Review: 3 MiFi II - the Huawei E585

Out of the box

If you're upgrading from the old 3 MiFi, you'll know the drill - but for new users you'll get: 

The MiFi unit (the Huawei E585), battery, two cables (both now USB, one short and one slightly longer... plus a USB charger) and the SIM pack (like a cardboard CD sleeve), plus loads of little bits of paper - we're talking short novel here (see the old 3 MiFi review for a full run down). 

Initial thoughts

We didn't understand why there was quite so much paraphernalia the first time around and it's even less understandable now (as we expect quite a few people will be upgrading, while Wi-Fi generally is a well understood topic). And even if you don't know what you're doing, surely one well written source of information is better than a bunch of card and booklets?

But this is a relatively minor quibble once you get up and running. Th new MiFi device (3's own term for mobile Wi-Fi) itself is a vast improvement on the original in looks and usefulness of the information it provides the user. While it's still a sea of plastic, the shiny silver back and matt black front, with its shaped glass window, are a huge step forward in design.

There's just an on/off button on the right side, microSD card slot on the left, and the microUSB slot on the bottom - simple. Like all the mobile Wi-Fi units on the market, it is around mobile phone size and around the same weight. Anyone used to mobile devices will have the bakc off, and the SIM and battery in and charged, in no time.

Usage

Set up and connection is pretty easy. You can set up your 'dashboard' easily on a PC/laptop or Mac, from where you can alter your settings and check your account without using any of your data allowance. 

Otherwise, if it's working correctly, you should simply see the 3 MiFi unit come up in your list of available networks - just make sure you're happy with your security settings. 

The real leap forward is with the viewing screen. The original had a series of coloured LEDs that were next to useless in practical terms. The new 585 has a full panel giving you signal strength, network type (3G etc), Wi-Fi and internet connection indicators, SMS inbox, battery level, network - even data used, connection time and an international roaming indicator. All this gets it the 'recommended' tag on its own.

Battery life is still 'up to' five hours, which is less than most devices you'd want to power it with. There is also still no wireless N standard support. Improving these two things on the next version (it could comfortably be a bit bigger to support a bigger battery - a small price to pay).

Speed and coverage

There have been a lot of improvements to 3's network in the last couple of years, moving it out of the relegation zone and into the upper mid table in terms of coverage and speed. However, this is the UK - don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed.

In truth, with mobile broadband data allowances as they are, you're unlikely to be wanting to do too much data intensive activity anyway. The Mi-Fi unit can cope with a signal up to 3.6Mb and that's way above the average speed you can expect. Put simply, if you're wanting to go for mobile broadband in the UK, a mobile Wi-Fi unit is probably your best option.

Data

As we mentioned above, with UK mobile broadband speeds being what they are, you're unlikely to be wanting to use your MiFi for heavy usage. That said, at least you do now have the option.

3 has some pretty generous data limits in its longer contracts, with 15GB currently available (Feb 2011). The on-screen tally of how much data you've used really makes a difference here too, although we'd suggest you regularly check your actual account home page to make sure they tally up (we've heard some horror stories from other ISPs in the past).

Conclusion

You definitely have to give 3 kudos for being the first UK network into the mobile broadband Wi-Fi market and the obvious advantage of going first is shown here - you're the first to get feedback, so get the opportunity of making changes that consumers can really benefit from. And kudos again to 3 - it has done just that.

That said, there is still a way to go - wireless-N and battery life being the obvious obstacles that need to be overcome. But even without these, we think the mobile Wi-Wi unit is the best way to get online on the move right now. The 3 MiFi Huawei E585 is the nicest unit to do it with too, although it doesn't have the best network to use it on (although it's not too far off).

As an extra incentive right now, 3 is giving free access to The Times Online for three months on its mobile broadband deals. But don't forget though - Vodafone, Orange and T-Mobile also have mobile Wi-Fi devices available now. For information on pricing, special offers, deals etc please check out our mobile Wi-Fi comparison page.