3 in one device - backup, wifi and gigabit switch (Apple Time Capsule 500 GB)

Member Name: jodyv

Product:	Apple Time Capsule 500 GB
Date:	20/07/09 (41 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good finish, works perfectly

Disadvantages: Price

After a 5 minute demo of the new Mac Book Pro in the apple shop I decided to broaden my computer knowledge beyond the Windows front, however I wasn't sure my current Windows Server 2008 would suffice as a backup holding disks formatted in NTFS instead of the apple required HFS.

I spotted the time machine, but as I only wanted a simple back up tool, I thought it was unnecessarily expensive for my needs. So I decided to look for a simple external hard drive.

A couple of weeks back I spotted the time capsule on hotukdeals for just over £100, so I decided to take the plunge. The time capsule does offer more than a lazy back up:

1. 3 port gigabit switch - perfect for the home network
2. wireless-n - faster wi-fi compared to most bundled ISP wireless routers
3. USB port - wireless printing or further drives

As a back up the time capsule works error free taking back ups every hour whilst the Mac is switched on. The initial back up takes some time, however the further ones are quicker as the time capsule only takes the changed data.

The time capsule software works well on the Mac, but there is also a Windows alternative which I haven't tried out yet.

The gigabit unmanaged switch works as expected allowing me to achieve roughly 90MB/s over my network.

The USB port is something I haven't tried as yet, however apple does advise you can connect a USB hub to the port and connect multiple devices.

The wifi works again perfectly with no connection issues encountered so far. Setting this up was quite simple and allowed me to choose a memorable SSID and password.

Cosmetically, as expected the apple logo is in place and the finish is second to none.

Overall the product is superb for my requirements and great value for money. To purchase a 500 GB drive, wireless n router and gigabit switch separately would cost considerably more.

Summary: If found at a good price the time capsule has a number of applications and solutions.