Get unlimited local and long-distance calling for 20 bucks a year

(Credit: MagicJack)

Need a second phone line? How about a dedicated business line for your home-based enterprise? A cheap way to make calls while traveling the world? Look no further than the MagicJack, quite possibly the coolest gizmo of 2007.

All you do is plug the little guy into a USB port. It automatically installs its own software: a nifty little dialer/address-book app. (During the initial setup, you get to choose your own local number for inbound calls.) Now just plug any corded or cordless handset into the MagicJack's standard RJ-11 jack and presto, you've got a dial tone. And voice mail. And three-way calling, caller ID, etc. You can also use a headset if you're traveling and don't want to schlep that bulky old Princess phone.

The MagicJack costs $40, which includes a year's worth of unlimited local and long-distance calls. (Free international calls to other MagicJack users, too.) After that, you'll pay just $20 per year. I've tried this thing, and let me tell you: It rocks. It's way easier to use than Skype, way cheaper than Vonage, and way cool to boot.

[dearnishant]

It rocks. I am using it for more than a month now..

[marinermama]

We bought MagicJack and really like it, but we have a problem. When we use the speakerphone function of our cordless phone, MagicJack enters random numbers which the person on the other end of the call (but not we) can hear. Tech support at MagicJack doesn't have a clue what we're talking about. If we use a corded phone or turn off the speakerphone feature, it's fine, but we want to use the speakerphone. MagicFix won't download, so that's no help.

[mlance]

Do you know of a good headset that I can buy to work with this?

[dearnishant]

Hi... I am using magic jack with cordless phone and used to stay on calls for 2-3 hrs on speaker phone but havent faced the issue reported by you. Maybe you can check replacing the instrument first.

[mlance]

I am interested in this but I want to know if I can fire my local provider; do I need highspeed internet service; and when I travel how does it work?

[biggerthomas]

I have the same questions. What are the consequences of using this with ATT?

[burgpath]

You keep the same internet and voice services. You can eliminate all the extra fluff and turn off all long distance calling. This is just a secondary line to make your long distance calls on.

[mlch75]

If you live in the US you can make all long distance calls and receive incoming calls at no cost to your friends or you for the $20 a year. If you live in Canada you can make all outgoing calls without any long distant charges. Your friends will incurr long distance charges calling you. Now themagicjack is selling Canadian numbers for $60 a year and it includes 911 service. So for Canadians to duplicate the US Customer's service it will cost $80 a year.

The hardware requires a high speed internet connection, such as broad band.

[dearnishant]

Hi.. you need to have high speed internet service, when u travel, just take the magic jack instument with you and connet to any computer having internet access on USB port. It will work irrespective of your location (only calls to US #s).

[praneet1]

see http://www.magicjack.com for more video reviews and feature list guys..

[brucemc777]

Yeah, if you only want to see the most glowing ones that they themselves chose and edited...

Better do some forum research.

[brucemc777]

Writer and Editor:

I relied on your review, purchased two, and so far it has been a nightmare. Not only are the things working horribly, but 1) NOWHERE is there posted how you are supposed to return the things, 2) NOWHERE is there a phone number to call these people and 3) Every time I contacted them through their tech support chat, the person, who in all cases, including other's, is named Glenn, claimed that this was pre-sales, and that I had to use a non-working link to contact tech support (though in another person's experience, "Glenn" did provide some useless tech support - see http://www.webvoipdir.com/forums/search.php?searchid=2262 .

For your own credibility (if nothing else) you might want to do some blind follow-up research on this outfit, for so far my, and some other people's experiences, have been far less than what you represented. Any one of their own employees can post a glowing review of the service and no one would know the difference, but you really have to ask 1) Why NO stated return method? 2) WHY no phone number???

It is my sincere hope that these are simple growing pains and that all will be resolved, but even if the best is the case, I HATE being used as a test dummy.

[infodiggintechnoweenie]

I did a little digging around after reading your post. Not sure if it would help any or not. But here's some of the information I found in the Terms of Service http://www.magicjack.com/site/tos.html:

In order to receive a refund or exchange you must request and receive a magicJack RMA number by e-mail and the magicJack device must be returned in its original packaging, be accompanied by proof or purchase and you must pay the expenses of shipping. Request your RMA via email [e-mail]. You will receive your refund or your new device within a reasonable time frame from the time we receive your package; which is approximately 14 days for an exchange and 45 days for a refund.

