Time Capsule is to cheap...

...and I need a more expensive alternative.

An odd statement I know, but I have a grant for equipment. However, the minimum cost of any single item must be £400 (circa $600).

So, I need to find an alternative network attached device that is supported by Time Machine.

I don't need the wireless capabilities of Time Capsule, just a NAS device.

I don't want to use firewire because of location of the device.

My router doesn't support USB drives and I can't buy another router.

Any suggestions?

The mac mini server?
Configure - Apple Store (U.S.)
Overkill but hey

Thanks Boybland. I had considered that and it is overkill.

I would also like at least 2Tb of capacity.

Here in the UK the Time Capsule is an annoyingly low £388!

Check this one at OWC.

Thanks, but it's firewire rather than network.

I had looked at OWC earlier but couldn't find anything suitable. They do seem to make nice kit though.

I'm using a HP MediaSmart - runs Windows Home Server. It's a pretty nice device - gigabit ethernet - suppose to work with Time Machine, although I have not since I have a Time Capsule also - iTunes server. It's not a bad setup in conjunction with my HTPC.

Only problem, you need a Windows machine or be running Windows on your Mac for some of the initial setup and restore functions. Once setup, you do have full access via your Mac.

Mine has 4 bays, so up to 8TB storage currently. I'm only up to 4.5TB in mine.
They've had a new model since mine was released and haven't looked at it that close.