The Original Time Capsule also known as “Apple Time Capsule 1st Generation” was a wireless network-attached storage device manufactured and sold by Apple from 2007 to 2009 as part of the AirPort Time Capsule series. Introduced on January 15, 2008, the initial price for the device was set at $299.
Functioning as a backup appliance, the Time Capsule automatically and wirelessly backed up data from one or more Mac computers running Leopard, the then-latest release of Apple’s Mac OS X operating system. This backup was facilitated by Time Machine, Apple’s automatic backup software. Combining an 802.11n base station with a server-grade hard disk, the Time Capsule provided users with a seamless backup solution.
Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO at the time, described the simplicity of the setup process, emphasizing that with just a few clicks, every Mac in the household could be backed up automatically. The Time Capsule ensured that irreplaceable files such as photos, movies, and documents were protected and easily retrievable in case of loss.
The device seamlessly integrated with Time Machine, allowing users to wirelessly back up their Mac data, locate lost files, and even restore entire systems. Time Capsule also functioned as a full-featured Wi-Fi base station, supporting the latest 802.11n technology, which offered improved performance and range compared to previous standards.
In addition to its backup capabilities, Time Capsule served as a Wi-Fi base station with features such as a built-in power supply, wireless printing support, and the ability to create secure networks for up to 50 users. With prices starting at $299 for a 500 GB model and $499 for a 1 TB model, Time Capsule provided an affordable backup solution for multiple computers while also serving as a high-speed wireless network backbone.
Key features of the Time Capsule included dual-band antennas, Gigabit LAN and Ethernet ports, USB 2.0 connectivity, and built-in security features such as WPA/WPA-2 encryption and a NAT firewall. The device boasted compatibility with 802.11a/b/g and Draft-N protocols, offering versatility in networking setups.
However, despite its innovative features and utility, the Time Capsule (1st Generation) was discontinued on March 3, 2009, marking the end of its production cycle.
As of today, the Time Capsule celebrates its 16-year anniversary, symbolizing its legacy as a pioneering backup solution in Apple’s product lineup.
Original Time Capsule Details
| Introduced | January 15, 2008 – 16 years ago |
| Released | February 29, 2008 – 16 years ago |
| Discontinued | March 3, 2009 – 15 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 12 months (1 year) |
| Model Number | A1254 |
| Order Number | MB276LL/A (500 GB) MB277LL/A (1 TB) |
| Original Price | $299 (500 GB) $499 (1 TB) |
| Weight | 3.5 Ibs. 1.587 KG |
| Dimensions | 1.4″ D x 7.7″ H x 7.7″ W 3.55 cm D x 19.55 cm H x 19.55 cm W |
Wireless Specs
| Wireless Data Range | 200 – 540 Mbps |
| Compatibility | Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g and draft 802.11n) |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz |
| Radio Output Power | 20 dBm (nominal) |
| Security | WPA WPA2 WEP (40-bit or 128-bit encryption) |
| Capacity | 50 users |
| MIMO Config | 3×3:2 |
| Supported Protocols | NAT DHCP PPPoE VPN Passthrough (IPSec, PPTP, and L2TP) DNS Proxy SNMP |
Connections
| Ports | 4 – Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T) 1 – USB |
| Storage | 500 GB 1 TB |
| AirPlay | No |
| Power over Ethernet | No |
Further Reading and References
- AirPort Time Capsule 802.11n (1st Generation): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Announces Time Capsule – Apple Newsroom
- AirPort Time Capsule – Wikipedia
- Apple Time Capsule review – CNET
- Apple unearths Time Capsule – The Register
- Apple Time Capsule 500GB review – TechRadar
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