10/20, 2:40pm
Devices integrate new antenna design
Alongside the announcements of new Macs and the Magic Mouse, Apple on Tuesday quietly introduced updated AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule devices. Like its predecessor, the new AirPort Extreme base station utilizes the same dual-band communication on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. A redesigned antenna, however, is claimed to improve data speeds by up to 50 percent, while extending the effective range by 25 percent.
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10/07, 12:20pm
Issues persist after months of complaints
Apple's Time Capsule network drives are still suffering from power failures, complaints on official support forums indicate. The failures are allegedly occurring without warning, and are thought to be attributable to faulty power supplies, though some owners have suggested problems with chips or connectors. Most at risk are older drives, as a number of the dead units are said to have been bought in early 2008. Apple last refreshed its Time Capsule line in July.
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07/30, 10:00am
New 2TB Time Capsule
Apple has quietly introduced an upgraded Time Capsule drive, which can now store as much as 2TB. The new capacity trumps an earlier 1TB option, which has been reduced in price to $299. The 2TB model is priced at $499.
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06/24, 12:30am
AirPort BS Firmware 7.4.2
Apple on Tuesday evening release an update to its software for its wireless router devices. The Time Capsule and AirPort Base Station Firmware Update 7.4.2 (with 802.11n support) fixes five specific problems, according to the company: (1) some problems with extending and maintaining connectivity with extended networks; (2) an issue with clients that enable 802.11 "Power Save;" (3) Fixes connectivity issues with some third-party devices; (4) an issue when the base station is configured for PPPoE; and (5) some Back To My Mac issues with connectivity and support for third-party routers. Apple recommends that AirPort Utility 5.4.2 or later be installed before upgrading to Firmware version 7.4.2 (including the version 5.4.2 for Windows).
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06/03, 5:30pm
AirPort 5.4.2 fixes bugs
Apple today released an update to its software for its line of branded wireless routers, including the AirPort Express Base Station, the AirPort Extreme Base Station, and Time Capsule. AirPort Utility 5.4.2 includes general fixes and compatibility updates for the following applications: AirPort Utility and AirPort Base Station Agent, Apple said. It also also installs AirPort Disk Utility on Macs running Tiger. An updated version for Windows PCs is also available.
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03/06, 9:15am
AirPort, Time Cap. 7.4.1
Apple has released a combined update for AirPort base stations and the Time Capsule, bringing all of the devices' firmware up to v7.4.1. Though mainly intended for new dual-band models, the firmware can also be applied to older hardware; in the latter case it enables remote administration, and remote access to attached USB drives through Back to My Mac, though not for an AirPort Express. Creating Time Machine backups on a Time Capsule has also been made more reliable.
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03/03, 4:20pm
Time Cap. MobileMe support
In tandem with the release of the new dual-band Time Capsule, Apple has expanded the functionality of MobileMe, which can now be used to remotely access files held on a Capsule. Drives must be registered through a user's MobileMe account, but then appear in a remote Mac's Finder sidebar, allowing file transfer. The technology functions similarly to the Back to My Mac function in Mac OS X Leopard, and in fact is not compatible with Windows computers.
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03/03, 3:50pm
AirPort Utility update
Following the launch of new AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule devices, Apple has released updates to the AirPort Client and AirPort Utility. The AirPort Client Update 2009-001 addresses issues with roaming and network selection in dual-band environments. The new wireless routers can simultaneously communicate across the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The 2MB download is recommended for all Intel-based Macs running OS X 10.5.6.
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03/03, 9:55am
New AirPort Ext, Time Cap.
In addition to its updates to the iMac, Mac Pro and Mac mini, Apple has also released new AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule peripherals. Both of the devices now support simultaneous 2.4 and 5GHz wireless connections, allowing the creation of separate networks, such as distinct 802.11n and 802.11b/g connections, or a Guest Network which restricts users to Internet connectivity.
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03/02, 6:00pm
FCC filing for AirPort
FCC filings indicate that Apple is set to release updated versions of its Time Capsule and AirPort Express 802.11n devices, according to AppleInsider. Testing documents show that the wireless routers could support simultaneous communication on the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band. The expanded capabilities would allow the base stations to work with 802.11b/g devices, such as the iPhone, while sending 802.11n signals to a computer or set-top box.
