Road warriors beware, the Samsung HM3600 Bluetooth headset just might be the perfect solution for those who yearn for a long lasting device that is ideal for those extra-long conversations. Likewise, it seems to pack a decent mix of customary features with its $59.99 price point – such as built-in voice prompts, dual-microphones for noise & echo cancellation, multipoint technology, and an “ultra-comfortable on-ear design” that minimizes ear fatigue during prolonged usage. With its touted easy on the ear design, it just might be suitable for almost all occasions, but we’re intrigued to see how it stands. Packaged along with the headset are the wall charger, removable earhook, and user manual.

Taking the conventional design approach, the HM3600 doesn’t particularly come off as one fashionably chic looking headset – especially with its rectangular shape and rounded corners. Comprised out of a blue and silver patterned plastic body, which again contributes to its ordinary looks, it naturally makes for one light weight headset. Interestingly enough, it relies on a rotating pivot joint, which is rarely in use with most headsets, and holds the earhook in its place.

Painfully, the adjustable pivot joint doesn’t particularly allow the earhook to sufficiently latch onto our ear. And to make matters worse, the oversized earpiece barely hugs closely to the side of our ear, and in most instances, it simply just hangs loose.

Alongside the front edge of the headset is the raised and narrow looking multi-function talk button that’s fittingly distinguishable to feel out with our fingers. Additionally, we find one of the microphones positioned above it, while the other is obviously placed at the bottom tip. On the left edge is the separated volume rocker that’s prominent and easy to press, while the power switch and LED indicator are placed along the right side. Meanwhile, the microUSB port is accessed by removing the plastic flap covering it in the rear.

Performance:
Since it’s positioned to be a mid-range offering, we’re presented with a mild set of voice prompt and control features with the Samsung HM3600. Upon powering it up, we’re greeted with a voice that instructs us on how to pair the device up with its general set of directions – and in our scenario, we connected it to an HTC Incredible S. Naturally, we’re able to pair it up easily with a second device, since it employs multipoint technology, but the primary device supersedes the second when it comes to voice control. Specifically, pressing down the multi-function talk button activates the primary handset’s voice control app – but that’s as long as it has its own built-in one. For the most part, it manages to accurately recognize our voice. However, it’s bitterly strange to find a mid-range headset like this to lack support for A2DP – so don’t expect streaming music with this one.

Granted that the HM3600 will announce an incoming call through the headset, it unfortunately doesn’t announce it by name or number – but rather, just a general notification. Pressing the talk button will obviously accept/end the call, while holding down the volume up key will place it in mute. With the earpiece, it pushes out some strong tones that make it audible in both passive and noisy environments – though, it could be better if the headset is fastened more tightly to the ear.

Calling quality appears to be towards the middle of the road with the HM3600 seeing that there is still some evidence of distortion in our voice – despite knowing that it utilizes noise and echo reduction technology. In windy conditions, it seems to work with its ability to still produce prevalent voices, but there is just some distortion when we speak. Thankfully though, the volume’s ample output still makes conversations very forgiving. Moreover, voices for the most part sound clear and natural on our end of the line.

When it comes to retention, the HM3600 is able to solidly connect with a handset that’s placed in an adjoining room with 30 feet of separation.