=======

There is a list of "local" numbers on the site. Click on Ask Dan, browse all FAQ and the info is there to "local" area codes.

But the device is still relatively new, and I expect to have some hiccups with anything new. Which is why I always wait at least 6-8 months after the new users really have time to use the item and then read reviews on it.

=======

Not sure if that helps any. But the TOS is always packed full of information because of legal issues. Including their Warranty Policy or lack there of because it is sold as is with no warranty.

=======

Post an update though as to if there will be a refund of funding or not. Or how long it takes to get a response from their Refund Email thing.

[lel2003]

Yes this was also a nightmare for me!!!!!!!I had 8 chat sessions from India to nowhere.I have transcripts of all of them. The last guy was the smartest-he told me to unplug it and run system restore.

[mark20081]

I agree, Bruce. I had a simple problem but with no way other than an ineffective tech. chat line to work with, I never resolved the problem and sent the magicjack back. I was told, after repeating my problem on 5 different sessions, that someone higher up would be contacting me. That was 2 weeks ago and no one ever got back to me. There is no where else to go with a problem, only this slow, ineffective chat line that solved nothing. Just one more company proving that customer service is a thing of the past. Pay up and take what you get.

[rsimanski]

I've found that magicJack will only work if I start the program after a fresh Windows reboot, before I use any other Internet-related programs, such as my browser or e-mail application. If I start it in the middle of a Windows session, the software will not load.

[LuxFestinus]

Use the FAQ For returns. You need an RMA number to proceed.
http://service.liveperson.net/hc/s-73335289/cmd/kbresource/kb-1936972912743308378/front_page!PAGETYPE?category=7

[gardenia rose]

Does MagicJack work with hardcopy fax machines? I want to avoid long distance charges when I must fax using a machine. How do I set up the connections between the MagicJack and the fax machine?

[gr8buttdoesitwork]

Have you been able to send a fax? If yes, how did you do it?

[optdoug]

I was able to plug my fax machine directly into the magicjack and it worked fine.

[BBlueize]

Brucemc777............Hopefully you've had success by now with returning your MagicJack. I haven't bought one but was in the process of researching the product when I came across your comments. On the official website you are told how to return your items, in a way I guess. The official address is www.MagicJack.com and once there go to the bottom of the page and click on Customer Care. On the next page click on the left side of the page, 30 Day Trial Offer and you are told how to get a RMA number. I'm surprised at your problems I've literally been online for 2 1/2 hours researching, reading reviews etc and yours is the only negative one I've found out there. I don't doubt you, just surprised. Has anyone else had such trouble?

[BBlueize]

I'm glad I went digging more on returns. Just as a heads up for those that may have older systems. Though Windows 2000 is supported it looks like Windows ME isn't and that's what I have on my desktop (which is where I would want to use this). This time I clicked on FAQ'S/Knowledgebase at the bottom of the first page and on the next page I typed in return in the space provided and up came up two choices to pick from regarding returns. I just clicked on the first "link" and it checked my computer and told me my computer was incompatible. It also came up with, at the bottom of the page, a form to fill out to return your MagicJack.

[curt73]

Since You have Windows ME. I would recomend you upgrading it to windows xp pro. I have upgraded several ME comp to xp and this will resolve conflicts with this devise. when you do this you will need to get drivers for all the hardware i the computer.

[ewadswor]

Will this work on a computer with a wireless connection or does the broadband connection need to be hardwired into the PC?

Thanks!

[Predator000]

It will work on a wireless connection. I use a winVista laptop with wireless connectivity and it works.

[AngelGeeks_com]

Yes...It will work with a wireless connection. I'm using it via a wireless connection and behind a firewall. Very nice product. This is the future (at least in the immediate sense)! Good Luck!

[lel2003]

I think magicJack is having problems. They took down the forum. They no longer have a contact phone #. I had trouble returning mine.They say click here for a return authorization number. But then they give you another form to fill out. I finally got it in mail back to them. We will see if I get my money back. I only had it for a week.I tried to get it to work. After chatting with the support many times they all told me to 1. uninstall all music programs/software. 2. uninstall all virus software. 3. Disable firewalls. 4. download the magicfix-which my computer refused to do! I have transcripts of all tech chats. It is rediculous. When it was over I had 4 viruses. Then I had to reset IE7 because I couldnt get my web based email or go to secure sites any longer. I called Microsoft support- ran reregistered dll files.Whew!Bad experience.