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01/05, 12:35am
Macworld forecast roundup
Despite the rumors of an iPhone "nano" and a tablet sized iPod touch, Apple is more likely to use the Macworld expo to announce updated versions of several existing products, according to a variety of sources. Analysts' forecasts have focused on a new line of iMacs and a refreshed 17-inch MacBook Pro utilizing aluminum unibody construction. The company could also be prepared to launch a new Mac mini and Apple TV, along with the latest versions of Time Capsule and iWork.
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12/30, 10:50am
Kaufman on MW09 gear
People may be able to see a variety of new Apple products at this year's Macworld Expo, despite the company's diminishing emphasis on tradeshows, says Kaufman's Shaw Wu. The analyst notes that while the focus of Apple's keynote will likely be on new Macs -- and a preview of Mac OS X Snow Leopard -- sources indicate the possibility of a new "consumer device" being announced, even if its exact identity is unclear.
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10/22, 4:25pm
Apple deals cinema display
Currently Apple's online store is offering some great deals on refurbished Apple products. The Time Capsule is available with two storage capacities to chose from, 500GB ($249) or 1TB ($419) along with Apple TV units in 40GB ($199) and 160GB ($279) configurations. Cinema displays come in three sizes, 20-inch for $499, 23-inch for $749 and 30-inch for $1499. Apple certified Mac Pro models are available in two configurations: 2GB of RAM, 320GB hard drive and 2.8GHz Intel Xeon processor for $2399 and 2GB of RAM, 500GB hard drive and 3.2GHz Intel Xeon processor for $4099.
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10/03, 2:00pm
Apple: Macs $1500 or less
Apple's online store is currently offering a range of refurbished Macs priced at $1,500 or less. Three MacBook configurations are available: for $899 is the 2.1GHz model with 1GB of RAM and 120GB hard drive; for $1,099 is the 2.4GHz model with 2GB of RAM and $160GB hard drive; and for $1,299 is the black 2.4GHz model with 2GB of RAM and 250GB hard drive. The MacBook Air with 1.6GHz processor 2GB of RAM and 80GB PATA hard drive is priced at $1,499. Four 20-inch iMac configurations are also available: starting at $949 is that 2.0GHz model with 1GB of RAM and 250GB hard drive or $999 for the 2.4GHz model; $1,049 for the 2.4GHz model with 1GB of RAM and 320GB hard drive and finally $1,299 for the 2.66GHz model with 2GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive.
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09/16, 2:20pm
Apple deals: refurb iMacs
Apple's online store is currently offering an extensive selection of refurbished iMacs. 20-inch models start at $949 for 1GB of memory, 250GB hard drive and 2.0GHz processor or $999 for the 2.4GHz model with the same memory and hard drive specifications, and top off at $1,299 for the 2.66GHz model with 2GB of memory and 320GB hard drive. 24-inch iMacs start at $1,299 for 1GB of memory, 320GB hard drive and 2.4GHz processor and top off at $1899 for 2GB of memory, 500GB hard drive and 3.06GHz processor. All iMacs include a Mighty Mouse and keyboard as well as built in wireless, Bluetooth, iSight webcam, and 8x SuperDrive.
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06/11, 10:10pm
Airport Utility 5.3.2
Apple on Wednesday unveiled Airport Utility 5.3.2 for Leopard, Tiger, and Windows users, offering enhancements for users with an Airport Express or Extreme Base Station, or Time Capsule. As with most recent Apple updates, details are scarce. Since the update is a minor version release, it most likely contains bug fixes, operational optimizations, slightly improved features, and similar tweaks.
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05/28, 1:30pm
Mac OS X 10.5.3
Apple has posted Mac OS X 10.5.3 to Software Update. This relatively major release addresses a number of issues extant in previous editions of Mac OS X 10.5.x, including problems with AirPort, Time Capsule, Mail, iChat, iCal and more. With regard to general fixes, the update a font issue that could result in Helvetica Narrow being used in applications instead of Helvetica and also addresses an issue with stuttering video and audio playback in certain USB devices. It also fixes an issue in which certain attached hard drives may not show up in the Finder.
