Who says the TED conference is only about movie stars and old basketball players? According to MarketWatch columnist Herb Greenberg, TED will be the official launching pad for MagicJack, a USB-based VoIP offering from telecom vet Dan (Tel-Save) Borislow that could make Skype’s simple setup look like calculus.
According to the just-live MagicJack website, the main “magic” appears to be an oversized-looking thumb-drive thingy with a USB connector on one end, and an analog phone jack on the other. Greenberg’s column says the total price for a device and a yearly subscription for all-you-can-eat dialing in the U.S. and Canada should be between $50 and $60 $29 and $39 the first year, $19.99 a year thereafter; so far, no other details have surfaced on how the pricing, connection and billing actually work, and whether it won’t be another free-calling fiasco.
Asking whether it could be a Skype-killer, like Greenberg does, is pure linkbait — at $50-60 $29-39 for the first year, $19.99 per year thereafter plus international charges, ain’t no way that’s gonna beat free, especially since millions of folks have found Skype plenty simple and already have it installed. But is MagicJack the type of innovation that should have communications conglomerators like Cisco, Microsoft and Avaya worried? Much more likely, but that doesn’t fit as nicely in a headline.
UPDATE 1: Pricing info from Greenberg column corrected throughout.
UPDATE 2: See some additional info from Borislow in comments.
Hat tip to IP Democracy for the link.
What is so great about that MagicJack? I don’t see a breaktrough.
It lets you make phone calls only while your computer is switched on. When it’s off you cannot even receive calls. The MagicJack is basically a softphone on a USB stick, bundled with a $60 dollar a year VoIP contract. – That seems quite expensive and uncomfortable to me.
E. g. with the VoIP provider Voipstunt I have unlimited calls to USA, Canada, Germany, UK and other 30 countries – for about 36 dollars a year (= 10 Euros for 120 days).
I have Voipstunt installed on my analog telephony adapter (Fritz!Box), which connects my normal phone to my DSL connection. This means that I can make those VoIP calls and receive calls when my computer is switched off. It’s works like normal PSTN telephony, but is much cheaper.
I am really not impressed by this MagicJack. It seems as uncomfortable as Skype to me, which annoys me much because it works only when my computer is switched on.
Maybe they want to address clients which don’t understand VoIP. But often the VoIP providers consider their clientes too stupid.
This Jack is not so magic!
To me it seems too uncomfortable and its contract too expensive. Looking for solutions from abroad the USA you would have found much better and cheaper solutions, for instance the one I use: Fritz!Box + Voipstunt from Germany.
The site mentions follow me forwarding as a built in feature so you can recieve calls on your cell if your pc isn’t on.
The second year charges are supposed to be $20/year from what I’ve read elsewhere. The first year charges are higher for the hardware cost.
If it works and they stay in business, $20 a year isn’t a lot to pay. Wheres the profit coming from?
They are supposed to be giving away 1,500 ‘magicjacks’ to get the ball rolling.
I own & use 2 magic jacks. LOVE THEM. I can forward the magic jack no. to my home ph. no. & if I am doing business on the internet or want to list something where folks CANNOT TRACE my ph. no. BACK TO MY HOME ADDRESS, I simple us the magic jack no. Because I have it forwarded to my home ph., it comes here automatically anyway. LOVE IT.
And when I travel, I take it w/me, plug it in my laptop & forward my home phone (Vonage) onto my Magic Jack – so I get ALL MY HOME phone calls WHEREVER I am.
Love it!
OK, at least they offer this. I really dislike to switch my computer on just to make a phone call or to get one. That’s no advancement in phone convenience but a decline.
WRONG.
Didn’t anyone listen or read?!
The initial cost will be $30 – $40 for the magicJack device…with FREE unlimited local and long distance calls – through your analog phone (or headset on PC if your prefer). No subscription or fees the first year whatsoever. Each add’l year is planned at around $20.00.
PLUS you can have your entire home wirelessly making FREE calls.
There is so much more.
Making rash and unfounded comments prior to knowing the facts seems very, well, wrong – to say the least. Markus Göbel states in his web site he is a journalist?
C’mon Andrew, it’s all a bit of speculation until we see an “official” release with exact pricing, configurations, etc. I just wonder how this is going to be better than say, a cordless Skype phone (several coming out lately).
Also — why give the devices away to TED attendees, like those folks need cheap calls?
Herb Greenberg has been using the device (in beta)for quite awhile. The MagicJack’s functionality will make it a category killer. I know. I have been involved with its development for years. To think that this is just another VOIP offer is just plain naive…
Seth, more details? What makes it so different?
What makes the magicJack so different?
1.Ease of use.There is no other device in the world,where you plug into a USB,up and running in a minute with plug and play and you plug in a telephone.This is one of a kind.
2.The price for the device and service will be unmatched.For the $40 or so dollars,you will get free LD and Local for a year,you will get a memory stick,you will get software and you will have the only single device that enables click to call.
3.The Network is considerably different than all others.We have 31 Gateways that enables us to achieve the best quality,and the lowest cost structure.There isn’t another consumer marketing company,that can say the same.
4.The CLEC is certified in 49 states with interconnection everywhere.This is a real Phone company.
The list goes on.To compare Skype to magicJack is disgraceful.Their quality of service is far inferior to magicJack as they use their customers own computers for their Network.That is the largest reason Skype has done little in US,Americans won’t put up with this service level.
I love the ideal of magicjack but i contantly have problems with my magicjack. The problems stem from droping calls, not being able to use the magic at all sometimes, and i really do think its because i have windows vista. It seems to me that the internet exployer is always not letting magicjack connect with the pc and thats where all the problems begin.
Is there anyway this problem can be fixed or corrected.
Please look into it and also I can not upgrade my magicjack my pc is not letting me.
I promote the “magic jack” to all my friends & neighbors & anyone who will listen. I just bought one for my brother-in-law to use in his FL vacation home.
When I am home, I have my magic jack ph. no. forwarded to my home phone (Vonage) so I don’t have to check on my e-mail account for missed calls. They come right to me.
I LOVE THE FACT that NO ONE CAN TRACE my magic jack ph. no. to MY HOME. Dan, you are MISSING OUT ON USING THAT AS ADVERTISING INFO. If anyone has a phone on Vonage for instance, I just go in, change my home ph. to magic jack & if I’m on the road ANYWHERE in the U.S., the home phone calls & any magic jack phone calls to that number come to me.
WHAT COULD BE EASIER? I should do a commercial for you!
Dan, any chance you could send us contact info or provide more concrete details on connection methods, pricing, etc.? Clearly this is going to be of big interest to our readers and there seems to be some apples-to-oranges comparisons going on… I mean, Skype is free last time I checked (for Internet calling) so it’s still hard for me to see how MagicJack qualifies as a Skype killer. Maybe a PSTN landline killer or Vonage killer, but for lots of Skype users I am guessing they are happy with the quality at the zero-cost level.
Anyway, you can reach me directly via kaps at gigaom dot com.
It’s pretty neat if I can do multiple daily 911 ALI database changes for $20/year.
Paul
I am Happy to educate your readers,for now.Skype charges for an inbound number and outbound calls.It is like $60 a year.They do not give you a very valuable device,that can be argued is worth $70,to enable you to use your regular phone.They do not offer plug and play,it takes some people a long time to install skype.They are not allowed by law to offer a complete phone service,because they do not offer 911 services.Therefore not a replacement service,because who just wants inbound or just outbound.Do you thinki 911 is important?Their service is terrible when calling outside parties because they do not use dedicated servers,they in fact use their customers computers-it is pretty much a joke.They do not enable you to call from outlook to the outside.They do not enable you to use click to call with a phone on anybody you want to call from your screen.Let me give you a very good story,when I was running Talk.com,we recieved a JD Power Award.It was not because we had the best customer care,it was because we had the best price.People put up with inferior service when the price point is ridiculous low.With magicJack you get great price and great quality.Maybe that is why we sold 20% of the AOL base,4 million customers on my last company.That company offered 30% off MCI and AT&T.This is 97% discount off.I think we will do just fine with MagicJack,done that been there.Thanks you for drawing attention to the new Telecom Revolution part II.This will be better for a lot of reasons than part 1.
Dan
Hello Andrew Jed,
let me reply directly to your comment. I think you are wrong with what you wrote and you still don’t convince me.
And? What is so great about that? For $40 I get one year of unlimited local and long distance calls as well, as I explained in my comments. And I don’t even have to switch on my computer to make them. So the MagicJack would worsen my situation if I would change my at home configuration for it.
And wo what? That’s what I do already with my configuration. I have a DECT phone connected to my Fritz!Box that let’s me wirelessly do free phone calls without the need to switch my computer in.
Well, thanks for your appreciation of journalism as a profession. But maybe you don’t know: Even journalists can make mistakes.
Moreover in this very case none of your arguments convinces me and I still think that I am right with every word I wrote in the comment above.
I am eagerly awaiting your next comment.
And also an answer to Dan Borislow:
Well I have already read about many similar USB stick devices that you plug in your computer and then you can start talking via VoIP, without the need to install a software: Vonage V-Phone, MPlat FlashPhone or Sandisk’s Skype on a USB stick.
OK, with the MagicJack you don’t need a headset but you can use your normal phone for the call. But is this really a breaktrough? When my computer is runnig and I am talking to a friend I just talk into my computer, which has a great microphone and sound with echo cancelation. For what would I need to pick up the phone that is connected to the MagicJack?
The pricing for MagicJack’s phone calls is no big revelation to me as I stated above.
Still I am very open minded for more clarifying comments. Maybe Paul Kapustka can explain and moderate to avoid further defamations? Especially Andrew Jed’s comment did neither please nor convince me.
Best regards,
Markus Goebel
Markus
When you went to go to in your backyard and swig down some Becks,do you bring your laptop outside with all those songbirds and talk to your favorite girl?
What happened when you were finally making time with your girl,and Voip!Stunts only server caught on fire and she might have hooked up with somebody else by the time they restored their service?(we have 31 we use)
Were you surprised when you started getting billed 13 cents a call,when the Voip!Stunt promo was over after 120 days?
Lastly,Fritz!box told me that it is impossible to use Voip!stunt softphone on it.How did you do it.
Jump on the magicJack bandwagon,for you surely have nothing to lose.
Paul
Now that you are more educated after you wrote your prior pieces,where can I send you a couple Betas.You have my email.It is one thing for me to write about it,but when you try it,you will fit right into the magicJack fan club.I think you are upset I did not send you the First Beta,maybe we can heal that wound.
Dan
Yes, let’s all try to keep flames and name-calling out of the discussion. Dan, please send the MagicJacks along, if there are any extras I will be glad to share them with any readers (just leave a comment, can get the email from that privately).
Hello Dan,
after all we are calming down, but still I want to answer you comments, being polite and only argumenting about the device and it’s pricing. There were some personal attacks that have not been started by me. But I understand that attacks on ones product can easily been taken personally.
That’s exactly what I don’t like to do: Grab my laptop just to make a phone call. There is a device that’s called “telephone”. You don’t have to boot it. You can take it to the backyard and make phone calls. Only that it is easier to use as a laptop, weighs less and is just as mobile because I use a wireless phone. This phone is connected to my WLAN-Router/VoIP device (Fritz!Box) so that I have calls to 30 countries for free. Still I find this much more comfortable as the MagicJack. But let’s please not start the fight again!
If you want to learn more about the Fritz!Box (that I am not affiliated with, but only a fan) click here:
http://www.avm.de/en/
That’s a good point!
I agree that Voipstunt can possibliy dissapear from one day to another. They are obviously underpricing. The outage because of the fire was the first I experienced in two years and lasted only 4 hours. Too short to even sell this news to the media!
