internet if I go with a Linksys Wireless N? What is the difference between G and N?
    Enough of a difference for it to be worthwhile.
    I was thinking of getting a Time Capsule because I wanted an automatic backup of my data.
    The backup app is Time Machine, not Time Capsule. TM can work with any external HDD connected to the Mac, but only TC is officially supported for wireless backups by Apple. Hacks are possible to connect a USB HDD to an Extreme.
    Is a time capsule going to perform the same as a Linksys? Which router is better?
    Better if we are talking N vs. G.
    what is the difference between Time Capsule and Airport extreme. Are they basically the same with the only difference being the hardrive?
    Yes, but that is a significant difference.
    If I get a Time Capsule then do I still need a Linksys router?
    No.
    Is it easy to setup a wireless network using a Time Capsule or Airport Extreme?
    If you can setup your Linksys, you should be able to setup the AirPort as well.
    Last question. My mom's computer upstairs uses a Linksys Wireless G usb adapter. It is also getting on in age.
    The connection is always labeled as low and sometimes she can't go on the internet. What would be a much better wireless adapter for my mom's computer?
    Sorry, none off the top of my head. Maybe you can provide the details on the computer she has.

  • Is there a way to use the time capsule as an external hard drive only and disable the wi-fi function ?

    Is there a way to use the time capsule as an external hard drive only and disable the wi-fi function ?

    Yes.
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    2) Go through the standard configuration suggested by the setup "wizard"
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  • Accessing Time Capsule and linked external hard drive from other devices and copying to these drives

    Hi
    Please be gentle. I am not that technically able :-)
    I have managed to set up my time capsule. Router working, external hard drive linked, time machine back ups working...
    The last thing I am looking to do is to access files on my time capsule and also external hard drive (linked to it), from Mac, Iphones, Ipads, Apple TV, Windows laptops X2. Am I able to do that? Have read so many discussions but dont get the answer. Please be gentle :-)
    Regards
    Tommy

    The last thing I am looking to do is to access files on my time capsule and also external hard drive (linked to it), from Mac
    This should be automatic.. find the TC disk under shared in finder.. double click it and see under the data folder.. you can create new folders in there.
    Note using the TC for data and TM backups is not the greatest of ideas.. please read pondini.
    Q3 here. http://pondini.org/TM/Time_Capsule.html
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    iOS devices are not file based.. they are not intended to be used with a file device like TC and will neither backup to it nor open files from it.. of course what apple wants and what users want are different things so there are plenty of file apps to help you read and write files.
    Filebrowser is the major one.
    http://www.stratospherix.com/products/filebrowser/
    You still cannot backup though.. iOS uses itunes to backup or icloud.
    Apple TV
    There is nothing you can do with AppleTV.. it is not a file device at all.. it is not even a media player.. it is a streamer. (Early model Gen1 and Gen2 can be jailbreak.. so they do actually have media player ability) Gen3 is tied to its mother's (iTunes) skirts with steel cables.. no JB.. no use really. If you want to play movies from a TC buy a WD Live TV.. it is a player.. !!
    Windows laptops X2
    You can access the TC from windows..
    1. Make sure the TC naming complies with windows networking.. to put that simply.. all names should be short, no spaces and pure alphanumeric. Apple wizard will recommend a name for the TC, like
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    It will be a total pain on windows.. use FBATC or TC or anything you like.. as long as it follows the rules..
    Short 2-20 characters.. less than 10 is better.
    No spaces.
    Pure alphanumeric.
    All names must comply.. TC name and wireless name/s
    2. Load the airport utility for windows into the computer.. you can download for up to win7.. apple haven't bothered with windows since then and are pretty out of date. The win7 utility will load on win8 with the usual voodoo and astrological help.
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    4. In windows explorer type into the address bar directly.
    \\TCname or \\TCIPaddress (using, of course, the real name or real IP).

  • How do I transfer time capsul data to external hard drive to free up space?

    How do I transfer time capsule data to external hard drive to free up space?

    The fastest method is straight copy and paste..
    Plug a suitable hard disk into your computer.. format it Mac OS extended journaled (if not already).
    Select the folders/files you want to move.. copy and paste them to the external drive..
    Double check that the files are copied because the next step will delete the files forever.. there is no trash on the TC.
    Delete the files on the TC.
    You can also do a full archive of the TC disk to a USB plugged into it by USB.. it must be formatted Mac OS Extended Journaled. It must be big enough to hold all data on the TC disk.. best idea is to buy the same size or bigger.. so if you use 2TB TC buy a 2TB or bigger external drive.
    In airport utility select archive.
    That will copy everything on the TC disk to the USB drive.. you could then Erase the disk of the TC.. this is super fast if you choose quick erase.. just a few minutes. But the archive will take many hours.. say for 2TB about 12-24hours.. and you cannot use the disk in the TC during that time.

