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

The MagicJack plugs into any USB port and lets you make unlimited calls using a handset or headset. It's $40 for the hardware and first year, $20 for each year after that.

[k7ek]

I just got a pair of Magic Jacks on their promotional 30 day free campaign.
Everything worked perfect. Both MJ's installed perfectly, one on an XP
and another on a Vista computer. Outgoing calls are very nice.
Incoming calls worked too. That was on day one... On the second day,
I tried calling in to the MJ phones and all I got was "All circuits are busy.
Try again later"..... I have not given up yet because the MJ's have helped
to alleviate the overuse of my wired landline by my children. It would be nice,
however, to be able to call in and out, however, without getting that
recording.

I thought that their "Magic Fix" might alleviate the problem, however it failed
on both computers. I got an error message stating that my MJ could not be
accessed. I have a very bad feeling about opening up my hardware and
software firewalls in order to allow "the fix" to be applied. If I knew what
ports were in use by MJ, I could set up my router and software firewall to
allow them to pass. Unfortunately, I cannot seem to find out what ports
MJ uses. I guess I might have to resort to some network diagnostic
tools in order to sniff the ports. That may be one way.

I'd like to hear from anyone that has had a similar problem as I've described
above. So far I love MJ and will most likely keep them. It would be a much
happier ending to the story , however, if they worked as advertised... i.e. Incoming
AND Outgoing calling working properly all the time....

Best regards,

Gary Kohtala
[e-mail]

[Xgthree]

Saw magicJack advertised on TV Tuesday this week, Ordered it online and received it on Saturday. Followed the very simple activation instructions. Was able to use it within five minutes of installing it and so far am very satisfied with the product!

[northsantee]

We have two Magic Jacks, with the two year service plan, for both of our laptops and have had the service for a month. I have my own phone and the spouse has their own. Tried using the old analog telephone, which the transmissions were horrible. Our cousin suggested using digital telephones and this solved the problem. We are using 5.8 GHZ digital cordless phones and the service is great. Able to walk around the house and outside with no problems.

We were able to give up 30 years of landline service, AT&T, BellSouth and Sprint, throughout the years of rediculously highway robbery rates, with no interuption of service. H**L we probably could have purchased our own telephone network!

We have cell phones and were able to downgrade the service for additional savings.,

What was the initial set-up costs? Two Magic Jacks $39.99 each plus 19.99 for two year plan and shipping costs, two 5.8 GHZ digital cordless telephones $24.99 each.

Highway robbery is what it was for 30 years with landline companies. And, yes, we had no other choice, but to use the services that was only available. But at least now we can choose ove the big monopolies. All of the technology is there, especially with the televisions going digital. Oh, well you get the point!

The Magic Jack, cell phones and broadband internet service, whether by phone or email, keeps us connected to the world. And we are OLD FOLKS!

[BrianGNYC]

I received my MagicJack today. I am using Windows Vista. The install took 2 minutes. No conflicts, no problems. The voice quality is fine. I tested in/out calls and all seem to be working. The one problem you may encounter is this....If you have a computer running multiple desktops for different users magic jack will only run/autoload at boot-up (by default) on the original users desktop it was installed on. It will however install the icons drivers, etc. on all the other desktops, but the program will not run in the system tray for those other desktops.

I experimented and clicked on the icon in another desktop and it loaded, but it was already loaded on another desktop that was still logged in. It had all the correct info as far as number, etc. and did not ask me to re-register or anything. This is a BIG NO NO as now it is going to autorun everytime you load that desktop. This is not an issue provided you are not running multiple desktops that are autoloading the magicjack software. If you run multiple desktops and have it running on more than one at the same time, it is going to make all your calls full of static and totally screwed up. You may not even be able to make a call. You will get a dialtone but it will be full of static and problems. I have a feeling this is an unrealized issue by alot of users and something the MagicJack people need to fix in a software update.

The best way to install MagicJack is either use a seperate computer for just the Magic Jack or
a seperate desktop for only the MagicJack and leave that desktop logged in all the time (delete the magic Jack icons from all other desktops to avoid someone accidentally clicking on the icon - once you do, it will autoload everytime you login to that desktop and conflict with the other desktops it is loaded in).

There is no menu choice in the software to tell it not to autoload, so you either remove the autoload via MSCONFIG or just remove the icons from all other desktops. I think this company has a great product but they have to address all the possible configuration concerns.

The instructions included are way to basic...like plug it in and that is that! LOL. We all know that 98% of the time that is never the case!

If you have a single PC with only one user/desktop you should not have any of the above issues.

[Rinoferoce]

I bought a MagicJack and experienced problem after problem with it since. First, it arrived 30 day later and never worked properly. Moreover, I have lost about 20 hours total chatting with them without any results. Secondly, they refused to replace it, even though they admit it is defective. Thirdly, they refuse to give me back my money.

If I can recommend 1 thing to everybody that reads this, it is to stay away from that company and its products.