Voipstunt is a very “no frills” service. They are just cheap and I don’t know if they give any kind of support. But for me they failed only 4 hours in two years.
That’s never happening. When the 120 days are over the countries I call cost about 1 Cent. I just don’t miss the 120 days. When there is no money anymore on my Voipstunt account the phone does not work anymore. In this case I have 9 other VoIP providers installed in my Fritz!Box (as fallback options and also because I a am a geek who tries out all the VoIP services). But normally I do a quick Paypal to Voipstunt and a minute later I can go on making phone calls.
Well I don’t know to whom you talked and what’s your technical background. But I suppose you know how easy it is to configure a VoIP device like the Fritz!Box. You just have to type Voipstunt’s login name, password, registrar, proxy-Server and STUN server into Fritz!Box’ built in website and yet you can do the first phone call. This takes about 1 minute.
It’s not “impossible” to use Voipstunt on a Fritz!Box. I do it every day. As well I use Sipgate, GMX, Tpad, Ekiga, Gizmo Project, FWD and others on the same device. As I said I try to check all of the interesting VoIP services.
I like the VoIP industry very much and see it with the eyes of a client. To me and to my buddies the most appealing point is to save money. VoIP should work like a PSTN telephony but cheaper.
Good idea. I accept the peace offer. After all I am a journalist who is eager to check out every new VoIP service. If I am wrong with what I write in GigaOM’s comments, my own blog or my articles I am always open for further discussion and to rectify what I said.
OK, I will email you and I promise that I will definitely write something good if it convinces me. You know my doubts as stated above. But maybe the MagicJack is such a great device that suddenly it becomes a pleasure to make calls on a laptop instead of a phone.
I suppose that all you VoIP companies are very nervous because you have to deal with razor sharp margins. And then comes a guy like me who openly explains how he tries to get it all for free. This can be a pain, I know, and the reason for flaming my comment.
See me as a voluntary beta tester! The voice of the thrifty client. :)
Best regards,
Markus Goebel
Who is the CLEC behind this?
How does 911 support work?
I have Sunrocket and am currently trying ViaTalk. I would be interested in beta testing the MagicJack if you have any devices to spare.
Hi,
I am involved in sourcing and evaluating various electronic components. Currently, I am on the hunt for the best voip usb stick. I would like to take you up on your offer to get one of the magicjacks to tryout. Note: I am currently looking at several options.
Kind Regards,
Darren
I am one of the people who is very computer illiterate, tried Skype (and hated it) and really didn’t want to deal with VOIP providers and whatever it took to get their product hooked up. I was so excited about Magicjack, and still am. THIS is the product for me and my family. Skype was a joke. My friend uses Yahoo and all I hear is echo when he calls.
From a non-techno geek, Magicjack is very exciting. I’m sold. $20 a year. How can you beat that?!!? I just don’t understand why people are ranting about magicjack. Ah, well . . .
i use skype. i paid $38 per year for skypeIN. i have unlimited calls to any phone in the US and Canada for $30 per year. i have USB skype phone; i just plug it into my USB port, sign-in Skype, and talk from there.
i traveled to other countries often, and i use call forwarding (skypeOUT) about 18 cents per min.
if i switch over to magicjack, i’d pay $20 per year after the 1st year plus international charges.
how are the international charges comparing to skype??????
I had the opportunity to use Magicjack last night for the first time. It is absolutely the BEST invention to come around in ages. The calls were crystal clear. My landline phone (AT&T) has had awful sound quality since I moved to my current house in Chicago in 2004. I tried Skype but was so annoyed with the echo and delay (USB cordless phone) that I stopped using Skype. MagicJack is exactly what is needed by busy people like me: full time job, 3 kids who I spend tons of time with when I get home (homework, playing, talking). By the time they’re in bed, I have no time to mess around trying to figure computer “stuff” out (mainly because i have no interest in computers). MagicJack installed itself in about 2 minutes time. After that, I plugged in my phone and started making calls. It is UNBELIEVABLE!!! I’ve already begun spreading the word on this.
I have a question and a comment: Can I port my current number to Magicjack for incoming calls?
My comment: The price point is incredibly low. I wouldn’t suggest raising it but I would realistically pay upwards of $50 for the hardware, EASILY. Probably more than that. Just a comment there, this product is THAT good. These computer journalists who have all the time in the world to mess around at their computers all day are not in touch with the real world, where people crave ease of use and simplicity . . . we don’t want to have to have 13 different VOIP providers, dozens of routers, etc. We don’t want any hassle’s.
This service BLOWS SKYPE OUT OF THE WATER!
Thank you Mr. Borislow! You are the BEST thing to happen to phone service since Bell created the phone!
I am just a user looking for a phone service at my new home. Decided to wait a month for MagicJack rather than sign up for Vonage or SunRocket.
The question above is very relevant to me: why can’t the device plug directly into the modem or router instead of USB port?
Hi, I’ve been testing MagicJack since early January with the best result so ever. currently I’m in Argentina making calls to my kids in US for free……..with the best quality …….I used to have net2phone or skype, and the quality does not compare…THis is a killer for the guys “on the road”…just open your laptop in the hotel plug MagicJack and call home or work free.
thanks Dan.
Does anyone know if MagicJack is a private company? It seems very interesting to me. I will be at the conference and try it.
I am in the market for a VOIP service. I currently use Skype (paid for it!) as well as a service from CordiaIP. My feelings about Skype are somewhat similar to Dan’s. I hate the voice quality, the fact that one can’t use a normal telephone. I would also like to get rid of CordiaIP only because their customer support sucks. My service was down for three weeks, and then I had to spend practically a half day with a support tech, including allowing him to remote control into my PC to configure my router (I know, I know, that sounds stupid, but I needed the service to be up). Finally, they got it running and promised me credit for the period when the service was down. No luck so far. My only problem is I have a phone number with them that has been splashed all over my business cards and other places. Can I port it to MagicJack? And Dan or Paul, can I get my grubby little hands on one of those beta thingies?
All the best for the MagicJack launch.
Srini
I am so intrigued by this product! I have tried several VOIP providers, the latest being Gizmo Project, which in my opinion is a far better product than Skype and many others. Paul if you have any extra MagicJacks to spare, I would very much like to be a beta tester.
Here’s to much success with MagicJack!
Gina
Hi, I have been doing some research on this MagicJack, and so far this product seems to be amazing. I would much like to beta test this if I could, so if there are any extra MagicJacks out there please email me where to get my hands on one. Also when do they start taking orders?
What happened to Magicjack?????
If the MagicJack device is USB and the phone plugs into the device, then how is it that the phone can be used while the computer is off?
Can the MagicJack device be used without a phone plugged into it like the Vonage usb one?
I’m interested in a device that I can plug into my laptop and use to make phone calls with a headset. I would also like to be able to plug my multifunction printer into the device so that I can send faxes when I’m at home. I’d like the device to be small and the MagicJack looks like it is. My question is, can it do the above functions that I am looking for?
Also, will it run on a Mac running Windows XP, and if it does, will it run in OS X using Parallels?
I’d love to be a beta tester, but I’m sure that enough people have already volunteered. I certainly would like to be a tester if you need one for an OS X version of the software or someone to test compatibility with Parallels.
When will the device be available? April has passed, still the website has no response to buyers.
Magicjack?
My guess is that the company has received a ton of great suggestions & critiques. I have been testing and it’s incredible, the clarity of calls. I, too, am getting anxious for it to officially launch so I can port my current landline number to Magicjack and finally DUMP AT&T’s outrageous prices.
It seems the official site for them is selling them now, I was able to create an account and log in to purchase one. The site seems buggy.
Try this URL:
http://www.magicjack.com/s.nl/sc.2/.f
Todd, do you need the computer on to receive calls?
I’ll check tonight whether the computer needs to be on or not. I have only tried calling while it is on. I’ll update you tomorrow.
I’m ready to dump AT&T/BellSouth lousy service for magicJack, but I need to have a phone number with my 502 area code in Louisville, KY
It would be nice to port my current phone number too, but if that’s not possible I can live with a different number in the 502 area code.
Please let me know when I can get a 502 area code number and then I will buy magicJack.
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Alan
Sorry, I still haven’t had time to try the service when the computer is off . . . things have been so busy lately I just make calls and can’t take the time to try that out. I got Chicago Bulls playoff tix tonite so it may be a couple of more days! Using it last night, though, I would think it CAN’T be used when the computer is off since there is a screen that pops up when you use it, where the phone number is entered.
Also, regarding the porting of numbers I had the same question. Their customer support people indicated that it will be available at some point in the future for a fee. I’m looking forward to that day as well.
Where is magic jack? The web site is gone.
Dennis the site is up right now. Also, I noticed there has been work on the site today as a link not working yet has been added http://forum.magicjack.com/
Sincerely,
Alan
I am the one that posted this:
It seems the official site for them is selling them now, I was able to create an account and log in to purchase one. The site seems buggy.
Try this URL:
http://www.magicjack.com/s.nl/sc.2/.f
They finally sent me an email saying that it will be shipped on the 11th, the site still seems buggy (the URL I gave still works, and I just logged in, again) It seems I am customer # 58 in their books, whee!
Anyways, I will post here again once I get it and share my experiences.
re: running it with the PC off, no, that’s impossible since a) it is USB and transfers VoIP data over the computer and b) since it uses the CPU to do most of it’s work (software instead of hardware based). I plan on sticking it into an old dual P3 600 I have here – I hope it runs with ubuntu, if not I’ll have to stick win2k3 on there.
Oh… and one other thing. Here is where I first heard of it.
http://www.cnettv.com/9710-1_53-26559.html
http://forum.magicjack.com/ is open right now.
I posted my question in the forum topic MagicJack Phone Service
Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2007 9:45 pm Post subject: When Will magicJack Offer 502 Area Code Phone Numbers?
I want sign up for the magicJack service, but I have a couple of questions. When will magicJack offer 502 area code phone numbers?
It would be nice to port my current phone number too, but if that’s not possible I can live with a different number in the 502 area code.
Is it true that magicJack is offering only Florida area code phone numbers right now?
Sincerely,
AlaninKY
I got mine today, and as promised I am posting here.
The device is working perfectly, and I must say I am very impressed with the service quality. Voicemail is a bit confusing, but other then that, it works great!
I have a few small complaints about the interface, but they are merely dislikes and nothing app-killing.
The device is as shown on the pages, clear with a view of the innards, it has a blue LED lighting the innards through the window. Very eye-catching. The device is about the size of a JumpDrive (about 1″x1/2″x2″)
They had two choices for a phone number, and I chose the one for Seattle, WA even though I live in NC.
I must say again the quality of the audio is astounding!
For the curious, I have cable internet, and am behind a WRT54GS with DDWRT. I didnt have to open a port or anything, it was truly plug, let it install, answer a couple questions, and call someone!
I decided to try out magicJack now. I ordered one on June 21, 2007 and received it on June 25,2007. Below is my first report.
magicJack voice quality is great! It’s better than my AT&T land line and better than my cell phone!
This is my first report on my use of magicJack. I only had time to set it up and test sending and getting phone calls for an hour. I installed magicJack on my main computer at home which is an XP 2005 media center O/S on a Dell PC with all the window updates installed and my broadband connection is through Insight in Louisville, KY. I have a router and access point at home too.
I just installed magicJack with the phone line connected directly to the magicJack. I used my speakers and mic as the way to communicate with magicJack. I had no problems installing magicJack except I did have to go to http://www.magicjack.com/site/CustomerSupportAudioIssues.html to get my audio to work. The instructions to fix the audio issues were simple and it did work. I registered magicJack as it gave me the option to pick Colorado 303 area code with prefix 719 for Denver, Michigan 734 area code with prefix 708 for Detroit, Minnesota 952 area code with prefix 583 for Minneapolis, Nevada area code 702 with prefix 421 for Las Vegas, Tennessee area codes 901 and 615 with the 901 area code having prefix 217 for Memphis and the 615 area code having the prefix 530 for Nashville, and Washington 206 area code with prefix 497 for Seattle.