  • Do I need a cable connecting my Time Capsule to Airport Express if I want to use the AE to extend my wifi network range?

    I'm a bit confused by conflicting advice given by my local Apple shop and my internet provider. 
    My cable modem is plugged into a Time Capsule which I use to access the net wirelessly almost all over the house.  The one spot the wireless doesn't quite reach is (of course) where I now need my office and iMac to be.
    I thought I could just plug in an Airport Express somewhere in the middle  to extend the network's range but the guy at my local Apple shop said the Airport Express would need to be connected not just to power but to the Time Capsule, via a cable.  That's fiddly and would involve cables running under the floor or along walls and ceilings, not something I can or really want to do.  It's not really practical to try and move the cable connection point either.
    My internet provider suggested a netgear wireless extender and said that would only need to be plugged into power.  The reviews of the netgear product I found comparing it to Airport Express suggest that the Express doesn't need to be connected to anything other than power either to extend a network range (which was what I originally thought).
    So I'm wondering which advice is correct? I've also read that the netgear product isn't all that easy to set up so I'd rather stick with.   Apple if it will do what I want.
    Thanks for any help out there

    I thought I could just plug in an Airport Express somewhere in the middle  to extend the network's range but the guy at my local Apple shop said the Airport Express would need to be connected not just to power but to the Time Capsule, via a cable.
    I'm sure that the guy at the Apple shop means well, but he is not correct. 
    While it would be preferable to connect the Time Capsule and AirPort Express using a wired Ethernet connection, the Express can connect wirelessly and extend the wireless signal the same way....IF...it is located where it can receive a good wireless signal.

  • Backing up Mac HD with Time Capsule AND an external hard drive

    I am sure that this question has been asked one way or another but I can't seem to find the exact answer.
    I would like to back up my Mac HD with the Time Capsule AND another hard drive essentially to create two backups. Should one fail, I still have another copy as a precaution. The Time Capsule will be my primary back up because my external hard drive is usually switched off and will only be turned on from time to time to perform "less frequent" backups.
    With Time Capsule AND the external hard drive on, will Time Machine just update the backup on the external hard drive without becoming confused with the other copy on Time Capsule? In other words, can Time Machine distinguish between two different Time Machine Backup files and bring them up to date accordingly?
    I understand there is an archive function on the Time Capsule, which would also serve the purpose. However, I am wondering if there is another way.
    Thanks.

    Rheopaipo wrote:
    I am sure that this question has been asked one way or another but I can't seem to find the exact answer.
    I would like to back up my Mac HD with the Time Capsule AND another hard drive essentially to create two backups. Should one fail, I still have another copy as a precaution. The Time Capsule will be my primary back up because my external hard drive is usually switched off and will only be turned on from time to time to perform "less frequent" backups.
    With Time Capsule AND the external hard drive on, will Time Machine just update the backup on the external hard drive without becoming confused with the other copy on Time Capsule? In other words, can Time Machine distinguish between two different Time Machine Backup files and bring them up to date accordingly?
    I understand there is an archive function on the Time Capsule, which would also serve the purpose. However, I am wondering if there is another way.
    I don't think it's possible to configure Time Machine to back up to two locations without modifying its settings frequently.
    You might consider using that external drive to hold a bootable backup. You can create such a thing with either of the utilities SuperDuper! or Carbon Copy Cloner. If you pay the registration fee for SuperDuper! (~US$28), there's a mode where it will back up only what has changed, which makes the backup operation run quicker. (Carbon Copy Cloner may offer a similar feature.)

  • I use My Time Capsule as a external hard drive, can I transfer files other than wirelessly?

    I use My Time Capsule as a external hard drive, can I transfer files other than wirelessly?

    will TC appear on My desk top?
    It will, if you do the following:
    Open Macintosh HD and locate the Time Capsule icon under the SHARED heading on the left side of he window.
    Click on the Time Capsule icon and a folder representing the drive will appear to the right
    Double click the folder and the drive icon will appear on the desktop

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