iTech EasyChat 306 Review

Introduction:

Skype is slowly but surely changing our mentality towards voice calling, also video chat, as the service continues to permeate into the minds of mobile users all around the world. And now that we can achieve Skype calling via our mobile devices, whether it be through Wi-Fi or 3G connectivity, the iTech EasyChat 306 Bluetooth headset is fittingly blessed with the official branding of being “Skype certified.” Not only that, but it can be used just like any other Bluetooth headset on the market, and with that, we'll take a closer look to gauge its performance to see how it stacks against the competition. Included in packaging is a microUSB cable, ear hook, USB Bluetooth adapter, installation CD, and a user manual.



Design:

Honestly, there's nothing pretty with the all black plastic construction of the EasyChat 306 which closely resembles a covered USB flash drive. Although it feels lightweight, we're not particularly sold on its rounded design and inferior construction that instantly gives off the perception of it being cheap. Aside from the iTech logo plastered on the side, there isn't anything that stands out from its overall boring looking design.


Strange as it may be, but the EasyChat 306 only includes a single ear bud, which is safe to say, not a one size fits all cover. And with that, it unfortunately does not offer a snug fit in the ear and requires the use of the ear hook to prevent it from falling off. Due to the loose fit, even when using the ear hook, long term usage didn't have a detrimental affect on comfort, but we still would've preferred a tighter grip to the ear.

The iTech EasyChat 306 is a very simplified headset since it only packs on a single multi-function button that's found in the middle and separates the two parts of the headset, and another on its sides that cycles through the volume. Additionally, there are notches to the surface of both buttons that stick out and enable us to feel them easily, while still offering a decent amount of feedback when pressed. As usual, there's a small pin hole found towards the end of the headset for its microphone. However, attempting to charge it is by far a frustrating experience since the plastic flap covering the microUSB port isn't easy to remove – thus requiring us to use a flathead screwdriver to pry off.

Performance:

For being a generic Bluetooth headset, there is absolutely no additional functionality found with the EasyChat 306 aside from being used to make phone calls. When so many others pack on built-in voice control or Multipoint technology to pair it with more than one device, the lack of additional functionality is an eye sore. Granted that it packs a USB Bluetooth adapter so you can quickly connect it to a computer so you can use it with Skype, it does nothing more outside of the box to enhance the experience. Finally, the iTech EasyChat 306 doesn't even support A2DP which means you can't play music from your handset and listen to it on the headset.

Yet another excruciating thing we find with the headset is the fact that it only offers a single button for volume control – meaning, you press it to cycle through the available levels. Regretfully, there are numerous times when we were completely confused about which level we placed it on, but it becomes obvious when someone begins to speak. Fortunately though, the maximum volume is more than acceptable to hear out voices.

Guess what? The iTech EasyChat 306 doesn't even have any kind of noise reduction or cancellation technology to enhance voice quality. With that, voices through the headset sound natural in tone, but there is a noticeable evidence of background static. Conversely, our callers had a difficult time in making out our hollow sounding voice as the headset picked up just about every noise in the background. And don't even bother trying to use it in the car because it'll just garble up conversations to the point that they're indistinguishable.


If there has to be a bright mark with the EasyChat 306, it has to be none other than the 7 ½ hours of continuous talk time we achieved on a single charge. In fact, that's better than the 6 hours of talk time that the manufacturer has it rated for. However, it does take approximately 3 hours to get the battery fully charged – which is lengthy when you pit it against the rapid charge times of other headsets.

Conclusion:

Not surprisingly, even Skype's testing labs gave the iTech EasyChat 306 a rating of 2 out of 6 stars – which is amazing considering that it has been “Skype certified.” Right now, the headset appears to be selling for $49.99 through various retailers, but even at that price point, it's not enough to elicit a purchase. Boring design, no additional functionality, pain in the neck process to access its microUSB port, and its less than impressive calling quality will easily prevent anyone from even thinking about siding with this Bluetooth headset. All in all, the EasyChat 306 fails miserably to even compete on the same level of even the most basic headsets from the competition.