I picked Nashville area code 615 with prefix 530 and magicJack assigned me the last 4 digits of my new phone number.
I made and received phone calls, followed the simple magicJack software instructions to setup the voice mail and the phone system does work with crystal clear audio which is better than my cell phone or crappy AT&T land line.
When I have my phone line hooked into magicJack my regular crappy AT&T land line will get the busy signal when trying to dial that number.
That is really no big deal as I plan to use this magicJack at home to listen to my Monday nights long distance real estate teleseminars and make long distance phone calls to friends, etc.
I do plan to hook up magicJack to a regular phone and set the user friendly magicJack software menu feature to work with a regular phone, but thought it was neat that it will work with a phone line hooked directly to magicJack using the computer mic and speakers.
When magicJack offers me to port my home and office phone numbers that will be great as then it will be time to buy magicJacks to work on my office phone lines and to buy magicJacks as real estate closing gifts and as Christmas, and birthday gifts. :)
I’m in love with YMax Communications magicJack.:)
Here is a cordless Uniden phone that will work with magicJack.
Uniden American Corp cordless phone model EX17960 will work. Just take any phone cord and stick one end on magicJack and the other end plug into the spot on Uniden that has a slot for the phone line. Of course the magicJack is in a USB port of a computer and the computer must be running.
Now your old regular land line with it own regular phone number will still work too. So what you have now is an extra phone with your magicJack phone number. Hopefully sometime you can get your area code and then sometime down the road port your land line number to the magicJack and then cancel out your old regular land line.
Corded GE phone Model 2-9223BKB also does work with magicJack.
Phone Results When Watching Streaming Video On Computer
I ran a magicJack phone test while watching streaming video on the computer.
I was able to receive and make calls using my cordless Uniden EX17960 phone and I still had crystal clear audio! I’m using Insight cable broadband.
It’s impressive the phone audio was crystal clear and better than my cell phone or my lousy AT&T land line.
I’ve used some sort of uniden cordless phone, not sure what the model is but I do know that it’s ancient, with excellent results as well. My main phone, which I still use with my landline (cordless as well) worked great with Magicjack as well.
I’m waiting to port my current number before I disconnect my landline . . . I’m counting the days, though.
It’s a great product.
Would having a router on one channel with an access point on another channel allow two magicJacks to work with each magicJack on a different computer with one connected to the router and the other connected to the access point?
I’m going to find out for myself the answer to the above question. I just ordered my 2nd magicJack. When it does come I’ll try my idea out.
At home I already have the above setup. At the office I only have a router. There is no point in buying an access point for the office until I find out if my idea will work.
The bottom line is this does work as both magicJacks can make and receive phone calls without conflict!
The 2nd magicJack I ordered came in the mail this morning. I had no trouble installing it on a Dell Inspiron E1705 laptop with XP media center O/S. I didn’t even have to adjust the audio settings this time! I registered
this magicJack with a different e-mail address with same area code (615) and prefix 530 since Nashville, Tennessee is closest available area code/prefix to Louisville, KY available to me at this time.
MagicJack #1 is connected to a computer that is connected to a Linksys WRT54GL Wireless G Broadband router using channel 6. MagicJack #2 is on the laptop that is connected to a Linksys WAP54G Wireless G access point using channel 11. I’m using Insight cable modem service.
There you have one way to have two magicJacks working!
Ok, Im reading all these comments but still confused….
You pay $40 and they ship you a usb analog phone adapter and they give you a phone number.
You can then make calls unlimited to any phone in the world for the entire year and receive unlimited incoming calls, with no other charges??? How can this be? I understand that calls through internet dont cost but eventually they got to go from the net to pots. Please explain if I am misunderstanding this service.
Also, any word on porting?
Jeff, I agree your question I am STILL confused on where they plan on making their $$. They must either be planning on advertising on the screen that pops up when you make a call or something similar.
It’s such a wonderful service, I just don’t understand it, either. Once porting is available, I’m kissing AT&T goodbye. As it is now, all long distance calls are being done via magic jack. It’s a unique service.
I do hope someone else can provide a definitive answer to your question.
Did anyone read the terms of service, they’re ridiculous and you can not print them out nor can you see them anywhere after you agree to them…
The reason MagicJack can afford to give out the service for free is because it is a private company with alot of brains
1st off the service is given out for free other then purchasing the product and the licence free. Since the service is free no taxes,no fees no anything extra to pay.
2nd everyone on the planet earth can afford 40 bucks a year and then only 20 bucks for the next year.Just think of how many millions of people,teenagers,retires,
college students,frugal pennie pinchers,everyone will have one.When you have something sooo affordable it will be like having a microwave or a dvd player.
The owner of this company sees the bigger picture down the road. he will probably be in every home in America.
If you have a quality product that is easy to use and anyone can afford -
you hit the jack pot!
People are lead to believe that services cost so much money and most things really dont, companys choose to price things as they see fit and if thier is a service you have to have then you suck it up and buy it.
Look at HIGH SPEED internet(high price internet it should be called) $50-55 dollars a month for something that is really no difference then a satellite transmition. It really is a rip off but what can you do at the moment.
I am sure in the future even that will
meet its price match.
Jeff, you cannot make calls to any phone in the world. It cannot be ported.
Todd, they do plan to make money using advertising.
These and other questions have been answered here
http://www.recipedelights.com/voip.htm#magicjack
I just ordered one, but one thing I’m not clear about, maybe someone can help me understand. (2 Questions)
(1) I understand I can plug in a phone to the USB device and make/receive calls. But…can I plug in a CORD from my wall jack to the device and then all phones at my home will work with it?
If that works then its is a huge advantage over those services that require a PC speaker/mic or headset to make calls. I have a spare PC that can be my “PBX” and make/receive calls from any house phone.
(2) And if that works as described above, I would never see any advertising. Therefore, what is the upside to those that are advertising? It may not be the best business model and I’m back to wondering can the sustain enough cashflow to be around. I certainly hope so.
MagicJack works great. I have used it everyday for a month without any problems. We do keep our computer on around the clock, but most people do anyways. Anyways, people call our cell phones and we return their call via magicjack, which means if the computer is off, we just turn it on and call.
I got my Magic Jack this week. It worked perfectly right out the package. Actually it took me more time to unwrap it than to install it haha. I have it connected to a router that shares an Asterisk box with 4 VoIP lines, a stanalone Vonage line and about 5 computers at home. it works perfectly. Great job Dan.
My main gripe against Magic Jack is that there is no real info on its web site, just marketing hype. The only way I have managed to find out more is by reading through this friendly debate above.
I figured it’s a USB-analog phone adapter packaged with a VOIP service, – but the web site doesn’t bother to say this. It only says you can make free phone calls etc.
It’s all very well saying that info is available if you email the questions, but that sort of thing should be on the web site.
Agreed – their website doesn’t do the best job explaining what MJ is, its requirements, etc.
What else do you want to know?
I can tell you this – I am cancelling my AT&T home phone line to use MJ exclusively – I will have a cell also, but my primary # will be MJ. And since there are no local numbers here in Indianapolis for MJ, I use GrandCentral which is free by the way, and it has a local # which forwards to my MJ phone. So the caller only needs 1 local # (the GrandCentral #).
Leaving the computer on all the time is not
just inconvenient, its not great for the
hydro bill either, you have to factor this
into the savings.
Hi Everyone!
Today I ordered a magicjack to replace my Vonage phone. During the ordering process, they asked for my telephone number and I gave my Vonage number. However, I’m living with my sister now and she has AT&T telephone service. Due to my ignorance of voip and such, will this cause a problems with being able to connect the magicjack correctly?
Thank you for any helpful response.
Dusty
I’m writing this to Mr. Borislow, because there is absolutely no way to contact him at his websites (a real red flag, to me). The contact email address at ymaxcorp returns mail to you (yes, i put in the @ sign)
Dear Mr. Borislow,
I just wanted to tell you why I’m not buying
Magicjack, even though I need a product like it.
The reason is that your advertising is insulting and a lie, and thus I don’t trust you. All of your marketing stuff talks about “free” when none of it is free. The calls are only “free” after I have paid for the product. Similarly, Oreo cookies are “free” after I’ve paid $3 for the
box.
You insult my intelligence by use of the word free. And if you’re lying about that, then I can only suspect that you might be lying about other things. So I don’t trust you.
You could use the words “unlimited” and “included” and that would be honest. But you chose to deceive.
I don’t mind the price; it’s not the paying that bothers me. It’s that you’re lying and deceptive, and other things about the deal are probably deceptive.
Change your marketing and advertising to honest verbiage and I will buy.
I have been a Vonage customer for almost three years, but with their troubles as a company, I have looked for a backup plan incase Vonage service suddenly goes south.
I have used my MagicJack for about two weeks. I must say that the quality of the calls has been very good overall. Yes, there are times were I do hear some jitter, but more times than not, the quality has been good.
Right now, so I can test MagicJack everday, I have auto-forwarded my Vonage number to my MJ line. I am also feeding my entire house with my MJ service by running an analog line from the USB device, to one of the analog ports in the house. I can now plug into any phone jack in the house and get a dial tone. (Go here for a article on how this is done – http://michigantelephone.mi.org/distribute.html)
I do not mind having to keep my computer running at all times, as I normally do not ever turn it off anyways.
One thing I have to figure out is that the MJ application needs to stay running for the line to work. This was a problem in that the other people in the house may accidently closes the MJ app, and then the phone would stop working. As a work around, I have enable user-switching on my XP workstation, and have created a MJ account which stays logged in with the MJ application running.
Now, others can log into their personal account, and the MJ will operate in the background.
I am also confused on how this company plans on making any money, but right now, I am please, and I am hopeing to be able to eventually get rid of Vonage, and use this exclusively.
I love my magicJack device! I get better audio/sound quality then I ever did with Vonage. I only use it for long distance calls. I’m just waiting for the time when we can get an area code in the Chicagoland area. In the mean time…I’m usung ‘GrandCentral’ by google. That way I’ll have a Chicago area code as well as the ability to transfer my calls to my landline or cell phone when my computer is off. Thankyou for magicJack!!! :D
Hi, I have dail up for my internet service can i still use the magicjack ? please let me know, thank you. mark
I bought MJ a month ago after reading some reviews here. I totally regret buying that. I think paying a few $$ more for Skype I would have got a better service.
I am never able to call on my MJ. Though the voice quality is top notch and so it the ease of installation, but whats the point if I am not able to receive calls on it. I think MJ is just not Mature enough yet. It has a scope of improvement and then it will give a hard time to Skype, Vonage et all. At present using MJ out of USA is not a good option WHATSOEVER.
Karan, I’m not agree with your comment. I live in Venezuela. I have a friend that lives between Caracas and Miami, and he bought a MagicJack just for test. He can call to US using another methods, but is a mess. My friend give to me to test it for some days, and I’m impressed. I have a 1.5Mb/s link DSL in my house, and MagicJack WORKS PERFECTLY here in Venezuela, making calls to anyone in US. Neither my friend nor me tested MagicJack in the US, because we open the package here in Caracas, and it’s still here.
Really, the quality is awesome. Too easy to install, even in different machines, just plug a simple analog headset, and you’re on the go… Sound is crystal clear, even on unstable connections. I tested in an Ev-DO link and works excellent (if you have medium to strong signal, at least tested here in Movilnet network)
Congrats to the inventor of MagicJack… 5 stars! :)
Wow! Okay, I’m officially excited about this thing. Now the big question, well, maybe not so big, but can we plug our TiVos into this thing???? Seriously. Will this device work to get TiVo updates?