[curt73]

Check with in the terms of service agreement

[mark20081]

Don't expect any help if you have problems. I bought magicjack and found I could make calls but not receive calls. After over 7 hours of my time and 5 visits to the technical "help" chat line over 2 weeks I came away totally frustrated without resolution. Each chat session, which is the only available way to address a problem, no phone number (for a company selling phone service!) or other way to make contact, began with me explaning again the same problem I explained on the previous chat and ended with the same promise, after a 2 hour session, to have an engineer contact me within 24-48 hours. That was 240 hours ago and still no contact. Might be a good product (I never got to try it because of all the problems) but don't count on anything close to customer "service". I'll wait until they declare bankruptcy and sell out to another company that knows how to provide service. Until then, I'll tell everyone I know to stay clear of magicJack.

[blackaddertx]

MagicJack - Coolest gizmo of 2007? No freaking way. Not 2007. Not 2008. And not 2009 - if they survive that long.

IF you are lucky enough to have MagicJack install on your PC (and that is a big IF), you may not have any problems except for bad call quality, limited availability of area codes for phone number, and the fact that you'll probably spend time doing things like searching for ISP performance analysis software that you never knew you needed (because you didn't).

However, if you are like what seems to be a growing number of people who have tried to use MagicJack, your experience will be less than satisfactory.

There is a good chance that you'll run into software conflicts that keep the stupid thing from working - at all. Then you'll try to check the MagicJack web site for help. And you'll be disappointed. And then you'll chat with one of their support people who will apologize profusely for the fact that nothing works as advertised. And you'll be disappointed.

And then you'll start checking forums to find out what the problem is and you'll find out that there are all kinds of problems - including fun little issues like the fact that you can't uninstall the software without the help of a true computer geek. And you'll be disappointed.

Bottom line.... you guessed it.

[ssaajj]

This is exactly copy and paste from one of my conversations with the tech support at magic Jack, I was intending on placing an order but no longer

Chat InformationPlease wait for a site operator to respond.

Chat InformationYou are now chatting with 'Nathen'

Nathen: Hello, how may I help you?

Murtaza: Hello, okay I am interested in purchasing the magic jack however my local area code is pending. If I choose another area code and 4 months later my area code becomes available could I switch to my local area code free of charge?

Nathen: If your area code is not listed when you select a number, please select any other number. You will be able to change to your local area code one time for free, once it becomes available. For available area codes go to: http://www.magicjacktv.com/1/areacodes.asp

Murtaza : I can take advantage of that one time free change whenever? It doesn't have to be within the 30 day trial period?

Nathen: Yes you can change at any time when it become available.

Murtaza: I have been reading reviews about the magic jack and have read many horror stories about installing it with a computer running windows vista. Is it completely compatible with windows vista now?

Nathen: Yes it completely compatible with windows vista.

Nathen: If you will face any problem you can contact us at any time.

Murtaza: Currently I am reading some reviews of the product on different forums and am seeing an increasing number of unsatisfied costumers. If I purchase one how do I go about returning it if I have problems that cannot be resolved?

Nathen: We will provide all the solution to you if you face any problem.

Murtaza: In case something cannot be resolved how would I go about returning one? I've read something about getting a RAM number, how long would that take?

Nathen: We will provide all the solution of any problem if you facing in future.

Murtaza Sajan: I have read many posts about people who were not able to reach a solution and are having trouble returning the product, so how would you go about returning the product???

Nathen: If you facing any problem in future we will provide you return form.

Murtaza: On average how long does it take to receive a refund?

Murtaza: Also whats on the form to request a refund?

Murtaza: Are you still there?

[Ishmael7]

I recently bought a MagicJack unit, and was totally disappointed with my purchase. After using it for three weeks, I'm returning the unit. The media hype about MagicJack is just that, HYPE and no substance. I'd rather pay the huge phone bills each month and keep my land-line though I had all intentions to cancel my service and use MagicJack to save. But, I'm extremely disappointed with the quality of telephone service and numerous technical problems with the MagicJack software/hardware. My advice to all prospective buyers of MagicJack: Spend your money on something else and save yourself of all the headaches of owning a MagicJack unit.

[rtetu]

I have to say, I never order anything from a cheesy commercial (where I first hear about Magic Jack) but I have to say I was a little intrigued. I felt a little better seeing all the brand name websites, news stations and newspapers that found this product noteworthy.