[kcollyer]

I have no problem in recommending MagicJack. I would recommend a setup like mine. I do not use the power from the PC's USB port. I have (1) Powered USB Hub (not Self-Powered) & (1) Powered Base Cordless DECT 6.0 phone. I had problems with the optimizing software from MagicJack so I reloaded my PC with a clean copy of Windows XP. I noticed that once my trial period ended that communication was great. I do this over a shared WiFi Network on a cable broadband. Seems like alot, but I find that if you rely on a PC's USB Port, that they lack proper voltage and current standards to run devices off it. I find this device very great despite some bad press. I believe the above setup would bring out the true potential of MagicJack. Yes A USB Hub costs $40 & Cordless DECT 6.0 Phone $30 add MagicJack for a total of $120 but your Payback is 2-3 Months Based on a $60 Phone Bill From Telephone Company. The Best part is you dont have to get rid of your existing phone to use it. Great for those with Kids who tie up a phone at home after school. I wish I signed up for 10 Years of service.

[metoo145]

I purchased the Magic Jack last year and have had it for about 7 months now. The device didn't work with my Compaq Presario computer, but it did with an old laptop so I've been able to use the phone without much trouble. For that I will say the price is worth it, but with customer support, you get what you paid for. They are pretty lousy I must say. I spent so long trying to figure out why it would work on the first computer with them that I almost sent it back. If I on my own hadn't tried it on the old laptop I would have. Basically, if you need support don't have high expectations. I have posted an actual conversation between myself and their online support. The only thing I have deleted are names and personal info so you can be the judge for yourself:

info: Please wait for a site operator to respond.
info: You are now chatting with ' '
: Hello, how may I help you?
: Hi I have had Magic Jack for some time now and in several months it will be time to renew. The main decision for me to renew will be if I can change my number to the area code I live in. I'm kinda of tired of hearing, where are you calling from? Because I have to use an out of town number. I've been checking your site almost daily to see if the area code is available but all I get is Pending, yet I see the infomercials all the time in this market so I was really hoping that would change. Do you by any chance know when it would be available? Please?
: Hello .
: 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 first time for free, once it becomes available. We are going to add new numbers in future very soon. For available area codes go to: http://www.magicjacktv.com/2/areacodes.asp
: Um , I already know that. As stated before I have checked that page almost daily. I asked if you knew when my area code would be available.
: Okay, I do apologize for the inconvenience , we do not have specific frametime when it will be available.
: You can check that on our website from time to time for availability of different features.
: Is there anything else I may help you with today?
: Okay, maybe this chat isn't the correct avenue. Is there a phone number I could call to request the change, perhaps alert someone that my local area code should be added especially since it's advertised so often here.
: Are you still with me?
: Yes my question is above.
: Please understand that we currently handle chat support at this moment.
: Is there anything else I may help you with today?
: Is there a phone number I could call for support please?
: No.
: As of the moment we handle chat support not a phoine support.

[roadbusinessguy]

I completely agree, this thing is a piece of junk. The quality is sub-satisfactory from my personal experience on two units I purchased and am testing with. I also learned something alarming that caused me to pull the plug on this thing immediately. I was able to convince the morons at the MJ help desk to test contact one of my MJ's and they were able to tap my conversation and then break into my in-progress call and talk to me. I was also told that they use everyone's network connection to improve their services from the moment you connect your MJ. After several legal threats I made, the person on the phone finally gave up and told me that there are many background services that run on your desktop/laptop that you are not made aware of. There are a very few web sites around that will help you remove all the MJ illegal hooks from your laptop/desktop, but you have to find them. DO NOT USE MAGIC JACK, things are not what they appear to be and it is definitely NOT SAFE.

BTW, if you have ever tried to dial into a voice bridge, or number that then asks you for a password before you can join your party, you will find that this does not work as advertised from phones you connect to the provided jack. Nobody knows how to fix this, it appears to be a defect in the shotty MJ circuitry which is another reason that this is a waste of your money and time. Some of the people that have been commenting here are correct, the voice quality is sometimes good, but it is never ok for their tech support to be able to listen to anyones conversations such as they are able to do now. Buyer be aware, this is garbage.

[rammco69]

Question:
those of you who are using majic jack and loving it,with no, problems,or none to speak of, can you use a cordless phone are does this cause problems also[like the speaker phone problem?] I really want to get this but I am so sceptical of the 'get a good on or a lemon' problem.Along with the lack of customer service[gosh i hate that]. I have a toshiba A135-S4467 with 1gig sdram Lap Top,so I'm concerned with routing out my 2.0 jacks.and if you get 2 i'm hoping they give you the same LOCAL NUMBER?Take care folks,and God Bless.

[rammco69]

OH MY GOD! NOT INDIA AGIN....OH PLEASE NO!!! I have dealt with these folks in other matters and you talk about frustrating.Nothing aginst the people of India, nice folks but they apperently don't give these guys much info.probly some printed Q.& A. sheet and if it's not on the sheet you get the "i don't know' answer. I Don't Know never has been an answer to a problem!NEVER.