When will it be ready for the Mac?
I hope one of you techy type people can help me out. I’m thinking of trying magicjack out… but I have a strange internet service provider. I live in Saint Cloud, Florida where there is a pilot program in effect. Basically, we have free internet connection via satellite. I don’t know how these things work… I have a wireless adapter that picks up the signal. Will magic jack work with this?
I use magic jack. It only costs $20 a year after the first year. It works great. Yes you have to leave your computer on, but if you have a media pc you leave on all the time anyway, whats the problem? Plus, if your computers off calls go to your free answering machine. I gotta tell you this is an awesome deal and if you look into it, you’ll buy one.
There is lag with satellite which may make your calls a little strange, but it will work. The company doesn’t recommend it with satellite.
Any new area codes coming?
I am now using MJ for 3 months from CO. Initially for 1-2 Months it worked great. And I started recommending it to all. But since last month I am experiencing lots of call dropping and voice dropping. It so funny I can hear other side but they cannot, then some time I cannot hear them. Its really frustrating but only sliver line is I paid only $40.But yes I had stop recommending and trying to rectify my earlier recommendations to friends
I see this thread is still going strong!
magicJack is still in beta and the time dates for various improvements are still arriving later than predicted, but I’m having success still with my 3 magicJacks. Granted the service outages are not good to have and I’m not overjoyed I still have to use Nashville, Tennessee area code phone numbers since none are available for Louisville, KY.
I believe the service will be a huge success when the bugs are worked out. Also,in my situation I find, when the service is on, the audio quality is better than cell and better than the crappy AT&T lines in Louisville, KY. I am NOT experiencing any call dropping and voice dropping.
I am the inventor of magicJack.This thread really is Strong.
We have made vast improvements to the offering over the last few weeks.
1.All the upgrades and redundancy have been added to the Network,except for a major softphone upgrade coming soon.This has produced very reliable serive over the last 10 days or so and should stay that way.
2.We have added many,many areas to get Phone numbers.LA should be complete soon and we will get the next markets in the following 100days.
3.Customer service has vastly improved and people really like the Tech Chat.
4.We are on the one yard line in being able to offer International and changing your number.
5.Our Sales are growing at over 30% new signups per week.
6.There should be significantly less issues for Beta users now and if you have one,we will fix it.Reach me at Dan.Borislow@magicJack.com
7.Our anticipated Launch is now scheduled for the CES show.
8.Our service is now starting to be recognized as the highest Voice quality in the business,which I am very proud of ,particularly when we are the least expensive by far.
I am always available and look forward to your suggestions.Email me.
Dan
Hi Dan,
I have been reading and have not found if there are any available area code in Canada more specifically Ottawa Ontario… When do you plan on expanding to Canada?
Thanks
Stephane
I have been very happy with the Magicjack. I have it hooked to an old laptop running XP that I no longer use everyday. It will use less power than a desktop. I mm using Grandcentral so I could have an 805 area code to forward to my Magicjack number and my cell phone. Using Grandcentral’s voice mail and web dialer so my calls go from my Grandcentral number instead of my Magicjack number works well. I installed the echo cancellation utility at http://www.tjnet.com:80/software/index.htm
which solved a problem with my calls cutting out at the other end.
Thanks,
Bruce
I live in Thailand.. Are there any MJ users who use this here? I want to have a U.S phone number so that my boyfriend can add me to his free callers list hence he won’t have to pay for my calls or to call me on my MJ number. Please let me know, at the moment our cell phone bills are killing us!
Hi. I’ve just found out about Magic Jack. So I have a few questions and concerns.
How do you or, can you hook up two or more home phones by using MJ?
Will you have to buy and use two or more separate MJ’s?
Can you use two or more MJ’s (two or more phone hook ups) via a usb hub adapter coming from your computer?
However, one of my major concerns about MJ is: What if I was to have my power/electricity interupted- that means no more telephone service!
That’s kind of telling me that I may still have the need to keep my old land line phone around unfortunately.
That being said, I wonder will I be able to share my Verizone number with MJ, so when my electricity goes down, my land line will still ring with the same number.
If anyone can answer these questions, thanks in advance.
I noticed that MagicJack released new phone numbers today but there are none for the Orange County area of Southern California. Does anyone know if more phone numbers are coming and when?
FYI to anyone else, I got an email from Mr. Borislow yesterday that the phone numbers for LA area should be coming next week – how is that for customer service! Kc
This is also addressed to Dan.
I ordered the MJ on Wednesday evening and it was in my mailbox Saturday. I plugged it into some of the equipment I have around the house.
Compaq SR1675CL – Windows Media Center – will not install, blue light does not come on (I’m suspecting it Media Center that it doesn’t like)
HP dv2000 Series – Windows Vista – incredible! Works great using $11 Radio Shack phone the sound quality is out of site!
Great Quality 5090 (Fry’s house brand) – Windows XP – again incredible! Same $11 RS phone. Talked to a friend for 30 minutes while he was on his way to LA from Vegas. Not a single hiccup in the call. Land-line quality and clarity!
Dan, I am seriously stating that this magicJack is probably one of the greatest, if not the greatest techno-gadget to come along in a very long time. I’m getting may daughter one so I can get her off my cell bill :-)
Now with all that said…
The magicJack web site is probably the worst, most irritating site I have ever, yes EVER encountered! I appreciate the need to spread the word, but that introductory flash file is just too over the top!
I feel like Billy Mays is going to be jumping up screaming for me to buy the 55-gallon drum of Kaboom shower cleaner. I’d rather watch 6 non-top hours of the Magic Bullet infomercials that to spend 10 seconds with your flash intro.
Not to worry though… I’ve got another friend that has two 7th grade boys that make really super websites (well, compared to magicJack’s)
Dan, I hope that you read this with the tongue-in-cheek attitude with which I send it, but please… I’m begging you man… go hire a competent web designer. Seriously, I can tell this magicJack thing is NOT a scam. A scam would have had a much better web site.
No privacy statement.
No TOS.
Just that obnoxious infomercial blaring at me! I thought I was going to have to change the color of my pills the first time I visited the site.
One heck of a product. I wish you, magicJack and YMax all the best and that this is a rousing success for all of us. Oh, and Happy Holidays.
THX
symo
It’s probably just me, but
1. I don’t get any signal for incoming calls, just works outgoing.
2. I can’t get voicemail to answer or work.
I have outlived my ability to understand all this. It says I will never have a phone bill but don’t I need an internet connection. Is it possible to connect to the interntet without having a phone service provider providing broadband or at least some kind of connection to the internet. I would love to have this as my only phone bill. I tried to get help on the site but got nowhere. Is there any other contact method for some pre kindergarten sub-basic couputer help.
Dave:
You need a broadband connection (most common types -cable internet or DSL). Magicjack won’t work on a dialup. I just got my Magicjack today and I am up and running in no time at all. I would, however, agree with you that the Magicjack website is of little use to confused users. Perhaps Dan B. would like to revamp the website and educate potential users like yourself.
The call quality has been excellent so far on regular telephones. However, I can’t hear anything when I am using the soft phone. My microphone and speakers are connected and working. Just used Google Talk to talk to a cousin in England – free call and clear connection in a PC to PC call.
Gautam
Would push magicjack and know people that would use it but is hard to push something that don’t have one area code in your state. I live in West Virginia but hard to say to someone magicjack is good for phone but you have to pick another state for you phone number. I hate skype, use a tlink with it but hangs up in middle of calls but will give them credit for haveing numbers in all 5 states. Hell even has almost all counties in West Virginia. Peeps want more numbers in their states like California but think magicjack should work on all 50 states first. Could probably push the magicjack, daughter goes to WVU but wouldn’t even try with them not haveing at least one areacode in West Virginia. Would do the same if I was peeps in Mississippi too. Heard none in that state either.
I purchased a MagicJack in May. Satisfied with the products performance and that it delivered the installation ease promised, I purchased four more MagicJack devices in July to give as gifts.
Now for the criticism, presented as constructive commentary and not intended to be an attack of the product or it’s founder, Dan Borislow. Given the recent demise of Sunrocket as well as many smaller VOIP providers, credibility is of primary concern to most consumers of VOIP products. I have grave concerns about the credibility of claims made of MagicJack and of Dan Borislow specifically for reasons to follow.
As I mentioned, I purchased my first device in May, and according to the FAQ section of MagicJack’s website the device would arrive within 15 business days. I actually received the device six weeks after placing my order on the website.
The previously mentioned website also described as one feature of the MagicJack, call forwarding. The call forwarding feature did not become available until a week, give or take after Dec. 1st. Other promised services such as a customer portal and the privilege of a one-time phone number change also did not become available until after Dec. 1st as well, after a long string of broken target dates for the availability of the aforementioned portal.
Dan Borislow claims he invented the MagicJack and prefaces all written correspondence with this claim. The device was actually developed and is manufactured by a company known as TigerJet. The software that operates the MagicJack device was developed by TigerJet and SJLabs. As an engineer with one patent to my credit, I have an understanding of what constitutes an invention. I can only speculate that Dan may have coined the name “MagicJack” and in his mind that qualifies him as an inventor. If this were the case my office wall would be plastered with awards from the United States Patent office. I believe the term “founder” to be more appropriate.
Lastly, and perhaps is no more than a personal pet peeve, is Dan Borislows poor spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation in every public writing of his that I have seen. It causes me to question his claimed level of education that he also points out at every opportunity.
In conclusion, MagicJack is a good deal and most people should be satisfied with the value it offers. The voice quality is superior to Skype and most people should have no trouble with its function. Just don’t believe everything you read coming from Dan Borislow or MagicJack’s website.
Bon Savage
I am posting here with the hope that Dan Borislow still frequents this blog. I wish I had oly goodthings to say about Magicjack. My gripe is not about whether Dan invented it or just coined the term. I also understand it’s a Beta product at this stage.
Pros:
1. Very quick setup. If you are running Vista, just go to the magicjack site and upgrade to use it on Vista. It worked for me within minutes.
The softphone is fine, can make calls from it. But I have to turn on the actual telephone. Couldn’t get mic or speaker support. More about it later.
The softphone has been up for 99.9% of the time. Crashed once. Had to upgrade it again from th site. Well, it’s a Beta product, so I kind of expected it.
Call quality has been good so far. Occasional echoes, but the next call was fine, so no complaints so far.
Cons:
Lack of technical support. Dan, get some more people for techchat please. It’s absolutely horrible at this stage. Beta products sometimes do not function well, sometimes you expect to have problems. But without even a techsupport e-mail address and with only a few (relaive term, I know) techchat personnel, you are wasting our time. I needed to reset the VM password today. Spent more than an hour from start to finish. That is unacceptable Beta or not.
Horrible web site. Who designed the web page? Who wrote the content? Whose idea was it to the main buttons inside? For example, how are we supposed to find the techchat button? FAQ? It improved a little bit from what it was this morning. However, I still have to search for items and not getting anywhere for the first few minutes.
Calling VM and loggin in is a problem. When I finally got Richie on techchat and he fixed my password issue I still could not call my VM from my Magicjack phone. A black box popped up telling me about an incoming call from my own number. First of all, this pop up box is a good idea if you are getting call from somebody else. Secondly, I did not ever get it before I started the tech chat. Thirdly, even though now the pop up box does not come on screen when I call VM from my own phone, I have to input my password TWICE – first time it says “invalid login” and second time it takes it just fine.
We need e-mail support. Techchat is too time consuming in terms f witing time.
