The Huawei E587 is a high end wireless modem (aka MiFi, Mobile Hotspot, Mobile WiFi) supporting Dual Carrier HSPA+ making it one of the fastest 3G devices available.

The E587 is not a true 4G device as many websites are suggesting (probably for marketing reasons). It uses the latest 3G technologies to get high download speeds of up to 42Mbps. As always, in the real world this speed is not achievable and expect top downloads speeds to be more in the region of 16Mbps. Networks that don’t support DC-HSPA+ will see the max download speed considerably lower. None the less, the reported real world speeds we’re hearing about are very impressive.

Note: Sadly no UK networks currently support DC-HSPA (up to 42Mbps) so only expect HSPA+ speeds (up to 21Mbps).

As with just about all wireless modems the E587 can support up to 5 Wi-Fi devices connected simultaneously. Considering how mobile broadband speeds have gone up dramatically compared to the first wireless modems (e.g. Huawei E5830) it would make sense to enable more Wi-Fi connections.

The Huawei E587 can be bought independently and is available from the following network operators:
-    T-Mobile (USA) - called the Sonic 4G Mobile Hotspot
-    Telus (Canada) – called the E587
-    Three (unconfirmed reports)

All E587 wireless modems supplied by network operators will be locked. Go to unlock Huawei E587 to get the device unlocked so it can be used with any mobile network operator.

The Good:
-    Battery life (2200mAh)
-    Improved WiFi range (compared to previous models E585 and E586)
-    Ease of use
-    Supports wide range of technologies making it ideal for international travellers
-    It’s currently the fastest wireless modem available

The Bad:
-    Reports of the device getting very hot and cutting out during heavy use

Specifications

-    Any device with WiFi can use for internet access
-    Administered by any device with a web browser
-    Device drivers for: Windows XP SP2/SP3, Windows Vista SP1/SP2, Windows 7 - Mac OS X 10.5 , 10.6 and 10.7 with latest upgrades

Note: We haven’t put the supported 3G frequencies as they will be different depending which network operator supplies the device.  We can be fairly confident that the 2100Mhz frequency will be supported on all devices.

More information can be found at the Huawei Device website;

http://www.huaweidevice.com/worldwide/productFeatures.do?pinfoId=3172&directoryId=5009&treeId=3619&tab=0