[rammco69]

OH MY GOD! NOT INDIA AGIN....OH PLEASE NO!!! I have dealt with these folks in other matters and you talk about frustrating.Nothing aginst the people of India, nice folks but they apperently don't give these guys much info.probly some printed Q.& A. sheet and if it's not on the sheet you get the "i don't know' answer. I Don't Know never has been an answer to a problem!NEVER.

[elwooddowd]

I have had no issues with Magic Jack. I am running on Windows XP service pack 2. I was using the line as my sole phone line with no issues I however recently decided to also keep my landline with basic service. I did this as it is nice to have two lines I use the M/J for my long distance and my regular line for incoming calls as everyone already knows that number.

There is not complete lack of customer service (in my opinion) however if your concerned with that issue check out there website directly and go into the customer service for yourself and take a look.

It took me 5 minutes to hook up and been happy since.

BUT if anyone form Magic Jack happens to be reading this in the future it might be noted that it would be nice for it not to take up so much system process. I have a great computer but we all know how over time with lots of programs another one running in the background can be annoying.

Still happy though :)

[gronk1]

My device stopped functioning after less than one hour of use. The return process seems to be working on their web site now, you just have to scroll down the page after it runs the "fixit" JAVA applet. Another problem I have with the product is the lack of "local" area code numbers. They do not have any area codes for the entire state that I reside in, nor do they have any pending numbers for this state. In my opinion, this fact should have been highlighted during the purchasing process, with the option to cancel the order being proferred.

[hamza_omar_ahmed]

[hamza_omar_ahmed]

I love magicjack

[jeffhansen]

Good review.

I like magicJack, but the popup window got really annoying. So I made a small utility to keep the softphone/popup window suppressed when someone picks up the phone or a call comes in.

My utility is available here on download.com, search for "magicblock"

All the best,
Jeff

[dr.electron]

does anyone know what the ports are for both skype and magicjack?

would the skype and magicjack still both be useable at te same time

reason i want to know is my mother uses the chat function in skype not the phone section so am curious if the phone section in skype can be turned off via a port ,also if the skype chat is used will this affect the useage of magicjack for a phone service ?
thanks for any help given

[duanesutter]

BBB gives it an F rating. The return link to get an RMA # is a DEAD link! The chat with a "Live Person" is a lie. I was this close to trying it, but reader reviews on laptopmag -- which the magicjack site lists as a supporter -- are mostly 1-2 stars. Someday maybe this will be a great technology, but first the market will have to weed out the scammers.

[mlch75]

CANADIANS have to pay an additional $60 for a CANADIAN phone number on the yearly basis plus the $20 user fee that is charged . The reason being that any INCOMING call to your MAGICJACK will cost long distance charge to the person calling you from Canada. Even though you are in Canada you have a USA phone number. I must tell you that if this information was given to me initally I would think it was still a good deal but what other surprises do they have for Magicjack customers.
You can get the $20 US number and all your OUTGOING calls are free. This service is amazing deal for the USA customers where it covers INCOMING AND OUTGOING calls not so for the Canadians.
When I contacted the magicjack.com they stated there would be no additional cost for the Canadian number but they were not available yet. (via online help)
Like I am a little bit of a skeptic now with this additional charge for Canadian customers.
What other hidden money making skeems will they introduce once you have made the commitment to their service be it themagicjack.ca or magickjack.com.
Credibility is everything in the business world. Skimming the truth here does nothing to enhance this product for people that are already unsure that this might be a hoax

[jamull77]

we get it - you're an angry Canadian. But honestly - themagicjack.ca isn't even selling the device yet; in fact the canadian site even states there are no canadian numbers available yet...so if you ordered from magicjack.com - one would assume that there is an additional fee since the socialistic canadian govt probably charges magic jack for the priviledge of providing a canadian phone number. keep in mind - the pc originates the call; but along the way copper lines and fiber optic lines (maybe) - ie) phone lines - transmit the call. B) Schemes...not skeems. C)No, really - blame the canadian govt for this one.

[spaceman442]

If you have Vonage for 19.99 a month you can have your USA number ring on the MJ number

[optdoug]

I ordered my Magicjack about two weeks ago. It took about four days for it to arrive in the mail. Once I received it I installed it on ym home pc. The software loaded fine and I was even able to get a local number as well. The voice quality is good and I can use my corded phone and my cordless without a problem. I have even tried connecting my fax machine to the Magicjack and it works just fine.

I gave up my AT&T land line a couple of years ago thinking I could get by with just my cel phone. I soon found out that I was wrong and needed another land line, but I just couldn't get myself to call AT&T and start paying them fifty bucks a month again.

I'm pretty happy with the magicjack and everything that it can do and I will recommend it to friends and family.