Magic Jack usb broadband phone thingy

[2xBK]

The computer does need to be on for the MJ to function, but mine runs 24/7 anyway.

[freshstart10]

only problem i have is that when my computer goes to sleep the majicjack doesnt work. the customer service says well u get call fowarding. dont like it at all

[twuoo]

I think if folks use this to replace their main phone lines, they'll be sorely disappointed.

If however, you're just looking to add another line to use, I think you'll be pleased, considering the costs.

[Willy13]

Computers are not that power intensive, I wouldn't be overly concerned.

I haven't read up on it, but are you sure you need to leave the computer on, or mearly the Router and Network Hub/switch.

Magicjack is a USB device that runs software on your computer and as far as I can see, it can't run without that software running. It's basically a USB flash drive with a phone interface. I have it here and it's great for a cheap second line. The voicemail has limitations like you can not change the number of rings until it answers and you can't turn voicemail off.

[Willy13]

I haven't tried any of this but apparently you can use the Magicjack device with other software and phone services.

http://www.tjnet.com/software/index.htm

[themig90]

Its a great product, the only fallback is that the business makes a contract where you sign that they are able to record your conversations.

[Willy13]

Its a great product, the only fallback is that the business makes a contract where you sign that they are able to record your conversations.

That would be interesting in my state where it is illegal for me to record comversations without the other persons permission. I wonder how that would work where a 3rd party records the conversation.

[AngelinaCatHub]

I think if folks use this to replace their main phone lines, they'll be sorely disappointed.

If however, you're just looking to add another line to use, I think you'll be pleased, considering the costs.

I disagree. I've used mine for some time now, and only on a rare occasion due to weather or Internet traffic, was I messed with. It is as clear and works as well as any phone I have ever owned, and is virtually free. I've taken it on vacations with the laptop and had phone service anywhere a wifi is. 'Hub

[jeb]

Interesting - I have had MJ for over a year now. I have Brighthouse cable with normal speed test of around 5000+ and 500+ for download and upload - VERY fast, so NO problems with the connection. I have a very fast dual core computer with tons of memory so no problem there either. Have tried several different phones.

I have had problems from the start with MJ - broken voice on calls from both ends of the call, dropped calls, noise, echo, no dial tone and other problems. I have given up on trying to get my fax to work with it.

When I had problems I first went through their steps on the internet to solve before calling tech support. Then, when I call tech I have to go through the exact same steps with them again. Every time you do this it takes about 20 minutes each time to go through the steps - the same steps - each time, over and over and over.

If they ask you to re-boot, when you call back - and get another tech person because the one you were talking with is never available - you start right back at zero again and go through the same steps you just finished with. THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT THAT YOU JUST DID THAT 10 MINUTES AGO!

Every time I have called with a problem I have had to be transferred to a "higher level of tech" - AFTER going through the steps from zero forward, of course.

When higher tech ask you to make changes in your computer and then re-boot - - guess what? There is no way you can get past the first tech person you get back to the last person you were talking with when you call back, EVEN WHEN YOU HAVE THE HIGHER TECH PERSONS NAME AND THAT THEY TOLD YOU TO CALL THEM BACK!!!

I was dumb enough to sign up for the 5 year plan up front. Now, I pick up the phone and if it works, fine - if not I just use my cell.

Having to have the computer on to use MJ is a serious problem, IMHO. (They didn't say anything about that before I had purchased.)

I have - literally - spend HOURS on the phone with tech and still have a unit that does not work properly.

I would not sigh up for MJ again or recommend it to anyone - if I could get it to work as some of you here have, it would be a great deal. - jb

[twuoo]

I would never sign up for more than a year program. Technology moves at the speed of light and what is good today is obsolete tomorrow. I predict that 5 years from now, MJ would be lucky to still be in business at all or taken over by some other company.

All in all, I'm satisfied for what I paid.

I'm really quite tickled that it works on my fax machine! That is a huge bonus for me.

[tinfoilhat]

I got one as a gift, and my sister set it up and everything, said I never have to pay for it.
Then one day it stopped working---TIME TO RENEW---WTF?
Ok, click here to renew a year for $19.95, I can't for the life of me find out how to renew for $19.95. I can renew for several more years that equals around $19.95. But you CANNOT renew for $19.95
So I said screw it.

THE IRIONY IS I seen this thread, and I was just shopping last night and seen the magic jack hanging near the checkout line. Says right on the front NEVER PAY A MONTHLY PHONE BILL AGAIN!!!!

Flip the pack over, oh so you just pay yearly. WOW.

I do sort of miss those deafening air horn like sounds out of nowhere while using this thing, and the choppy voice effect. That was great when I was talking to a new woman I met and couldn't understand a damn word she was saying.