Samsung WEP410 Bluetooth Headset

Samsung is no stranger to the electronics industry, from mobile phones to Bluetooth headsets. The WEP410 is one of the latest Bluetooth headsets with a very small form factor and in-ear design. The included charging case is handy, but not all that innovative. The in-box accessories include an AC power adapter and a few spare ear gels. However, the carrying case that pulls double-duty as the charging dock is a welcome addition to the Samsung WEP410. The headset itself is matte black with a silver end towards the microphone, and the carrying/charging case is a semi-transparent smoke grey color, which allows the status light on the headset to shine through.

The exterior face of the headset is where you'll find the fingertip-sized round multifunction button. The notification light outlines the multifunction button when powering on and off, meaning you'll want to use your fingertip so that you can still see the light when the button is pressed. The microphone end of the headset is silver, and the charging contacts are located on the very end, near the microphone hole. Volume up and down buttons are located on either edge of the headset, adjacent to the multifunction button. The volume up key has two raised nubs so that it is easy to identify by touch alone.

Small, medium, and large ear gels are included and are easy to change. The ear gel is made of soft rubber and nestles inside the ear, which some people find to be slightly intrusive.

The notification light, which outlines the multifunction button, flashes blue periodically when the headset is powered on. To turn the headset on or off, simply press and hold the multifunction button. With the headset off, you can press and hold the multifunction button for several seconds, until the light begins to flash blue and red, to put it in 'pairing mode' so that it can be mated to a mobile phone or a computer.

The Samsung WEP410's included combination carrying case and charging dock is rather small, but required in order to charge the headset as there is no way to connect the charger directly to the headset. A small proprietary plug inserts into the side of the case to power the charger. The headset itself snaps securely in place, making the case extremely convenient.

When it comes to using the headset, a quick press on the multifunction key answers a call, and you can reject a call by simply holding the same key down for a few seconds. During a call, the volume buttons on either side of the headset obviously adjust the volume, but you can press and hold either button for a few seconds to mute the headset, and do the same to unmute it. You can press the multifunction key while in a phone call to hang up, as well.

Voice dialing, if supported by the cell phone, can be activated by pressing and holding the multifunction button for a few seconds, after which you'll be prompted by a beep. When not in an active call, you can also quickly press the multifunction key twice to redial the last number called, if your phone supports that feature.

According to Samsung, the WEP410 is capable of delivering up to 4 hours of talk time. Charging time, according to the user manual, is a full 2 hours, with the charging dock plugged into a wall outlet.

Unfortunately, in addition to sub-par battery life, the audio quality on the Samsung WEP410 is nearly useless, as well.

Although Samsung has produced countless quality cell phones, it still has a bit of work to do on at least some of its Bluetooth headsets. While the headset is stylish looking and small, the paltry talk times and poor noise management make this one hard to recommend. The included carrying case/charging dock is indeed a nice touch, and the headset itself is comfortable to wear.