The user forum has been closed for a while. The Forum should be immediately opened. I don’t know why tt was stopped in the first place. Perhaps the crticisms were a bit too much. However, that’s the only way you can make this a mature product. Let the user community help each other without any cost to you. Granted there will be some bad-mouthing but that’s nothing compared to the issues you will get resolved.
I believe Magicjack is a good product with much potential. But the user interface on all fronts needs substantial improvement before you can compete on any front other than the price point.
Thanks
Too many typos and missing punctuations in my earlier post. But you get the point, I suppose.
Gautam
Dan, suck it up man…
Is this thing a work of art, or just another $40 bucks out of my pocket.
So far, I am impressed with the phone quality, but that freaking web site of yours just STILL simply sucks. How long are we going to have to encounter suckitude, when a very viable web site is there for the making.
Have your person call my person…
I have installed magicjack I have no sound except after removing magicjack then sound works, I can then plug magicjack back in, and the sound works until the end of audio CD or web music or voice, then to go to next audio CD I must then unplug magicjack and the sound will again work, the sound on the phone works all the time, there is something going on with the USB ports?
I have been unable to find a help page to go to to fix the problem???
Thanks Jesse Brown, magicjack #305-848-2114
Jesse, I believe what I type to be correct ;-) at least it is working for me.
Before you plug your MJ in, go to Control Panel | Sounds and Audio Devices and then the Audio Tab (this is for XP) and see what the default device is showing for Sound playback and Sound recording (for the machine I using it is Realtek AC97 Audio).
When you plug MJ in and it boots up, it will change your sound defaults to USB Internet Phone by TigerJet. Just change them back to whatever they were before plugging the MJ in. The phone “stuff” still works, and your audio should also.
HTH
symo –> and Dan the website still stinks :-)
this thing is going back if i dont get some help. happy i paid thru paypal.
the call starts out fine and then it sounds like a bad cd that you here on the radio. this blows.
Can you port your current phone number to this device and then dump your current phone service? I would like to save $35/month on current phone, but would like to keep the same number I’ve been using. Is this possible?
Thanks
Recently received via shipment the product. Due to the FACT that Magicjack has no accurate target date for getting my are code listed for initiation, it does little good to have the gadget. Having my LOCAL friends having to call me long distance because magicjack isnt set up for my code is ridiculous. I received three responses via email from the supposed Dan Borislow, saying I can keep the product for free, when in FACT I want to return it and no one seems to want the thing back! For the Preseident /CEO…I find it hard to beleive that a professional response that does give the correct address for return is NOT too much to ask for. Has anyone tried the 30 day guarantee , and then try to return it? If so, what was your hoops that you had to jump thru? I only had it three days, never unwrapped and in no way am I putting this on my brand new computer. Rumour has it you cant get rid of the junk it installs….
It was Dan Borislow Tayla.Instead of being the less than 1% of people who return it,I offered Tayla to keep it for free,because I know once you try it,you are hooked.We will have this are code soon too.
I do not know of the Junk Tayla mentions,but their is 1.7 million lines of code written in a very small file,that is the best softphone ever written with years of Hard work in it.
I know we cannot keep everybody happy,but we will continue to try.
Dan Borislow
Follow up: Upon my posting, I did receive a response that satisfied the original request for return instructions.
Thank you Dan for stepping up to the plate and taking action to meet my request.
I just chatted with Magicjack chat live, they are rude and slow. It took 3 mins to get this response,
Glenn: Hello, how may I help you?
I asked 5 questions and after 10 mins I got an answer to one of my questions.
I had to ask the same questions 3 or 4 times. When I asked to chat with someone else and complained about the slow service this was my response. This was my response:
Glenn: i have 65 people on here
Glenn: you ARE ONE
Glenn: 48 minutes and you still haven’t gotten your questions answered.
Glenn: and it’s me?
Glenn: http://help.magicjack.com/SupportFAQ/Browse.aspx
Glenn: go there and do some research
I am so frustrated. He was more intersted in fighting with me, once it started to get nasty, he was responsing a lot quicker. How sad, I am sure he gets paid no matter what, but he lost business over his nasty comment. I am going to return mine as soon as I get it, I won’t even open the box. My mom lives in England was was excited about it, she had told some of her friends and they were looking forward to see how it worked so they could try it.
Dan:
I am glad you are visitng this blog on and off. The sound quality of my MJ phone is now very choppy. I tried to fix by upgrading but it did not help. Then I went to the MJ customer care website and clicked on MagicFix. Under “Need More Help?” the button Audio Quality is weird. Clicked on it and it took me twice to non-existent page and cycled to back to your landing page and a few times it just closed my browser.
Why isn’t Audio Quality button working? Why is the call quality so bad? How can we fix it? 1.7 million lines of codes mean NOTHING if the call quality is unacceptable. Agreed?
Hi,
My magicjack is not working at all today. I tried pluggong it in since evening and it hasnt responded me till now. Also they dont mention any customer number 24/7 nor is there any mention of any maintenance services on their website and what time will the services be affected.
I feel its absurd to discontinue the service all of a sudden.
If a person is totally relying on magicjack for a phone, then you are all gone.
Hi,
Now my magicjack is complaining that i need to restart the device and it is giving an error 401. Has anyone got any idea on this and does anyone know whom to call up for support?
Any suggestions will be welcome.
i’am trying to regerster my magicjackin canada, it will come up canada when i put in the country but when i try to click on a province it will not show any i do not want to go any further till i find out what i can do. this will give my a area code
I think Bon Savage said it best. My sentiments as well…
“Yes Place Where You Want To Be Heard”
Go Green…Go Green…at
http://www.bettergas4u.ffivideo.com
Hello and Thanks,
I had a few small issues at first, but realizing that every computer is a bit different for everyone else’s, It was simple to figure out how to configure the magicjack for my comp. Guys, if you are having trouble, don’t give up cuz once you find the correct switch in the control panel, you have a good phone for life.
I am just afraid that one day I will wake up and the telephone service will be gone. WHY?,,,,, Cuz it is to good to be true. This magicjack works perfect. I also got a GrandCentral area code until maigicjack has my area code available. But if they never do,,,, I am all set now anyway. If anyone needs help & they can’t get help thru the web site,,, call me. I have checked this little gadget out front & back. It works perfect after a little tweeking,,, depending on your Operating System, a few settings in the Control Panel, and some basic things that I almost overlooked.
It works & it works well.
swfdj1@gmail.com <— Bob’s the name,,, I’ll help ya
I put a crappyJack on my PC about ten days ago and have to guess that people giving this thing positive reviews must be working for the company that manufactures it. For anyone reading this, I don’t want to waste your time, so here’s the scam behind crappyJack and why you should avoid it like the plague: ADS POP UP ON YOUR SCREEN EVERY TIME YOU MAKE OR RECEIVE A PHONE CALL, INTERRUPTING WHATEVER PROGRAM YOU ARE WORKING IN. Even though you use your regular phone keypad, every time you use crappyJack, a telephone keypad pops up on your screen. Why does a telephone keypad pop up when you are using your regular telephone? So these jerks can force you to look at the advertising that’s on the keypad. You can almost rest assured that this little crapypJack device is also tracking your every move on the Internet, so it can target these little, annoying pop up advertisements. Also, my PC slowed down considerably after I connected this thing to it. I asked for a refund last week, but my request when ignored, so guess I will be canceling the charge with my CC company.
I put a magicJack on my PC about ten days ago and am guessing that people giving this thing positive reviews work for the company that manufactures it. Either that or these people are the type who enjoy spam and popup advertisements. For anyone reading this, I don’t want to waste your time, so here’s the scam behind magicJack and why you should avoid it like the plague: ADS POP UP ON YOUR SCREEN EVERY TIME YOU MAKE OR RECEIVE A PHONE CALL, INTERRUPTING WHATEVER PROGRAM YOU ARE WORKING IN.
Even though you use your regular phone keypad, every time you use magicJack, a telephone keypad pops up on your screen. Why does an unnecessary telephone keypad pop up on your screen, when you are using your regular telephone keypad? So these jerks can force you to look at the advertising that’s on the popup keypad. You can almost rest assured that this little magicJack device is also tracking your every move on the Internet so it can target these annoying popup advertisements. The reason I believe this is because my PC slowed down considerably after I connected magicJack, so much so that there is a noticeable lag whenever I type something in MS Word or Outlook. When I turn off magicJack, my PC works fine.
Tyler & others,
What pops up is the softphone, not any advertisements, however in the future, ads. may be present. What you are seeing is a telephone. You do not need an analog phone for magicjack to work. You can use your computer mic & speakers to send & receive calls using the softphone. It doesn’t interrupt any program. If you don’t need the softphone, simply minimize it. There is also an option for it to display a smaller version of the softphone.
Next, “you are sure they are tracking you?” and the reason you believe this is because your PC slowed down? If anyone wanted to track you, they do not need to send you any device, tracking is as simple as can be these days. Tracking costs nothing. You just don’t have your settings set to the most optimized way for your comp. These Pop Up ads. you speak of, look at them, one is for you to optimize magicjack with YOUR computer. The other Pop Up is instructions for you to set up YOUR voice mail. These 2 Ads. are helpful and completely legit and for magicjack subscribers. It’s not like they are trying to sell you a lawn mower. I had a few issues at first also, but I didn’t get all upset, I just looked at what could my new magicjack have possible not be perfectly configured with YET. In 15 mins. of thinking and looking in my control panel I had it up and running perfectly. I am using a 8 year old slow comp. I have made calls while at the same time I ran a virus scan, typed a word document, had Photoshop open and was editing an image, had a Youtube video playing and my call was perfectly clear. My virus scan did run slower than normal. Remember I have an 8 year old comp. so something should probably run slower.
The point is I have a phone that sounds great, I can call anyone, anytime, for $20 a year. You can’t beat it, you just can’t.
Tyler & others, if you need help, just ask me, I will help you.
AND NO, I DO NOT WORK FOR THIS COMPANY. I am 100% disabled with no income. I need a phone but I could never make a monthly payment even for a cheap Metro PCS phone @ $50 a month.
Also, every 2 or 3 weeks, improvements are made to this system. If we together take a look at your comp and its settings, we can get you up & running just like me. I am willing to help you & if you don’t want your maigjack, I know people that will buy it from you. Which brings up another question. I wonder if that is allowed?
E-mail me guy. Mine works great and yours can too.
Sincerely Bob
Very well put Bob. BRAVO!
For the people that find the softphone popping up annoying, please visit the following site:
http://magicjackhacks.blogspot.com/
ok all other concerns aside try and get customer service. no number anywhere to be had and where are they located.
Customer service is avail 24/7 via ‘techchat’ on the magicjack website http://www.magicjack.com plus can use the magicfix online service offering too…the device is way cool, costs $40 to buy and that includes 1st yr of all the local and long distance calls you can make…then its $20/yr to renew…what do you expect a live 24/7 customer service center? come on!!..if you want that level of customer service then you should continue to your pay monthly bill to the phone company and continue to get ripped off on the per/min cost of making phone calls too. magicjack customers can either enjoy all the benefits of the excellent call quality and free phone calls or you can whine about the fact you cant figure out for yourself how this simple product works and need to talk with someone over the phone to help you. im a happy magicjack customer.
I used my magicjack a lot last week but yesterday I tried to use it but I had interference on my phone. I tried it again today , monday, and it is still the same thing. I changed the usb port , turned my computer off, disconnect the filters but nothing seems to fix the problem. I tried the magicfix with no results. what can I donext, pleae let me know by e-mail or call my cell phone at 9544016346. Please help , I am ready t give up…
Got some MagicJacks recently. Spent 5 HOURS “chatting” with Glenn about bugs and issues (20 minutes gaps between his responses), and he eventually said nothing can be done. He can’t fix a typo in the e911 address. He can’t split into two accounts two numbers put on one account, needing to be split because of a bug in the website when setting up email for voice messages. Nor can he cancel an account so we can simply start over. I don’t know what support help he can actually provide. Maybe explain which end of the device to plug in where?
