Money? But I"m always open on ways to save money.
How about paying 20 bucks a year for all the calls you
want and have the ability to call from any computer.
Not a joke or gimmick and I am not a salesman for them
but this what they promise.
magic Jack Link
By the way I haven't tried this, but I am going to try it.
30 day free trial. What can you lose?
Money? But I"m always open on ways to save money.
You know Joe, one thing, if you are travelling and have a laptop
and access to hi-speed internet plug the thing in and start
calling.
This is the article that turned me on, forwarded to me by a
friend, yeah, Joe I do got friends....LOL
TOP STORY
MagicJack promises dirt-cheap phone calls
Scott Dunn By Scott Dunn
Making phone calls over the Internet is nothing new, thanks to well-known providers like Skype and Vonage.
But a simple USB device from an upstart, MagicJack, promises to bring voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to the masses for as little as $20 USD per year.
What is MagicJack and how does it work?
MagicJack is a $40 appliance that's about the size of two USB memory sticks. You plug any analog telephone into one end, and insert the other end into the USB port of a computer with broadband access. After waiting about one minute while the device self-installs, you can make free calls to any phone in the United States and Canada (no matter where in the world you are) — there are no per-minute charges. After the first year, you pay $20 annually for these calls. That's not $20 per month, it's $20 per year.
MagicJackFigure 1. The MagicJack device (left) is approximately the width of two USB flash drives and takes about 30 seconds to initialize itself each time it's plugged in.
MagicJack rates for calls to phones outside the U.S. and Canada vary from 2 cents per minute to landlines in the U.K., Germany, and France up to $1.21 per minute to Antarctica, according to a list posted by YMax, MagicJack's parent company. Service to these countries at these rates will reportedly begin in early 2008. If the international party you are calling also has a MagicJack, the call is free.
Except for a desktop shortcut, MagicJack installs no software on the host computer. The company says this allows the device to work on PCs at Internet cafés that don't permit the installation of executable files.
One frustration is that you must wait 30 seconds or more for the software to load from the device each time you plug it in. But the great benefit is that you can easily take this pocket-sized product with you to use on a laptop in hotels or wherever you may find broadband access. Currently, only Windows XP and Vista are supported, but a Mac version is in the works.
For home use, the product has an analog phone jack, into which you can plug any ordinary telephone. For travel, MagicJack works with any standard headset and microphone, including any that may be built into your laptop. Bluetooth headsets are also supported.
For incoming calls, U.S. customers currently receive a free inbound phone number. You can choose from 116 area codes in 31 cities. That sounds like a lot, but still includes only 23 states. Los Angeles is a major metropolis that's notably absent from MagicJack's service, but a company representative says L.A. area codes should be available by Dec. 25. A list of the currently available area codes is posted on the MagicJack site.
MagicJack
Figure 2. You dial calls using MagicJack's on-screen softphone or the buttons on an ordinary telephone that you plug into the USB device's RJ-11 phone jack.
Eventually, you'll reportedly be able to use MagicJack's site to change your phone number and even port your own, existing landline phone number (for a fee). Those features, however, are not yet available.
In our tests, the sound quality on MagicJack phone calls was very clear, although there was a faint buzzing sound on the caller's end on one call. Windows Secrets editorial director Brian Livingston recently took a MagicJack on a business trip to Florida and reported no problems calling U.S. numbers via a laptop with a hotel Wi-Fi connection. Every call, however, brings up the on-screen softphone window with its built-in advertising pane on the left (see Figure 2), even if you're using a regular phone for dialing rather than clicking the on-screen buttons with your mouse.
Other MagicJack features include:
• Free directory assistance using the Free411 Web site (in our tests, this site performed poorly at finding business phone numbers, so you get what you pay for);
• Free 911 service in the United States (you enter your physical address once, which you can change at any time);
• Free voicemail (even if your computer is off); and
• Free call forwarding to your cell phone or any other phone.
The 911 service requires not only that you enter your current address, but also (as with any MagicJack call) that you have power and a working Internet connection so you can dial the number.
If you use Microsoft Outlook, you can also download a plug-in that adds a toolbar to that program for one-click dialing of a selected contact.
