Reviews of 2011 AirPort Extreme Base Station and Time Capsule

[ryanmcv]

CNET has posted detailed reviews of the recently-released 2011 AEBS and Time Capsule. Both models offer improved wireless networking performance. You can read the reviews below.

AirPort Extreme Base Station Review
Time Capsule Review

 

[nutmac]

So it seems performance is roughly twice as good across the board (range, throughput). Too bad the new model doesn't gain new features (software or hardware). Hopefully, iCloud will usher in few juicy features like local iCloud caching.

 

[Ronnoco]

So, it appears that the 5GHz wireless band is faster...can someone tell me if a wired connection out of this new AE would be any faster than the previous model I purchased about 1 year ago?

 

[ryanmcv]

So, it appears that the 5GHz wireless band is faster...can someone tell me if a wired connection out of this new AE would be any faster than the previous model I purchased about 1 year ago?

Doubtful. The included ports are still 1 gigabit in speed. There would be no noticeable difference.

 

[Brian33]

The second page of the TC review says:

"If you demand features like port-forwarding, Web traffic metering, or other more-advanced network management options, you should look to another router."

That can't be right... can't the TC do port forwarding? I'm pretty sure I had that set up on my 1st-gen TC awhile back (now it's in bridge mode).

 

[dr4g0n]

The second page of the TC review says:

"If you demand features like port-forwarding, Web traffic metering, or other more-advanced network management options, you should look to another router."

That can't be right... can't the TC do port forwarding? I'm pretty sure I had that set up on my 1st-gen TC awhile back (now it's in bridge mode).

Of course it can do port forwarding.

 

[urkel]

So it seems performance is roughly twice as good across the board (range, throughput). Too bad the new model doesn't gain new features (software or hardware). Hopefully, iCloud will usher in few juicy features like local iCloud caching.

I bought a TC anyway but have been reconsidering because it still remains pretty hot despite the slower drive and the price difference between the Airport Extreme + 2TB HDD and Time Capsule 2TB is notable considering the lack of new features (TC really shouldve been an iTunes Server)

The reviews have interesting numbers which makes it difficult to decide which to keep.