I know I can use this as a wireless router and Time Machine backup for my Mac.Can I also use it as a regular ext hd via USB to backup old files?
1147250
You can, but it requires partitioning which Apple does not support. If you go to the Apple forum there are several approaches that can workaround the issue. Note: I have not tried them yet and haven't looked at the forum for the last month or so.
1147251
Deedee,Judith and James have addressed the internal drive of the Time Capsule -- in addition the TC has an external USB port where you can plug in another, additional, external drive -- and configure it as an additional network hard drive (for example, as a redundant backup not using Apple's Time Machine software), available to all wi-fi connected devices. You have a multitude of options available.
1147252
It doesn't work like a USB hard drive in that you connect it and you're off and going. However, you can use it as a network hard drive. What will happen is when you connect to a network with a Time Capsule on it (either as the primary router or as a network extender), it will show up under the "Shared" group of drives. This is similar to how other computers would be displayed if you have several computers on your home network and you enable file sharing between them (Windows machines, Linux machines, and other Macs). You'll be able to store and access files on the Time Capsule as if they were stored on your internal hard drive, as long as you're on the same network as the Time Capsule. There's no partitioning needed for this. However, do keep in mind that you'll have a file called (your computer's name).sparsebundle on the Time Capsule drive. This is your Time Machine backup. Unless the file becomes corrupt and your Mac gives you an error message like "Unable to use your current backup file, would you like to create a new one?" DO NOT DELETE THIS FILE. If you delete this file, YOU WILL LOSE ALL OF YOUR TIME MACHINE BACKUP DATA. Hope this helps.
1105833
Yep. That's the same thing I did. Of course your external HD will have to support USB2, because, I'm confident that you can't go: USB2 Mac -> USB3 hub -> USB3 HD. However, most newer ext HD's support both USB 2 & 3
793489
Hi, there. Quite frankly, this item was placed in my closet not too long after I purchased it. Afraid it didn't seem very compatible or useful and I can't recommend it or even answer you question (I say that because Amazon sent me a not asking if I could). I really seemed nothing more than a very limited hard drive. I much prefer the roku or my teradrive I have attached to my mac mini.
984053
It is, but I've had problems with running time machine over wifi. I had similar problems as described in this persons blog post: http://macsynology.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/rsync-when-time-machine-fails/From what I've heard it shouldn't be a problem if you're doing it over a wired connection.
2050238
Not unless you have IOMEGA zip disks you need to access. As others have said, it's old technology. You probably want a flash drive that is compatible with current computers.
2186783
It should. Format it as a Mac OS X (Journaled) file system using Disk Utility, and you should be good to go.I only use it as a Time Machine backup HDD, so there's no troubles there.
1631656
I understand that you can, in theory, but have read experts who advise against it. I use mine to back up Macs (which it does perfectly), but have a separate arrangement for PCs.
2023142
My use of this drive has been exclusively on the Mac. However, I did not use any of the back-up software or formatting provided on the drive. It was necessary to use the Mac disk utility to reformat the drive. Then it worked with Apple's Time Machine.
2118445
Yes, I partition it and use about ½ for Macbook Pro back up on time machine and the other ½ for photo backup.
1042054
yes, it shouldi just bought one 2 days ago and it's awesome, i've got an old school mac g4 running 10.5 with two external drives connected via firewire (with all my vid's on them) and the WD box was able to connect to the computer without needing to do any kind of setup on the box. you just have to make sure your file sharing is turned on, on ur mac(durr). the only reason i say that it "SHOULD" is that my entire house is setup with gigabit, ie no wireless... so it should work so long as the WD box connects to the network that your computer is on. i'm just not sure how fast everything would be over wireless. yes, it shouldi just bought one 2 days ago and it's awesome, i've got an old school mac g4 running 10.5 with two external drives connected via firewire (with all my vid's on them) and the WD box was able to connect to the computer without needing to do any kind of setup on the box. you just have to make sure your file sharing is turned on, on ur mac(durr). the only reason i say that it "SHOULD" is that my entire house is setup with gigabit, ie no wireless... so it should work so long as the WD box connects to the network that your computer is on. i'm just not sure how... » Read More yes, it shouldi just bought one 2 days ago and it's awesome, i've got an old school mac g4 running 10.5 with two external drives connected via firewire (with all my vid's on them) and the WD box was able to connect to the computer without needing to do any kind of setup on the box. you just have to make sure your file sharing is turned on, on ur mac(durr). the only reason i say that it "SHOULD" is that my entire house is setup with gigabit, ie no wireless... so it should work so long as the WD box connects to the network that your computer is on. i'm just not sure how fast everything would be over wireless. « Show Less
1363894
Well, I do not know as it seems pretty neatly closed, but there is always the alternative to use an external and/or network accessible drives. That's what I do over a Gigabit network. Good luck.
1454404
Frankly, I don't think it even can be said to "work" at all. Even if one accepts the terrible Windows software and the glllaaaciallll transfer speeds, mine up and spontaneously reset itself and *lost all saved data*. If you're already in the Mac ecosystem anyway, why look anywhere else than a Time Capsule? Designed from the get-go to work with the OS, integrates wonderfully and has fabulous (well, compared to Seagate) support (if you're near an Apple store).
1115166
I use this exclusively with multiple Mac's, and it performs beautifully, dependent on the reliability and speed of your router, of course. I'm not sure what you mean by your plans to connect via a time Capsule, which is an independent drive. You'll need to connect through a router, I think, such as the Airport Extreme or any other router with an open ethernet port. Check the Seagate page for the specific configuration you plan, and I think they'll prove responsive to any questions you have. Hope this helps.
1827197
I have/am using it. I keep it in a closet behind where my computer is. I ran a long usb cable through the wall. Plan is to bolt it down to prevent theft. The mac mini backs up via the usb. My MacBook Pro is configured to backup over the wireless to the same drive. All works well now. Although it took a while to get the wifi backup to work. I feel a lot better knowing that in a fire, I can dash out and not worry (too much) about losing all my photos, music, and movies. I wish Apple would make time capsule fire and water proof.
288400
Yes, you should be just fine. Just dont format your usb, or else all of your data will be wiped. Your mac should be able to use the usb just as fine as windows would
1771700
Bob R.My new router has a usb connection, could that possibly used to connect an external HD for streaming purposes? ( I'm really not sure what it's for)Thanks
332438
Should. The limit is in the software for the Mac. Backup will need backup software that can see a network drive. Music will need the DLNA standard players. If you are just storing stuff then it should be fine. Having said that, I use it with a bunch of PC types and it works pretty well. BTW none of these network drives are very fast. Nothing like a fast USB drive.