MagicJack costs less than other VoIP services
MagicJack is only the latest entry to a growing number of VoIP service providers, two of the most popular being Skype and Vonage.
Perhaps the most similar product to MagicJack is the V-Phone from Vonage. This USB device is the size of a typical flash drive and includes an audio jack for the included cell-style headset (earphones and microphone). Like MagicJack, you plug a V-Phone into a computer with Internet access and, after about 30 seconds of setup, begin calling. You dial out using the on-screen keypad (which is optional in MagicJack). An incoming phone number is included. Like MagicJack, you get voicemail, a call log, and a contact list.
Compared to MagicJack, however, the V-Phone rates are astronomical. Vonage's cheapest billing plan (see Table 1) costs $180 USD per year for 500 minutes per month. Unlimited calling is available for residential users for $300 per year, while businesses pay $420 per year. The fees include all calls to the U.S., Canada, and a few European countries.
Skype, on the other hand, does not include any hardware. It's free software that you download and install on your computer. The software includes instant messaging and file transfers, but to make VoIP phone calls, you'll also need a Skype-compatible headset.
Skype charges $30 a year for unlimited outgoing (SkypeOut) calls to the U.S. and Canada, plus just over 2 cents a minute for calls to 30 selected countries, more to others.
To get a number for incoming calls, the SkypeIn service costs $18 for three months or $60 per year, a price that includes voicemail and call forwarding. (You can also buy up to 10 phone numbers using most U.S. area codes, as well as those from some other countries.) By contrast, if you have MagicJack service, incoming calls are free.
Table 1. MagicJack is cheaper than similar services. (All amounts in U.S. dollars.)
MagicJack
Vonage V-Phone
Skype
Unlimited outbound
calls from anywhere
to U.S. & Canada
$20/year
$300/year
(includes landlines
in five EU countries)
$30/year
Unlimited inbound
calls from anywhere
Included
Included
$60/year
Initial cost
$40 (includes 1st
year of service)
$40
Free (software
download)
Other calling
hardware needed
Analog phone
or headset
None (headset
included)
Skype-compatible
headset
Is MagicJack too good to be true?
With rates as low as those offered by MagicJack, how likely is it the service will survive in the long haul? That's an open question, even for telecom experts, some of whom don't expect any VoIP service to last for long. But MagicJack's business model does offer some advantages that aren't found in its compe ors.
MagicJack differs from companies like Vonage and Skype, who buy their connection services from telecom businesses known as Compe ive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs) and other names.
MagicJack's parent company, YMax — founded by telecom veteran Dan Borislow — is itself a CLEC that's certified in 49 U.S. states (soon to be 50). Because the company owns much of its own switching and gateway hardware, YMax can make money by giving out phone numbers and leasing the lines it owns to other VoIP and telecommunications providers.
This infrastructure also gives the company more control over voice quality, asserts MagicJack marketer Don Bruns in a recent issue of TelephonyOnline. Founder Borislow echoes this point in a Broadband Reports article.
In addition to sales of the MagicJack hardware (and the $20 annual fee starting one year later), MagicJack intends to sell advertising that will appear next to the on-screen softphone any time you use the product. Indeed, as an article on the Broadband Reports site points out, MagicJack's Terms of Service do ent goes so far as to state that "these advertisements are necessary for the magicJack device to work."
Whether this business model is sufficient to make MagicJack a viable, long-term success, only time will tell. In the meantime, consumers can take advantage of MagicJack's low rates and portable calling convenience wherever a computer and a good Internet connection can be found. For more information, see the MagicJack site.
Who calls Antarctica?up to $1.21 per minute to Antarctica,
What a pile of crap! The Magic Jack is a half ass attempt at being something it's not. The device's performance is spotty at best. I have the highest available ATT Broadband service and the thing still works intermittently...when it's even working. IT'S JUNK!!! Oh, and don't bother trying to get technical support...sticking bicycle spokes in your eyes is less painful. Don't waste your time or money...or if you must spend, save money and get the next best thing...two cups and a string. If you still refuse to heed this warning you can buy my Magic Jack on eBay.
Okay, I haven't gotten one yet. But a friend of mine
has and he sent me this email.
