This product line seems to be an example of Apple being so far removed from reality that they really don't have a clue what users want.

"Hey, we know you really want to jump through some hoops to back-up your data and install some software, so we're here to accommodate your needs!"

what they need until Apple tells them. Seriously, what is so terrible about a wireless hard drive that you can use to back-up all the computers in your (small) home network. It eliminates a lot of wiring and centralizes storage.

I've always preferred multi-drived computers for that task, but that doesn't work with MacMinis or laptops. I think a large wireless drive might be useful as long as all that back-up data doesn't saturate the wireless network.

you don't know how nice the Time Capsule will be until you setup Time Machine on your laptop.

I never seem to remember to eject the HD before unplugging the USB from the computer. The device removal error is an all to common message I see when opening the lid on my MBP.

Apple is EXPANDING it's product line. No, the Macbook Air isn't for everyone. But I certainly want one. Aside from the glossy screen, it's everything I need in a portable. I still use my desktop when I'm sitting at my desk, but will use the portable when traveling. I don't need massive horsepower, just extreme portability.

I will rarely have the need to install software away from the office, so the lack of the CD drive doesn't mean much. Firewire would be handy, but oh well.

And having the hard drive built into the airport will be SO much nicer than what I have now which is a hard drive stuck next to the airport. Yay!

Why is there all this hate on the glossy screens?

glossy screens have glare issues and more importantly, at least with the MacBook screens, the brightness and saturation levels shift on the vertical angle quite a bit

...or does it run 24/7 @ 30w of power...?

A 2.5" HD would consume a fraction of such if backup is the priority...

I'd also like to see a bto option of airtunes, etc - oddly Apple's minimalist intent seems at odds with their product diversification overlap - I use a zoom DSL modem/router/LAN all-in-one box for just that reason...

While I love the idea of the Time Capsule, I am disappointed in Apple here. They promised Time Machine wireless backups with the Airport Extreme, and then quietly removed this feature from Leopard just before it shipped.

Airport firmware 7.2.1 has been plagued for months with issues surrounding random disconnects of USB HDD's attached to it, with nary a peep from Apple about a potential fix, and no way to revert to firmware 7.1 (when it worked).

Then they introduce this Time Capsule product which does everything they promised users could have last year with Leopard and an Airport Extreme. Features they disabled/removed, knowing full-well this item was in development.

I wouldn't be surprised if a class-action lawsuit sprang up over this. It is classic bait-n-switch.

Seriously, what is so terrible about a wireless hard drive that you can use to back-up all the computers in your (small) home network.

Well, most people will tell you that the problem with combining your various hardware components, you end up losing all functinality when one goes. "Hey, the power supply died on my time capsule, so now I have no wireless networking AND no backup!"

And you also end up either replacing or having to add another device when you decide you want to jump up to the next wireless spec (or hoping when the 'n' spec is finalized, your Apple equipment will work with it).

Also, others will tell you they're currently in a state of pissed-ness because, prior to the release of Leopard, Apple advertised the ability to Time Machine your data to an Air-Disked networked hard-drive, so they bought new APBS. Then Leopard is released, and, magically, all mention of the AirDisk drive backup is missing. And now they have this, which makes it look like they've crippled/steve'd the AirDisk ability to try to get people to buy their new whiz-bang product.

and for those saying "Oh, it was probably buggy, so they ripped it out and will add it back in when it works. Can't have a buggy backup system, can you?", I'd like to point out a few things:

- This may be true, but Apple, in classic Apple fashion, has been as quiet as ever on this issue. Ignoring people's complaints doesn't give them the warm-fuzzy that apple will 'do right' and put it in later.

- Even if they do add it back in, they will charge some ridiculous 'nominal' fee for the ability. Like the 'new' ipod touch features, or the 'n' support in the MBPs. Why? Because they "have" to, since they'd be adding 'new' capabilities to a sold product, they have to charge for it for "proper accounting reasons".

So you think those AEBS owners are pissed now, wait for that $4.99 OS upgrade.