My Huawei e585 review (with menu screenshots)

**wiretap_MD** · 08-16-2010, 05:49 PM

The revamped menu system and graphics is a refreshing upgrade to the "utilitarian" look of the e5830 (but gets the job done).

It now has a new SMS feature where you can send and receive SMS messages. Very useful for those with prepaid data sims and what to take advantage and register for unlimited surfing per day, 2 days, 5 days, etc. Just type in the keywords and send to the appropriate service number. No need to have to get out your sim from your unit and insert into a cellphone.

You can now browse the contents of your microSD card. I'm not sure if the e5830 had this feature previously since I never had the need to use this:

The rest of the menu systems are basically the same as that of the previous e5830. Newer and more colorful icons and graphics make it more pleasing to the eye.

Basically, aside from the new black matte finish and OLED screen, the form and factor for both units are the same:

Upon closer inspection, the e585 gets a microUSB terminal from the previous e5830's miniUSB. Some users consider this as a downgrade since the microUSB is considered to be more fragile than its miniUSB counterpart.

On the right side, a single illuminated power button replaces all 3 buttons of the e5830. Long presses for power on and off. Short press to activate the OLED screen. Personally, I prefer the 3 dedicated buttons of the e5830 since I sometimes just want to turn off either the 3G access, or the Wifi only. This is important if you want to refresh a current "crappy" connection without having to do a cold reboot or restart:

Both units share the same battery. I therefore tried my extra-capacity 3900mAh battery and I am pleased to report that it fits and performs as expected. Its casing also snaps into place, albeit with some holes that are left unconvered since these were previously occupied by the e5830 button. However, it is still sealed with no visible holes whatsoever. Good news for those with existing high-cap batteries and are contemplating on upgrading:

The left side of both units are basically the same and unremarkable:

The high-capacity rear casing can still fit the microUSB connection even though the cutout was designed for a miniUSB:

The highlight of the e585 is its OLED monochrome screen. It displays very useful information such as signal strength, actual battery status, as well as the kind of data connection present. This is the main reason why I upgraded to the e585. A far cry from the status lights of the e5830.

I shall continue to update this thread as I test the e585. Thanks for looking!

**Sponsor** · 08-16-2010 05:49 PM

**wiretap_MD** · 08-17-2010, 12:25 PM

Noticed a nice feature in one of the icons. The wifi icon has a subscript number which tells you the number of wifi devices connected to the unit. Very nifty!

**mark_johan_lim** · 08-17-2010, 01:46 PM

@wiretap_MD

Thanks for the excellent review. Just wanted to ask about the battery life. Did the OLED display improve battery life?

Can someone use the Huawei as a dedicated router at home, let's say around 12hrs daily?

**michelledsbona** · 08-17-2010, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by mark_johan_lim

@wiretap_MD

Thanks for the excellent review. Just wanted to ask about the battery life. Did the OLED display improve battery life?

Can someone use the Huawei as a dedicated router at home, let's say around 12hrs daily?

I have the same queries.

**wiretap_MD** · 08-17-2010, 06:04 PM

I have been using it together with my extra capacity battery and so far, the performance is the same as that of the e5830. The OLED display automatically shuts off after 1 minute of inactivity so it shouldnt be a factor siguro.

I believe one of our fellow forumers, mackymd, uses an e5830 as a dedicated router in his home.

**rdy0329** · 08-17-2010, 07:15 PM

It would be a nice dedicated router if you can get decent signal and speed in your area, why not? Though 3G is known for high ping response so not really for gaming. OLED are known for battery saving efficiency I guess it is not a big deal keeping the screen on for a minute.

**mark_johan_lim** · 08-17-2010, 10:51 PM

Originally Posted by wiretap_MD

I have been using it together with my extra capacity battery and so far, the performance is the same as that of the e5830. The OLED display automatically shuts off after 1 minute of inactivity so it shouldnt be a factor siguro.

I believe one of our fellow forumers, mackymd, uses an e5830 as a dedicated router in his home.

Thanks Doc! (I'm assuming you're a doctor

). I forgot to commend the nice pics you took. You're definitely the most techie (is that a word?) doctor I've seen.

**ultraracingph** · 08-19-2010, 11:01 AM

Excellent Review! I was gifted with the Globe MyFi but I just couldn't resist the OLED Screen of the e585 so I got one and gave the e5830 to a friend. I changed my security settings from WEP to WPA2 which was easier to do with the new system menu. Also, the ability send and receive sms via the menu settings is a very welcome feature. Overall, Very Highly Recommended!!! Also it looks like Mugen just came out with an extended battery for the e585. The HLI-E585XL battery allows the Huawei E585 MiFi (Three MiFi) to run for three times longer than the standard battery. The battery is approximately 1cm thicker than the standard battery and a back cover is provided to accommodate the extra size.

**elbert** · 08-19-2010, 11:22 AM

Why does Huawei go with such a complicated naming convention? Trying to type the correct model number is one thing, remembering the numbers is another.

For the sake of simplification, can we just call it the black MiFi versus the silver MiFi? haha!

Anyway, my silver one is with in the car mostly, essentially an in-car WiFi server, and continuously plugged into an extra USB port from my iPhone charger. Since I don't carry it around much, I doubt I'll be upgrading to the black one.

BTW, leaving the MiFi in the car constantly on is very convenient when I'm being chauffeured around, and even better for me when I'm driving with my wife on board (since she is more mindful of her Facebook than my driving).

Great review! Thanks for sharing with us.

**tjgato** · 08-19-2010, 04:11 PM

the picture here with the high capacity battery is from the E5830 right. Since I remember that was my issue when i was trying it out from a friend that I can't plug in correctly in the microUSB the case was covering some part of the unit.

Nice Review but will stick first with what I have