Yes, I did XXX... It works great... I kept my regular landline home phone. I use the MagicJack for all my LD calls... It took about a week to get the hardware... and it works exactly like they say... the only thing is, they do not have all the area codes yet, so I choose area code XXX (XXXXXX) and they gave me a number. My MagicJack number is XXX-XXX=XXXX... you are allowed to change your phone number later. Another thing is, it has to install itself everytime you turn your computer on in the morning... about 45 to 60 seconds... (not a problem if you leave your computer on all the time). It has a mail box that takes your calls when your computer is off. It has caller ID, Call forwarding, etc. It comes with an online form you fill out to register your address and number with 911...
You can use the phone and the Internet at the same time with no problems that I have encountered. If it does not stay connected when you plug it into your USB port, you will have to purchase a Powered USB hub (about $15.00 at Wal-Mart).
It has a contact list and will automatically dial the contact you choose. The voice quality is excellent... better than a cell for sure and about the same as landline.
Try it you'll like it.
Regards,
Check out the next to last paragraph about connection
problems and using a powered USB hub.
Sounds pretty cool. I think I'd wait it out though.
How much you want for your MagicJack. If you are
selling it discounted, I'll buy it.
I have one and it works exactly as advertised. You got
to have a powered USB port for it to operate correctly.
I have used mine on a laptop, wireless, and it worked
as advertised. The quality is a better on a PC hooked
up by cable because it is a faster speed, but it worked
with good quality. Just PM me your price.
I ordered it. I've used it. All technology has its limitations -- that's why the free trial is valuable.
It works great using my broadband connection on my craptop over my wireless network connection with a 1/4 signal from my router. Very rare sputtering not caused from the device but from my lousy wireless connection.
Moving to a hard-wired PC its crystal clear.
I think this product is very cool and could prove useful under a miriad of situations.
I'll be buying more for friends and family and I will be using it for certain business applications in my job for sure.
Ive been using Skype for the past year and love it so far, i bought a Skype cordless phone and nobody can tell that im not using a regular phone. It costs just a little bit more but has tons of features.
This product is great !!
have had not problems and have been using it for 6 months .
heres the best deal I have found http://www.go-fast-parts.com/5745158.html
If you spend a lot of time on your cell phone, this product is for you.
if you travel often on business with your laptop, this product is for you.
If you travel for leisure internationally, this product is for you.
If you have family who needs to reach you from an international location, this product is for you.
I bought and received mine quickly from Kingdirect.com a reseller and got support when I needed it.
http://www.kingdirect.com/p7022/magi...t_info.html?St
what more can you ask for for $40 lousy bucks, I saved that in the first week of using it.
Gee, why am I su ious when there are three separate recommendations from people who have never posted anything else on SpursTalk. Pass.
I'd love to hear from anyone else (with a track record) who has used this thing. It does sound pretty good.
This looks like an elaborate spam job if you ask me...and I know a lot about spam.
Damn the shipping there is high. Even ground was over 12.00. How rediculious. I bought mine at A Plus Computers http://www.apluspcstore.com
Link to magicJack phone page: http://apluspcstore.com/product_info.php?products_id=28
I love this product so far. Very fast shipping. I really have no complaints with it. I hooked it up on my laptop the other day over my wireless connection and it was still crytal clear with no pauses or anything. It actually does sound better then my cell phone. You guys should check this out. I call all my gaming friends on it now and they all bought one from the same place... lol pretty cool to talk to friends you game with for free. Especially when they live so far away and I hate having to wait till 9:00 pm to use my cell phone for unlimited minutes.
Last edited by fryer3900; 06-24-2008 at 10:37 PM.
Oh, lookie, another n00b spammer. ESAD, mof.
Are you dumb? How am I spamming here. I am just replying to the idiot that bought this thing at a outrageous shipping price and I was stating I bought it from this other company I told my friends about. Gees some people.
You are spamming here bc your first-ever post is an attempt to get ppl to go buy something.
Gees some people.
