Apple [AAPL] has just issued a statement saying that it will offer customers who are having trouble with their Time Capsules purchased in February 2008 and June 2008 a replacement or a free repair.
Time Capsules with the serial numbers XX807XXXXXX – XX814XXXXXX are affected, and some of the problems encountered include the Time Capsule unexpectedly shutting down.
Understanding the Issue
Apple hasn’t actually issued an official recall of the units as the problems haven’t affected every single unit. The issue seems to be isolated to a specific batch of Time Capsules, which were manufactured and sold within a narrow timeframe. The primary problem reported by users is that the Time Capsule unexpectedly shuts down, which can be particularly frustrating as it disrupts the backup process and can potentially lead to data loss.
The Time Capsule is a network device that combines a wireless router with a hard drive, designed to work seamlessly with Apple’s Time Machine backup software. When functioning correctly, it provides an effortless way to back up data wirelessly. However, the unexpected shutdowns have caused significant inconvenience for affected users, prompting Apple to take action.
Steps to Take if Affected
If this applies to you and you have a Time Capsule with these serial numbers and are experiencing problems, you have until 2011 to take it to an Apple Store for a replacement. Apple has assured customers that they will either replace the faulty units or provide a free repair, depending on the specific issue and the condition of the Time Capsule.
To determine if your Time Capsule is affected, you can check the serial number, which is located on the bottom of the device. If your serial number falls within the range of XX807XXXXXX – XX814XXXXXX, and you are experiencing issues, it is advisable to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store as soon as possible.
Apple’s decision not to issue a full recall suggests that the problem may not be widespread enough to warrant such a measure. However, the company is committed to ensuring customer satisfaction and is providing this replacement or repair service to address the concerns of those affected.
Additionally, it is worth noting that Apple has a history of addressing hardware issues proactively. For example, in the past, Apple has offered replacement programs for other products, such as the iPhone battery replacement program and the MacBook keyboard service program. This approach helps maintain customer trust and loyalty, as it demonstrates Apple’s commitment to quality and customer service.
For those who rely heavily on their Time Capsule for backups, it might be a good idea to consider alternative backup solutions in the interim. External hard drives, cloud storage services, and other network-attached storage (NAS) devices can serve as temporary or even permanent replacements to ensure that your data remains safe and accessible.
In conclusion, while the issue with the Time Capsules is unfortunate, Apple’s response provides a clear path for affected customers to resolve the problem. By offering replacements or free repairs, Apple is taking responsibility and ensuring that users can continue to rely on their Time Capsules for their backup needs.
via Macworld
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