Today I used a MJ to call a business associate, and was explaining that it might be a worthwhile gadget, when she had to drop off for a while. So I gave her my MJ phone number to call back. She tried, but got “number not in service” or similar. Huh?
So, we are looking at returning them.
The underlying TigerJet ATA technology is pretty good, so we’re looking at the several other companies that use it, especially those who use it without locking it to their service, such as toktumi.com.
i got my magicjack 4 hours ago ,it works great i live in ky. and had to use ga. area code.i have made about 30 calls,with no problems
I ordered a magicjack unit and paid extra for quick delivery and tracking. When the unit failed to arrive I checked usps with the tracking number and got a message the address was not sufficient to cause delivery. I checked by mailing address at magicjack and it is complete. I try to contact sales at magicjack and they say it is a question for tech support. I wait on the tech support line for a couple of hours and get no response. I go back to sales and am told to contact tech support. I requested a email address or physical address and was refused this information.
Saw the info-mercial recently and was wondering!?! You have helped. Very intelligent. Question: will MJ work with Cordless network???? Thanks.All.
Cam it be used for fax?
Thanks!!!!
magicJack will work with your cordless phones as normal. Plus the corded phone into mj and BAM! All your other phones get a dial tone and no more phone bills.
I do not believe it works with FAX…..yet.
I saw this http://www.localcallingguide.com/lca_prefix.php?resultpage=10&npa=502
Does this mean magicJack will have the Louisville,KY 502 area code with 713 prefix on February 18, 2008? Does this mean magicJack will make those numbers available before Kentucky Derby Day?
magicJack is great if you are only using it in the U.S. they say you can call international. I wouldn’t know I have been in contact with them for the past three days and spent 4 hrs talking to people who don’t know how to fix it. they keep telling me that a technician is going to call me I’m still waiting. for a telephone company? they don’t have any telephones that they can talk to you with or you can call them with a problem. magicJack works fine throughout the U.S. and Canada. Im still don’t believe you can call international as I have not been able to yet. I paid for card for international calls and I still haven’t been able to get through. they can call me but I can’t call them. do you know of a number I can call or do you know how I can get hold of someone to help me. I guess out of the 2 million people who have magicJack I’m the only one that cannot call International.
Has any one tried with a fax?
I would love to use it on Win 2k. I WinXp is so similar to Win2K what other drivers would it need to run. I know a lot use Broadband users still have WIN2k. Help us. Maybe a Linux version as well.
I have received my magicJack yesterday through USPS mail. I have an old Desktop running XP Home and I have a new laptop running Vista Premium . I wanted to install the magicjack on my desktop. I hooked it up in one of the USB ports of the Desktop. Desktop recognized the new USB device. But it did not do anything and did not install the magicjack.
Next I hooked up the magicJack in my laptop with vista premium and the laptop installed the magicjack without much difficulty. I have gone through the registration process and got my magicjack telephone number and I can make call and receive call with the number I just received.
Once again I tried to install it on my Desktop with XP Home and it won’t install. I opened the control panel of the Desktop and found a new icon called “Portable Media Device” has been added to the control panel. I clicked on the icon and it opened up another page with familiar magicJack icon with the description “magicJack (Vista only) (H:) 28.7 MB”, though it was not installed on the XP Desktop at this point. I did not try any further because I thought it might mess up if I try to install a Vista only hardware in XP.
Is there any way to install this magicJack in XP Desktop after it was installed in a computer running Vista? Can a magicjack be alternately hooked up between computer running Vista and computer running XP?
I also cannot log on to my MJ account. When I enter my email address and password which I am sure are correct, it says one of the two is incorrect. Then it tells me to enter either my email address or password and the password will be sent to my email address. Next it also confirms that the password has been sent to my email address. I have tried both ways by providing my phone number email address separately. Does anyone recall how long it took MJ system to recognize your account info after your first Registration?
Sam Ray
How do I initiate a tech chat with Glenn or anybody of magicjack (MJ) tech customer service? What website I have to go to within MJ? Please advise.
Sam Ray
I am correcting a mistake in the last paragraph of my earlier posting of 2/12/08 8:45 AM.
I also cannot log on to my MJ account. When I enter my email address and password which I am sure are correct, it says one of the two is incorrect. Then it tells me to enter either my email address or telephone number and the password will be sent to my email address. Next it also confirms that the password has been sent to my email address. I have tried both ways by providing my phone number and email address separately. Does anyone recall how long it took MJ system to recognize your account info after your first Registration?
Sam Ray
Are you using my.magicjack.com to logon to your MJ account?
You should be able to use the magicJack on both machines.
Go to the following site:
http://www.magicjack.com/site/customercare.html
Click on:
“have Vista” and downlod the upgarde and install. This will work both for XP and Vista. Make sure your magicJack is plugged it.
Can someone tell me if magic jack will work if I am in the Caribbean. If it does i know of alot of crew and owners who would be interested.
Yes! Used my magicjack while I was in St Barths and St Johns recently and worked like a charm! Have friend who has home in Harbor Island in Bahamas who has had great experience. He also uses magicjack in Puerto Rico and Haiti.
i want to know how this holds up to ooma? i mean yeah you have to spend 300 dollars for the box but you don’t have to have a computer on and you have a message machie style box with easy access to your messages at a touch of a button. and you never have to pay anything ever again. no monthly fee no yearly fee just one time payment and no computer that needs to be constantly on. and has a second virtual line on one number. i use grandcentral for my number so no need to worry about my comp freezing or lagging and shut down due to power outage it automatically calls all phones registered and i can easily switch between home, cell, gizmo, or work. i like using the gizmo project because i don’t have to hold anything i have a small mic thats placed near or on top of my laptop and use the comp speakers so i can move about doing what i need with out limiting use of hands or anything. but also using a bluetooth headset in pair with my comp i can walk around and do what i need all while on the comp. and i can make and receive calls for free anywhere in the US. no yearly fee’s or anything. and if my comp is off it just calls my cell. great for hotels. unpack and talk to let loved one’s know your there safely. i really like the gizmo project paired with grandcentral. so even if magic jack or vonage goes down or change cell services people can always reach me and better yet i can determine who calls me. if i want togo out and get away for the weekend but don’t want to turn my cell off case of family emergency then i make all calls except family (have to set family group up) to all go to voice mail. so any family calling from the numbers that are saved into my phone book with grandcentral goes through while everyone else goes to voicemail. nice calm relaxing weekend not bothered unless it’s an emergency. now thats a service. and i don’t pay anything for grandcentral. and get a local number and it’s aquired by google so it’ll be around for a while. still going through beta testing but great service i love it. but besides ranting and raving about grandcentral and gizmo project what about ooma compared to magic jack?? and will magic jack come out with a product so you don’t have to have it connected directly to the comp. but to the router so you can easily set it up and never bother with it?? i’m interested for the home service but sometimes i want my comp to just shut down for a while and let it cool down and reset. since it’s always on and it;s a notebook not a regular computer. and what about faxes?? and will they raise prices once it gets going over the years or so??
New magicJack cities! are coming! :)
http://www.magicjack.com/site/areacodes.html
Area Codes
Status State City Code
Pending AL Anniston 256
Pending AL Birmingham 205
Pending AR Jonesboro 870
Pending AR Little Rock 501
Pending AR Russleville 479
Active AZ Casagrande 520
Active AZ Payson 928
Active AZ Phoenix 602
Active AZ Phoenix 623
Active AZ Sedona 928
Pending AZ Tuscon 520
Active CA Alhambra 626
Active CA Banning 951
Active CA Beverly Hills 310
Pending CA BKFD MAIN 661
Pending CA Chowchilla 559
Active CA Compton 562
Active CA Culver City 424
Active CA El Centro 760
Pending CA Fresno 209
Pending CA Fresno 559
Active CA Glendale 818
Active CA Hawthorne 424
Active CA La Mesa 619
Active CA Los Angles 213
Active CA Los Angles 323
Active CA Malibu 424
Active CA Marysville 530
Active CA Moorpark 805
Active CA Napa 707
Active CA Newport Beach 949
Active CA Palmdale 661
Active CA Palo Alto 650
Active CA Placentia 714
Active CA Poway 858
Active CA Rialto 909
Active CA Rosville 916
Active CA Sacramento 916
Active CA San Diego 619
Active CA San Francisco 415
Active CA San Francisco 510
Active CA San Jose 408
Active CA Santa Cruz 831
Pending CA Stockton 209
Active CA Vista 760
Active CA Walnut Creek 925
Active CA Woodland 530
Pending CO Colorado Springs 719
Active CO Deer Trial 303
Active CO Denver 720
Active CO Fort Collins 970
Active CO Fort Morgan 970
Active CO Grand Jct 970
Active CO Greeley 970
Active CO Steamboat Springs 970
Active DC Washington 202
Active DE Dover 302
Active DE Lewes 302
Active DE Wilmington 302
Active FL Belleglade 561
Active FL Boca Raton 561
Active FL Clearwater 727
Pending FL Cocoa 321
Active FL Coral Springs 954
Pending FL Daytona Beach 386
Active FL Delray Bch 561
Active FL Delray Beach 561
Active FL Homestead 786
Active FL Indiantown 772
Pending FL Jacksonville 904
Active FL Keys 305
Active FL Miami 786
Active FL North Dade 305
Active FL Nwptrichey 727
Pending FL Orlando 407
Active FL Pahokee 561
Active FL Perrine 305
Active FL Perrine 786
Active FL Sarasota 941
Active FL Tampa 813
Active FL West Palm Beach 561
Active FL Winter Haven 863
Active FL Zephyrhills 813
Active GA Athens 706
Active GA Atlanta 404
Active GA Atlanta 678
Active GA Atlanta 770
Pending GA Augusta 706
Active GA Columbus 706
Active GA Lagrange 706
Active GA Rome 706
Pending GA Swainsboro 478
Pending IA COUNCILBLF 712
Pending IA Des Moines 515
Pending IA OTTUMWA 641
Active IL Bellwood 708
Active IL Chicago 312
Active IL Chicago 773
Active IL Elk Grove 224
Active IL Hinsdale 630
Active IL Joliet 779
Active IL Lombard 630
Active IL Mchenry 815
Active IL Northbrook 224
Pending IN Indianapolis 317
Pending IN LaFayette 765
Pending IN Logansport 574
Pending IN New Albany 812
Pending KS Olathe 913
Pending KY Covington 859
Pending KY Elizabethtown 270
Pending KY Lawrencebergh 812
Pending KY Louisville 502
Pending LA Baton Rouge 225
Pending LA Covington 985
Pending LA New Orleans 504