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04/30, 3:55pm
Offsite T. Capsule hosting
Las Vegas-based hosting company Macminicolo is offering an unusual new service, intended to provide extra redundancy for Mac users. Called Transport, it involves hosting a user's Time Capsule drive in the company's data center, where it is protected from disasters that might otherwise affect a customer's home or office. While a Capsule can be used for remote Time Machine backup, it can also be used for more traditional backup, or alternately as a file server.
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04/28, 9:50am
Time Capsule Wi-Fi booster
QuickerTek has announced that it is shipping new versions of its Dualy Extreme Wi-Fi extender, this time designed around Apple's Time Capsule backup/NAS drives. The standard option consists of two 500mW transceivers (1W combined) connected to two antennas, which can increase the range of a Time Capsule up to five times; alternately, this may help power past nearby obstacles, such as signal interference or intervening walls and floors.
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04/05, 2:55pm
MacWireless antennas
MacWireless recently unveiled several new antennas and boosters for Apple's Time Capsule, offering users increased range control in a variety of forms. The antennas are available in a number of types: omni-directional, uni-directional, 90-degree corner, ceiling mounted, whip, and MIMO. The antennas are passive focusing systems since they do not use power to operate, and are available from MacWireless, ranging from $6 to $60, depending on the style of antenna.
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03/22, 4:25pm
Airport Extreme backup
On March 19th, Apple released a nonspecific update regarding its Airport ecosystem and Time Machine – simply stating optimizations and driver fixes – but it is revealed to allow Time Capsule-like functionality with standard Airport Extreme Base Stations. According to Macworld, the update allows users to back up using Time Machine to a standard USB hard drive that is connected to an Airport Extreme Base Station.
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03/19, 7:10pm
Airport Express, Time Cap
MacNN recently posted reviews for both the new Apple Airport Express and the 500GB Time Capsule. Through the course of testing, MacNN's own Wallace Wang found the Express to be a good value for home users, as it supports a wide range of wireless standards, provides printer and audio sharing, as well as compatibility with PCs. The addition of the Draft N standard to the device allows it to remain current with Airport cards in machines.
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03/17, 5:45pm
QuickerTek Antenna Array
QuickerTek today unveiled the Time Capsule Antenna Array, a 3dBi tri-antenna which can be positioned anywhere to improve broadcast range and speed. The company advertises that the antenna boosts broadcast depth by up to 50-percent, allowing users to backup from a more distant location. The kit is available for both the 500GB and 1TB versions of Time Capsule, starting at $130 for a self-install kit, or $200 as installed by QuickerTek.
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03/11, 5:30pm
Apple BaseStation software
Apple on Tuesday issued an update to its BaseStation software for its wireless devices, including the AirPort Express Base Station, AirPort Extreme Base Station, and its recently introduced Time Capsule backup device (see our First Look). The update, which first appeared as "AirPort Base Station Update 2008-001" via the Software Update, includes general fixes and compatibility updates for AirPort Utility, AirPort Disk Utility, and AirPort Base Station Agent; however, it is now available as AirPort Utility v5.3.1 and is described by Apple as "the setup and management utility" offering a variety of options for each device. The 8.8MB update is available for both Tiger and Leopard (and Windows).
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02/27, 7:55pm
Time Capsule ready to ship
In brief: MacNN has reviewed PDF2Office Professional, Daylite Productivity Suite, and a look back at Macworld part 2. Pre-orders of Apple's Time Capsule external storage device are "prepared for shipment," Quark has launched a community-based website for designers, Arizona's home listings are set to appear on Apple's iTunes Music Store & Homebuyer's iPods, and IK Multimedia is offering a two-for-one deal on qualifying IK plug-ins.
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02/22, 9:05am
Time Capsule on Sunday?
Apple's Time Capsule backup drive, initially announced at Macworld last month, is behind in shipments but will officially hit store shelves on Sunday, February 24th. Although Apple's online store only lists the device as shipping in "February," a Best Buy circular for next week lists the 500GB and 1TB Time Capsules as shipping on February 24th. "Most" Best Buy outlets will have three or four Capsules in stock, the tip says. [updated]
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