Besides, it was free for 30 days and I figured what do I have to lose?

Went online paid $2.95 shipping, received an email with a tracking number and received it just a few days later. Painless?.

I was so excited to try it and had bought a cheap $10 corded phone just to see if it works.

Bare in mind my connection is always at ?low signal? due to a shared connection with my neighbor, 1 house over. I also am using an ancient beat up laptop. In addition I am technology challenged to say the least.

It?s never been an issue with being online though, so when I first plugged it in, basically it installed itself but I couldn?t get past the registration process. I figured it might have something to do with everyone being on their sight at once since the free 30 days was ending soon. Not a big deal and I tried it again at an odd hour in the early AM. It took just a minute. I got my phone number, plugged in the phone, started making calls and testing out the voice quality and it was great.

I then decided I?d try it with an old cordless set I had. Again no problem, great voice quality even had people on speaker with no problem.

I read somewhere that a 2 piece phone set with separate base doesn?t work but mine does. No problem.

I then made a call to a cell phone number in CA (We?re in MA) and again no problem.

I also read your computer has to be on for it to work and this is not accurate or at least not for me.

I have tested this a few times because I initially thought your computer would have to be on and connected to work but am always surprised when it just is on and working all the time. Just like any landline?.

I have paid the overpriced phone companies for basic service, I have even used Vonage (and I loved Vonage) but the difference between $40 a year and $25 a month (for Vonage) is huge.

I?m keeping mine!

[kannuc]

Have read the other comments and can't figure out what their problems are. It works fine for me, have phoned my family and friends in both the States and Canada are no cost, so it's already paid for itself. They tell me the sound quality is no different from other calls.

Did have some problems with Windows when setting it up on a new computer but it was Windows not MagicJack. The only complaint is that they have numbers for twenty states (none in Canada), so my number is for an adjacient state

So now I'm wondering why I allowed Qwest, my old phone company, to rip me off for all these years

[mlch75]

Your friends calling you at your US number if you live in Canada are incurring long distance charges. It is great for calling out. To buy a Canadain number it costs an additional $60 a year which includes 911 service.

[curt73]

with the windows issue, You can go into windows update and get all hardware and softare updates. these will help with security issues.

[LuxFestinus]

I think these guys who are having problems are twelve o'clock flashers. They are the guys that always have their VCRs set to a blinking 12 o'clock. I tried Magic Jack last night for the first time and had very little problem getting it to work. I am very computer literate so that is why it is probably very easy for me to get it to work. Something I did not plan for but got as an added bonus is E911 service. This is just icing on the cake. So far I am extremely pleased on how well the Magic Jack is working!

[Sparky1946]

Magic Jack has a long way to go. I have had problems from the start. Only took 5 hours to get it installed, Tech Chat is a useless waist of time! The MJ only works about 20% of the time. Choppy voices, calls to my cell phones instantly go to voice mail no ring, in coming calls to MJ caller cannot hear us or we cannot hear them.
Canned answers from tech chat
I will say this the 20% that it does work, it's OK voice quality is good.
I'm going to give it one more week, if not better it's RMA for me!
If your thinking of buying MJ, do a lot of research on the net before wasting your money!

[Sparky1946]

Magic Jack has a long way to go. I have had problems from the start. Only took 5 hours to get it installed, Tech Chat is a useless waist of time! The MJ only works about 20% of the time. Choppy voices, calls to my cell phones instantly go to voice mail no ring, in coming calls to MJ caller cannot hear us or we cannot hear them.
Canned answers from tech chat
I will say this the 20% that it does work, it's OK voice quality is good.
I'm going to give it one more week, if not better it's RMA for me!
If your thinking of buying MJ, do a lot of research on the net before wasting your money!

[watkinsd]

There are many negative comments about Magic Jack in this discussion. However, my use of Magic Jack has been nothing but positive. I have the unit working with an inexpensive cordless base station (purchased at Walmart). Using the phone from the base station and the phone from the satellite base is no problem. We're located in NC and I have called all over the country since receiving the Magic Jack device about a week ago. Will continue to test for another week. If all goes well -- bye, bye AT&T and Embarq.

dave

[mlch75]

Dave you must live in the USA. For CANADIANS we have to pay an additional $60 per year plus the $20 user fee for a Canadian number so our friends will not be charged long distance charges when they call us, with the $20 package that is intially offered with the US phone number. I ordered from themagicjack.ca