Um it is true these are my first posts. However I was just doing a search over the web to see if I could find the product a little bit cheaper and came accross your forums in the search engines. So I decided to comment on the topic of where I bought it. So yes you are right these are my first posts, but no I am not spamming. I don't care who sells them. I was just saying where I got mine.
Last edited by fryer3900; 03-27-2008 at 03:41 PM.
shut up spammer. you fail.
Do not waste your time. It DOES NOT WORK.
Got it and within 30 minutes it failed to make phone calls to dormant phones that had been silent for over 5 minutes. It registered those phones as busy.
On all our cell phones it rang directly into the answering messages...
But try and return it. We went through 3 hours of .
Here are the last 25 minutes.
Please wait for a site operator to respond.
You are now chatting with 'Nicole'
Nicole: o, how may I help you?
Dean : I need the return web address
Dean : I asked for an rma number and a return address and you people have refused to give me one.
Dean : I need that info now.
Nicole: May I know when the issue started please?
Dean : The return web address does not work.
Dean : Give me an rma number and an address.
Nicole: May I know please why you should return the magicjack?
Dean : IT DOES NOT WORK.
Dean : give me the information.
Nicole: May I know why the magicjack doesn't work please?
Nicole: Could you please be more specific.
Dean : I have already explained that. Give me the return information.
Dean : I will not ask for the return information again.
Dean : I have attempted to return your product in good faith and have been meet with nothing less than bs.
Nicole: Please give a moment please I will try to check your chat history if what is really the reason because I really don't know.
Dean : Stop the bs
Nicole: I understand you frustration Dean.
Dean : It is clear that your company is not honest. You do not have easily accessible site information to do returns.
Dean : So keep it up. As I have said before I have made all the good faith efforts I need to do to return the product.
Nicole: Please hold on a moment I checking with your issue Dean.
Dean : You have just 2 more minutes to supply the proper return information.
Nicole: May I ask if you still in the 30 free trial days?
Dean : You have one more minute
Nicole: Please confirm my question Dean are you still on the 30 free trial?
Dean : Ok I have attempted to return the product three times today.
Nicole: Or please give the date when you purchased the magicjack.
Dean : At all times I have been thwarted and and refused to be given the proper information to effect a return.
Dean : Your product is here at my home address. You can come by and pick it up at any time during normal business hours.
Nicole: I see.
Dean : I am informining my credit card company to refuse any type of payment as you have refused to accept a return.
Dean : The product was just delivered today.
Nicole: I understand your frustration Dean.
Nicole: I apologize for the inconvenience but currently we are updating our system.
Dean : What is the web address.
Nicole: Don't worry this is only for temporary issue.It will be fixed as soon as possible.
Dean : What is the web address.
Nicole: That's why you cannot access because our sytem is down at the moment we still on the state of updating.
Dean : What is the web address
Nicole: I'm sorry for the inconveience Dean.Hope you were be able to understand regarding with our issue.
Dean : Ok bye I have tried to return the product.
Dean : No sorry I have made my last and final attempt to return I have copied this conversation down.
Dean : Your product is here and you can come and get it.
Nicole: Our engineers are now still on the state of updating.
Nicole: Thank you for being patient Dean I appreciate it.
Dean : No sorry it has nothing to do with a return.
Dean : Bye
Nicole: Thank you for stopping by to chat, I hope I did a good job at addressing your concerns. Please take a second to answer a one question survey about the service I provided. Please click the "close" button on the top right of this screen and the survey will appear. Thanks again!
Well duh.... the product is so new that the company or any company will go through some growth pains. So what if there service was down for awhile. Its no dif then if your cable or dsl goes down due to some issue. Sounds like you didn't even give the product a chance.. LMAO So did you even wait to try it after they were done with an update? I doubt it!
Got my magic jack today, it wouldn't connect so I logged into the tech support chat and within a few minutes someone came to help. I typed in what the error message said and was sent a download for my operating system. then I unplugged and replugged my magic jack and with a few more tweeks taking all of 5 minutes and my phone was working. It is sweet, clear as a whistle too. Everyone I called sounded fine and they could here me fine. No audio problems. It's sweet. I'll give it a month of testing them I'll disconnect my home phone. I only really need a home phone to call my cell phone when i loose it and save cell minutes during the day.
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)