Active MA Boston 617
Active MA Brockton 774
Active MA Brookline 857
Active MA Concord 978
Active MA Framingham 508
Active MA Kingston 781
Active MA Lawrence 978
Active MA Newton 617
Pending MA Springfield 413
Active MA Woburn 339
Active MA Worcester 508
Active MD Annapolis 443
Active MD Ashton 240
Active MD Baltimore 443
Active MD Catonsville 443
Active MD Chevy Chase 301
Active MD Ellicott City 410
Active MD Gaithersberg 240
Active MD Severna Park 410
Active MD Washington DC 301
Active MD Waterloo 410
Pending ME Portland 207
Active MI Ann Arbor 734
Pending MI Coldwater 517
Active MI Detroit 313
Active MI Detroit 734
Active MI Fenton 810
Pending MI Grand Rapids 616
Active MI Howell 517
Pending MI Kalamazoo 269
Active MI Livonia 734
Active MI Mt Clemens 586
Pending MI Muskegon 231
Active MI Southfield 947
Active MI Troy 248
Active MI West Bloomfield 248
Active MN Minneapolis 952
Active MN Mora 320
Active MN Red Wing 651
Active MN Stillwater 651
Active MN Twin Cities 612
Active MN Twin Cities 763
Active MO Cape Girardeau 573
Pending MO Kansas City 816
Active MO Kirkwood 314
Active MO Lake Ozark 573
Active MO Poplar Bluff 573
Pending MO Sedalia 660
Active MO St Charles 636
Active MO St Louis 314
Pending MS Hattiesburg 601
Pending MS Jackson 769
Pending MS Tupelo 662
Pending NC Charlotte 704
Pending NC Charlotte 980
Pending NC Greensboro 336
Pending NC Hickory 828
Pending NC Raleigh 919
Pending NC Troy 910
Pending NE Omaha 402
Pending NH Farmington 603
Active NJ Camden 856
Active NJ Elizabeth 908
Active NJ Freehold 732
Active NJ Hackensack 201
Active NJ Jersey City 201
Active NJ Marlton 856
Active NJ Metuchen 732
Active NJ Mount Holly 609
Active NJ Newark 973
Active NJ Princeton 609
Active NJ Rockaway 973
Active NJ Somerville 908
Active NJ Toms River 732
Active NJ Vineland 856
Active NJ Woodbury 856
Pending NM Alabuqurque 505
Pending NM Las Cruces 575
Active NV Las Vegas 702
Pending NY Albany 518
Pending NY Batavia 585
Active NY Brewster 845
Pending NY Buffalo 716
Active NY Chappaqua 914
Active NY Cold Spring Harbour 516
Active NY Deer Park 631
Active NY New York City 347
Active NY New York City 646
Active NY New York City 718
Active NY New York City 917
Pending NY Poughkepsie 845
Pending NY Syracuse 315
Pending OH Akron 234
Pending OH Cincinatti 513
Active OH Cleveland 216
Active OH Columbus 614
Active OH Columbus 740
Pending OH Dayton 937
Active OH Dublin 614
Pending OH Findlay 567
Active OH Lancaster 740
Pending OH Middleton 513
Active OH Painesville 440
Active OH Steubenvl 740
Pending OH Toledo 419
Active OH Trumbull 440
Pending OH Youngstown 330
Active OH Zanesville 740
Pending OK Lawton 580
Pending OK Oklahoma City 405
Pending OK Tulsa 918
Active OR Bend 541
Active OR Clackamas 503
Active OR Portland 503
Active OR Salem 971
Active PA Bedminster 267
Active PA Bethlehem 484
Pending PA Harrisburgh 717
Active PA Indiana 724
Active PA Lansdale 267
Active PA Newtown 215
Active PA Philadelphia 215
Active PA Philadelphia 484
Active PA Philadelphia 610
Active PA Pittsburgh 412
Active PA Pottstown 610
Pending PA Scranton 570
Active PA Uniontown 724
Active PA Washington 724
Active PA West Chester 484
Pending SC Charleston 843
Pending SC Columbia 803
Pending SC Greenville 864
Pending TN Chattanooga 423
Active TN Cookeville 931
Active TN Dyersburg 731
Active TN Humbolt 731
Active TN Jackson 731
Pending TN Knoxville 865
Active TN Lexington 731
Active TN Memphis 901
Active TN Nashville 615
Active TN Nashville 931
Active TN Paris 731
Active TN Shelbyville 931
Active TN Tullahoma 931
Active TN Union City 731
Active TX Apollo 281
Active TX Arlington 817
Active TX Austin 512
Active TX Bammel 832
Active TX Burnet 512
Active TX Carrollton 972
Active TX Conroe 936
Active TX Dallas 214
Active TX Dallas 469
Active TX Dallas 972
Pending TX El Paso 915
Active TX Euless 817
Active TX Fort Worth 682
Active TX Fort worth 817
Active TX Freeport 979
Active TX Frisco 214
Active TX Galveston 409
Active TX Glendale 817
Active TX Grand Prarie 469
Active TX Grandprari 972
Pending TX Harlingen 956
Active TX Houston 713
Active TX Huntsville 936
Active TX Irving 972
Active TX Mckinney 972
Active TX Nacogdochs 936
Pending TX NEWBRANFLS 830
Active TX Plano 214
Active TX Plano 972
Active TX Rockdale 512
Pending TX San Antonio 210
Active TX San Marcos 512
Active TX Sherman 903
Active TX Waxahachie 214
Active UT Logan 435
Active UT Ogden 801
Active UT Provo 801
Active UT Salt Lake City 801
Active UT St George 435
Active UT Toole 435
Active VA Arlington 571
Active VA Arlington 703
Pending VA Emporia 434
Active VA Independence Hill 571
Pending VA Norfolk 757
Pending VA Richmond 804
Active WA Everett 425
Active WA Issaquah 425
Active WA Kent 253
Active WA Kirkland 425
Active WA Longview 360
Active WA Seattle 206
Active WA Tacomawvly 253
Pending WI FONDDU LAC 920
Pending WI Milwaukee 414
Pending WI Racine 262
I JUST GOT MJ AND IT INSTALLED OK. IT WORKS FINE EXCEPT ALL OF A SUDDEN INCOMING CALLS SOUND VERY GARBLED THEY HEAR ME CRYSTAL CLEAR. I RESTART MJ FROM THE MENU AND FROM THEN ON EVERYTHING IS CLEAR AGAIN. THE PROBLEM IS WHEN I TRY TO GO TO MAGICFIX ON THE MJ WEBSITE. THE WHOLE WEBSITE WORKS FINE INCLUDING THE VIDEO INFOMERCIAL, BUT WHEN I CLICK ON MAGICFIX I GET A BLANK PANE WITH A LITTLE X IN THE UPPER LEFT CORNER. THIS SOMETIMES HAPPENS WHEN I GO TO A WEBSITE AND SOME INDIVIDUAL PICTURES WONT LOAD AND THERE IS A LITTLE X IN THE CORNER.MJ SEEMS A GOOD VALUE BUT SEEMS SOMEWHAT BUGGY AT THIS POINT. ANY IDEAS
You need Java installed to run magicFix.
THANKS GARY YOU WERE RIGHT. ONCE I UPDATED MY JAVA APLET MAGICFIX RAN AND SAID EVERYTHING WAS OK.
Installed the MagicJack a few days ago and just love it. I can’t tell the difference at all and I’m using it with a digital 4 phone cordless system. If ever there was a product/service that would grow exponentially as a result of network marketing, this is IT. Any idea if the company is considering this as an alternative to FAST growth. And could they handle it?
I AM STILL HAVING THE PROBLEM THAT ALL OF A SUDDEN AFTER WORKING FINE SUDENLY THE AUDIO COMING IN GETS VERY GARBLED. THIS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL I RESTART MJ FROM THE MENU… MAGICFIX REPORTS EVERYTHING IS OK AND IVE USED DIFFERENT USB PORTS WITH NO SUCCESS. TECH CHAT ALWAYS SAYS THE SAME THING CHANGE USB PORT AND RUN MAGICFIX TO NO AVAIL. ANY IDEAS?
I FORGOT TO MENTION WHILE I AM HEARING VERY GARBLED SOUND THE PERSON I’M TALKING TO HEARS ME CRYTAL CLEAR????
Lots of info in the Unofficial magicJack Forum.
While registering my magicjack the instructions said when finished it will give me my new number. I did not know my number would be changed. Is there anyway to keep my present telephone number?
Didn’t know about it. It is so simple and practical because you can use the normal telephone. The only thing is that it is unfortunately limited to USA and Canada. Hope, it will be available in Europe too.
Yowza, they’re right!
MagicJack is a cobmbination of SJphone (www.sjlabs.com) and a TigerJet (www.tjnet.com) USB to RJ11 adapter.
Excerpt from: http://magicjackhacks.blogspot.com/
SJ Labs SJphone User Guide: http://www.sjphone.org/doc/SJphone_User_Guide.pdf
Looking at MagicJack.com’s TOS page (item #11 “Advertisements”), it’s clear that they DO in fact push advertising to your screen:
http://www.magicjack.com/site/tos.html
You also understand and agree that use of the magicJack device and Software will include advertisements and that these advertisements are necessary for the magicJack device to work and for the service to be free in the first year of the agreement (and subsequent licenses to be at minimal cost). Advertisements will be served through the magicPage™ Software. magicPage™ Software attempts to serve local advertisements and classifieds using a completely automated process that enables us to effectively target dynamically changing content. Our computers may analyze the phone numbers you call in order to improve the relevance of the ads. We do not provide any personal information to our advertisers or third parties. magicJack has a policy of restricting advertisers that it believes are inappropriate, but it does not guarantee the accuracy or integrity of any advertisers and does not endorse any of the advertisements that may appear in connection with use of the magicJack device. You also understand and agree that use of the magicJack device and Software may include certain communications, such as service announcements, administrative.
MagicJack appears to be a combination of SJphone (www.sjlabs.com) and a TigerJet (www.tjnet.com) USB to RJ11 adapter.
The parent company that makes MagicJack also OWN SJLabs and they also own a telephone network company. They have made smart moves in becoming the leader in the internet telephony space.
Patented Device + Software Company + Network Assets = ONLY real phone player in the IP telephony market.
The advertising on my screen, to date, has been used to inform me of new MagicJack upgrades, new area codes avail, new services rolled out e.g. International calling. I appreciate these updates, very much. If they start pushing me ads that I’m interested in, and the ads are not obtrusive, that will also be fine with me. Everyone else in the online world does.They’re once again showing how they’ve built a credible business model:
Patented Device + S/W Company + Network + Online Ads = next Google.
I am developing a customizable, multifaceted, motivating portal to the computer for limited ability people. I want to seamlessly link in phone capabilities; cursor dialing on a virtual phone keypad and a click to call phone list. No scrolling, no pop-ups. Can Magicjack meet my clients needs? Any suggestions?
My concern is that there is only a P.O. box and no Phone number. I ordered 3 magic jacks and they are lost somewhere in the USPS, Magic jack has insurance on them but there is no way to contact them. They do have a chat site but only for tech. issues and they wont give out company information. So I am out 3 magic jacks bought and paid for.
I bought one for my wife just so that she would stop running my cell phone minutes into the ground. Its been Beautifull … I have reduced my cell phone minutes to 600 from a 1000 on tmobile and saved even more money that way.
The product works fine with a broadband connection – I dont think it works with Dial up if you are still in the dark ages.
I am a happy customer.
I bought it at http://www.kingdirect.com here is the link to buy http://www.kingdirect.com/p7022/magicJack-USB-Telecom-Device/product_info.html?
I just got mine yesterday, Its installed, Got an In & out service & a Tele#, VM is up..However..Whenevr I try to open a 2nd window in my browser (IE: like trying to click on LIVE CHAT tech support, or any window for that matter) The new window pops up in the Lower left side of the screen and completely freezes before anything appears in the new window. I then have to CTL ALT & DLT to close the browser and start again.. If I can’t open the LIVE CHAT- which is the only so far known way for tech help – HOW DO I GET HELP??
Signed, an ALMOST happy customer yet very Frustrated at he moment with no clue as to where to get help??
Anyone Have a suggestion??
Thanks
I have a Magicjack , have tried for weeks . All I get is static Any suggestions. Thanks Harold.
I hope Dan contacts me. I would work a trade and make his information easy to understand-correct grammar-etc. Also have enought inforamtion to help people.
I can get him retail outlets (and not WM etc to sell this products. Some will not purchase with a po box-even if it is cheaper.
Lots of help avaialable at the unofficialmagicjack forum.
I have a question. I signed up for magicjack and it didnt have my area code. How can I change my area code when mine is active. Do you know when the Kansas city area code 816 will be active.
