Which time capsule generation is better?

[Fisher624]

I am considering a Time Capsule. I am currently using a linksys e1000 and I'm not thrilled with its range. I have heard the time capsule has great range and the benefit of the external drive is great; as opposed to just getting an Airport Extreme Base Station (am I correct in that choice?).

The apple store has refurbished previous generation, 1TB for $179 vs refurbished current generation, 1TB for $219. Why should I pay the extra 40 bucks? Are they more stable? Better signal? Thanks.

 

[balamw]

Why should I pay the extra 40 bucks? Are they more stable? Better signal? Thanks.

EDIT: Wikipedia reports

Also by reconfiguring the internal wireless antenna Apple reported 50% better performance and 25% better wireless range on the fourth generation model.

Disregard this bit:

The main difference is simultaneous dual band. You can basically run both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz devices at the same time.

Simultaneous dual-band support.
Some Wi-Fi devices use the 2.4GHz wireless band, including iPhone, iPod touch, and devices using 802.11b/g. Other devices can use either 2.4GHz or the higher-speed 5GHz band, such as the latest 802.11n-based Mac computers and Apple TV. Instead of choosing one of the bands, AirPort Extreme operates simultaneously on both bands, and your multiband devices automatically use the best available band. This means all your Wi-Fi devices get the fastest possible wireless performance and the best possible range. In addition, AirPort Extreme reduces the possibility of interference from appliances and cordless phones that use the 2.4GHz band.

EDIT: Sorry I'm wrong. Both versions available in the refurb store offer that.

The main thing to know about Time Capsule vs. Airport Extreme is that the internal power supply and hard drive in the TC have been linked to early demise of early revs of this product. If it has been fixed or not remains to be seen as the early ones had a ~18 month lifetime.

B