Apple bumps Time Capsule capacity to 3TB, no mention of new features
Apple on Tuesday increased the capacity of its Time Capsule network attached storage with a 3-terabyte model, but the quiet refresh made no mention of other changes to the hardware.
The new models were revealed by Apple on its official Time Capsule page, mentioning 2TB and 3TB models.
Update: The Apple Online Store has been updated, with the 2TB and 3TB models selling for $299 and $499, respectively. The previous generation 1TB model ran for $299, while the 2TB offering was $499.
The official page still advertises the ability to wirelessly and automatically back up a Mac with the Time Capsule, as well as the hardware's included dual-band 802.11n wireless base station. It also has the same dimensions, at 7.7-by-7.7 inches.
The lack of new advertised functionality quashes earlier rumors that an updated Time Capsule could be powered by Apple's iOS lightweight operating system found on the iPhone, iPad and new Apple TV. It was suggested that a transition could allow for more robust features, like print and media streaming services, integration with iCloud, and cached wireless software updates.
While the Time Capsule was quietly updated on Tuesday, a refresh of Apple's AirPort Extreme router is also expected to arrive in the near future, having recently been outed by a filing with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. Stock of both Time Capsules and AirPort Extreme base stations had run dry at Apple retail stores and third-party resellers in recent weeks.
The capacity of the Time Capsule was last increased to 2TB in July of 2009. That $499 model doubled the capacity of the previous high-end 1TB Time Capsule.
The new models were revealed by Apple on its official Time Capsule page, mentioning 2TB and 3TB models.
Update: The Apple Online Store has been updated, with the 2TB and 3TB models selling for $299 and $499, respectively. The previous generation 1TB model ran for $299, while the 2TB offering was $499.
The official page still advertises the ability to wirelessly and automatically back up a Mac with the Time Capsule, as well as the hardware's included dual-band 802.11n wireless base station. It also has the same dimensions, at 7.7-by-7.7 inches.
The lack of new advertised functionality quashes earlier rumors that an updated Time Capsule could be powered by Apple's iOS lightweight operating system found on the iPhone, iPad and new Apple TV. It was suggested that a transition could allow for more robust features, like print and media streaming services, integration with iCloud, and cached wireless software updates.
While the Time Capsule was quietly updated on Tuesday, a refresh of Apple's AirPort Extreme router is also expected to arrive in the near future, having recently been outed by a filing with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. Stock of both Time Capsules and AirPort Extreme base stations had run dry at Apple retail stores and third-party resellers in recent weeks.
The capacity of the Time Capsule was last increased to 2TB in July of 2009. That $499 model doubled the capacity of the previous high-end 1TB Time Capsule.
Comments
I do hope the rumours about an iOS based Time Capsule-like product are true, but I hope they are as an Apple Home Server where it being iOS-based makes a lot more sense.
I do hope the rumours about an iOS based Time Capsule-like product are true, but I hope they are as an Apple Home Server where it being iOS-based makes a lot more sense.
I second this. An Apple branded full featured home server would be handy - something I can replace my old power sucking G3 with...
Does anyone here have a feeling for the wireless range of these (assuming that the new ones have no updates)? I find myself in the market for a new one, but have avoided the Apple wireless stations after the first one I bought - first or second gen with pathetic range and no easy way to add an antenna.
Does anyone here have a feeling for the wireless range of these (assuming that the new ones have no updates)? I find myself in the market for a new one, but have avoided the Apple wireless stations after the first one I bought - first or second gen with pathetic range and no easy way to add an antenna.
I have a Time Capsule (original 1TB version) it is downstairs in my house and it covers the whole house with ease. This is a wood frame 2 story house w/ 2,300 sq ft. Outside the signal strength is quite good
Apple should make a nice four-bay NAS. Unfortunately, even if they did, I couldn't afford it.
Just pickup a QNAP NAS box, it has a built in media server and iTunes server, around $350 for a 4 drive housing.
Apple should make a nice four-bay NAS. Unfortunately, even if they did, I couldn't afford it.
"No one wants well-designed server hardware."
That's why the XServe's dead.
Well, we'll see what this new Airport Extreme looks like. Hopefully with a new FCC filing, it's a new device. Maybe it'll have the rumored iOS features, and we can hook up a hard drive to it to make it the NAS I want.
If not.....I'll get a refreshed Mac Mini and make it a home server.
2TB = £249
3TB = £399
What a crazy premium for the 3TB model! The £150 difference could buy you an external 3TB drive.
Just pickup a QNAP NAS box, it has a built in media server and iTunes server, around $350 for a 4 drive housing.
Those are tech sexy! Do any of them act as a wireless router base station or even have WiFi access, or do they require being connected via ethernet?
Apple could do a lot of business here with a zero-config device that is milled from a block of aluminium using the new Mac mini footprint, but 3.5x the height.
- no integrated adsl or cable modem
- no femto cell capability
- no iOS or A4 chip
Thank you Sea Gate and Western Digital.
I'm very excited about this. I've been holding off for this next iteration and plan to buy immediately. I hope they've addressed the heat and performance issues. And hopefully, they've made real world improvements in speed.
3TB for $500?! Now I KNOW I'm never buying Apple drives.
Thank you Sea Gate and Western Digital.
I just bought one of these drives. I have to tell ya, for $350 and I can't get it to connect the WiFi to work or find any ethernet ports. Maybe the price of Apple's Time Capsule isn't so crazy after all.
3TB for $500?! Now I KNOW I'm never buying Apple drives.
Thank you Sea Gate and Western Digital.
Implying the hard drives inside the Time Capsule aren't Seagate and Western Digital.
What, you think Apple actually makes their own hard drives? Seriously?
- no integrated adsl or cable modem
Because none of the telecoms would support it, rendering it completely worthless.
- no femto cell capability
No infinite money printer, either. Let's not think we actually have realistic expectations, please.
- no iOS or A4 chip
IT'S A ROUTER. It doesn't need one.
3TB for $500?! Now I KNOW I'm never buying Apple drives.
Thank you Sea Gate and Western Digital.
BUT IT LOOKS NICE!
er, wow usually i am fine with Apple having things cost more money--because they have something that makes them better... but this its just like a shitload of money for a wireless external hard drive.... my friend made a gaming computer (windows ofc) for like $650 dollars....
i have no way to justify this. Doesn't have longer battery than anyone else with screens are better contrast wise. it doesn't have an OS that is easy to use.
I think Apple should stay as am advertising company that makes products. (its true!)
not a company that makes additional hardware.
Is it better than the PC alternative for wireless hard drive. probably.
can you build a server with the same or more storage and wirelessly connect to it for less money. probably.
but, yeah, $400 for a nice case and wireless isn't worth it... i get your 40% margins, i don't understand the over 100% margins (my guess, maybe i am wrong)
I would just love for the new TC to run iTunes. I wouldn't have to leave my computers on just to stream movies.
Serve music and movies without leaving computers on - yeah! I just picked up another AppleTV (1G) for US$50 that fulfills this exact need for me at home. My first one has a 320GB drive - a 10-minute modification for under US$100. I just hope they last a few more years.