Thanks
Darcey
magicJack, Dan, whoever at YMax – please stop selling the magicJack direct. OK? We resellers want to sell, but we can’t do that, unless you have another plan for resellers.
Are you selling direct because you are in beta still and are waiting for the real v1.0?
Please let us resellers know what your intentions are.
Yes, I know where and to whom I may sell. That’s not an issue with me. Your product is the greatest! No doubt.
But I would rather see us resellers getting that 30,000 to 40,000 magicJacks sold EACH DAY than magicJack!
When is the cut off day? Us resellers want that action.
I’m not complaining Dan, I’m just making pure business sense here.
If you need to sell another 250,000 units direct, then do so and get out of the way, sit back, and let us resellers make some money. You’ll probably make the same amount of money anyway. Right? So let us make some.
You already have your U.S. & Canada Distributors. Now you have your ReSellers. LET US MAKE SOME MONEY!!!!!
I know you are excited about your own invention – the magicJack – and I am sure you are VERY excited with the sales results. Now its time to let go and let us do the job at hand.
My bank account is hungry for more of those green digits.
Thank You!
Bob
I ordered one magicjack and at the end of my order, I was charged for two of them and three shipping charges. At the end of the order also, you are given the option to correct or add to your order. But when you click on this link, it takes you to the main page and you are asked to place an order for trial offer. There is no number to call to correct this. Is there a customer service number where a real human can answer the phone and fix problems? I also did not get an email confirmation and therefore no order number. I think I am going to have to dispute this order with my credit card and cancel the whole order if there is no way to resolve this.
Can existing phone numbers be ported to magicjack??
Thanks
JR
No, not yet. I would only use the magicJack as a second line and still keep my existing service but would strip it down to the very basic service.
Big problem found that seems to happen a lot with the magic jack is that you will think you are calling a number and it will ring from where you are calling but at the receiver end no connection or ringing occurs. I have had this happen to me 6 time over the past two days. Thus the caller gets the idea thinking the person is not answering the phone or is not there.
I have both Skype and 2 MJ’s I think the problem with MJ is that if to many people are calling in an area(zone) where all the MJ connections are occupied, The MJ server rather then saying “all access lines in the calling area are busy at this time please try again later” it lets us callers think the phone is ringing and no one is there. As the phone actually does not ring at the other end. I verified this several times calling the same number with my cell phone without problems.
I will make this quick. I see that you need to plug a phone line into the MJ. I currently use Vonage and dont have my land line phone service turned on. I called Quest and they told me it cost $35 to turn it on plus I needed to have a monthly plan or no dice for their service. This kind of defeats the purpose of having MagicJack if I have these other costs just to use my MagicJack. Am I missing something?…
This may seem like a stupid question, but could someone explain to me how you will know what your phone number is, so that you can pass it on to people who would be calling you? Darn, I hope this works, but now I have to change all of my FREE business cards from VistaPrint! LOL. An answer on how to get a phone number would be appreciated though. MY LANDLINE IS OUTTA HERE! (OH! do I use the number my computer is hooked up to for highspeed?)
You will be provided with the phone number when you register. The phone number will also show on your softphone.
About Magic Jack. I am a 67 yr. old living on social security and caring for my disabled daughter. Needless to say there is little money to live on.
I am not a computer expert nor do I know much about voip.
I did have AIM voip, but they are discontinuing their long distance service which I had for some time for $14.95 a month and I liked it very much. But, Had to look for a new service.
A friend told me about Magic Jack. I got the device for $39.95 plus shipping. I ordered it on Friday and received it on Monday. I followed the directions( plug & play ) and within 5 min. I was up and running and the voice quality is great. With a local phone number.
I then plugged my regular house phone into the other end of the device and I had a house phone. I had a very long cord so I ran it to my bedroom.
The next week I bought a phone that had a 2nd phone and each has a charger. I replaced my bedroom phone with the main phone and then put the 2nd phone and charger in my daughters room. That one only needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet as it works off the phone in my room.
Now I have 3 phones which includes the computer phone.
The cost is $19.95 a year. The first year is free as it is included in the price of the device they send to you.
The first month is a trial month so they do not even charge your credit card until after you have used it for 30 days.
There are a lot of features that you also get with it.
I leave my computer on most of the time as that is one draw back. But I sometimes turn it off after 9:00 pm when I can use my free min. on my cell phone and then turn it back on in the morning. The magic Jack will still take messages which you can get in the morning. Also my family and friends know to call me on cell phone.
I know this is long but I feel it can be helpful to some of us older folks. If I can download Magic Jack and use it so can anyone else.
I just visited the Magic Jack customer service that I found here in one of the comments. There I found that I can call forward by MJ number to my cell phone after 9:00 pm and still get my calls. But then I have to go back to the MJ customer service and stop the call forward in the morning so I can get calls back on my Magic Jack (MJ) This is a small inconvenience for the great service I get for the price.
This savings over my old land line allows me to be able to pay for my cable TV and my internet service. Now that is a deal.
I do not understand some of the negative comments made about MJ. I love it and I tell everyone about it. I have gotten several people to also get the service and they love it too.
My friends travel a lot and they take their MJ along with their laptop and they are able to use it wherever they go.
I wish I could get this kind of value at the gas pump & grocery store.
LOL
I am so happy that the magicJack works for you!
I also love my MJ.
Cheers…..
I have been using Magicjack for a few months now, love it. I have since shut down my local phone service and connected a cable from the magicjack box to the wall outlet, thus allowing all 7 phones in the house to use magicjack. I do leave my computer on all the time, havn’t turned it off in 3 years, nor my other 2 computers either. Turning a computer off and on daily actually does more harm than good, of course some will argue that point, not here to discuss that. I have local number, and do not have any problems. My only concern is will magicjack someday, after luring in numerous customers suddenly up their costs? Till then, I’ll enjoy my $20 per year phone service.
Dave.
After reading scores of comments regarding service issues with this device, it sounds like most of the issues are probably due to some blocked porting at the I.S.P. level. I have not received my MJ yet, but can’t wait as this seems to be the next step in true communication. If any one can shed light on this subject, please, as once received, I would like to avoid some if not all of what I have read so far.
Thanks,
Chris
I have the MagicJack and I am about to send it back! I bought it for $90.00 for 5 years. I also put money on the long distance pre-paid services. I can not make phone calls out, I can not recieve phone calls, I can not use my long distance pre-paid calls. I hardly ever turn off my computer. I am furious with the LACK OF TECHNICAL SUPPORT! Furthermore I had to go and google for the url to MagicJacks live chat technical support. I finally got the url thru an unofficial magicjack site forum. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT WORTHY. I am getting my money back unless they offer a some real help.
MR. DAN BORISLOW do you own a magic jack???? I don’t think so. Because if you did you would know the heartache of owning a piece of JUNK!
I ordered a magic jack this afternoon but was not yet furnished with a UPS or FedEx tracking no. or with my Magic Jack telephone no.
want to send product back need address please send to my email thank you
OK; I ordered on 3-8-08, and you promised delivery in 10 to 14 days. Since it has been 21 days and still no delivery, I guess we can assume that you are operating with little or no inventory, but are still pushing sales.
If you can not deliver as promised, you should stop sales until you catch up.
Perhaps when you finally get around to shipping my unit, I should just turn it around and return it,(more promptly than you deliver).
I got my Jack from Fla in 2 days, and it works. It has some unresolved defects but for $47/year one I do not care. Problems are resolvable
1. live chat is uneducated , say wrong things
2. cannot turn off compugter w/o disconnect of unit; this can cause problems! So far they are correctible, only 1 blue screen of death!.
It took a day to get local numbers operative in Oklahoma.
3. There are NO active connections in most places; I had to get a SanFrancisoc phone number. I can call out, nobody will call me in San Fran (I’m inTulsa)
4. I expect these things are fixable; 80% of USA is A-OK with me.
Paul, instead of disconnecting the unit you could end the magicJack task using task manager before turning off the computer.
Still waiting for my unit; (or at least some kind of response); Ordered on 2-8-08, still not here 25 days later, no info on tracking ect.
Either contact me with info, or I will recind payment thru my credit card company.
I am using my brothers Magicjack to see if it would work with my internet connection. It works great and i am on a dish internet connection (they don’t recommend this type of internet with magic jack) The internet connection seem to be the make it or break it thing for this product. The only problem we have had is outgoing calls but when we use the area code even for local call we seem to have no problem.
My MJ arrived promptly. Ordered last Friday; it arrived Tuesday. It work ok. Might be my computer. When using a very old analog corded phone the sound was better but the old phone did not ring. Switched to a base unit with a cordless handset. Phone rings..I can hear people clearly calling out BUT they cannot hear me. I live in a small community but do have high-speed cable hook-up. Have ordered a powered usb hub hoping that would help. I selected an area code in another area of the state that is reasonably far from an urban center. Could that be the problem? We will see. I want to make this work!
Ive seena lot of comments here mostly from U.S., Im now here in a Philippines and into real estate im very interested in this because ive been calling to US and Canada and client calls me as well, i would like to know if this will work in my case, if i can make/recieve calls from US and Canada even im using MJ here in the Philippines. Also can i forward my incoming calls to my personal cellfone here in the Philippines? honest answers will much be appreciated, thanks!
For all your users out there beware becareful in what you say if you are using the MagicJack.Dont get me wrong I am very happy with this device.But it have it’s flaw’s like any new technology.I’m sure thier will be many improvement’s.What concern’s me is the invasion of privacy when speaking on the phone.
Yes you herd me.Hackers can break into your system and listen to all your conversation.Once you connect the MagicJack into the USB Port of your P.C you are creating a backdoor to your system which will be very vunerable to break in’s.You might be asking yourself what can you do
How can I prevent this from happening to me.Which steps should you I take. What can I do.Just be careful in what you say when speaking on the phone.That’s number one.
Second of all I will recommend that you install a anti virus software and firewall.Keeping your windows update up to date is a must.In other terms make your system as secure as posible.Enjoy your MagicJack.
Kai Emlano,
Yes, you can use it in the Philippines as long as you have high speed internet service and a PC/laptop running XP/Vista.
You can call forward your calls to your cell phone but you will have to pay international long distance changes as the call will be treated as coming from US to your cell in the Philippines. I would like to point out that their call forwarding and international long distance service still needs a lot of improvement and is not very reliable.
Congrats. It has now been a month since I ordered my MJ. …..NO MJ; And not even the courtesy of a response.
Hi,
I read thru almost all of 180 over reviews here on magicjack.
Thinking to give it try.
Just one question/query i had and needed to know.
1.My laptop is connected wirelessly to the wireless router
and i operate the laptop wirelessly.
Qns: Can i have magicjack hooked to this wireless laptop
and have it working? or is it required for the laptop
to be ‘wired’ to the router/modem?
Appreciate a quick response and i want to go ahead order one.
thanks.
I use it with a PC which has wireless connection and the same with a laptop.
If the signal is really weak then you might have some sound problems but if the signal strength is good then it will be fine.
Thanks Gary.
Again, thinking of trying to eliminate PC…
I am thinking if the ‘magic’ can be hooked to
a Router or Modem that comes with a USB Out
directly and the analog end to a normal phone.
Point us…some modems/routers also
come with a USB Out that can be connected
to a PC for Internet rather than running
a network wire from Modem/router to PC.
Could anyone let me know if this works
or has been tried? and if it does…!
just modem or router is what needs to
be on always and we have eliminated PC!
If the inventors can come up with a
device that’s Network input at one
end and phone output at other,
without need for installation/pc
at the same pricing! then.. bet
all other voip’s are out!
Such devices are normal and
existing with other voip’s
but pricing would be the
differentiating factor!
thanks.
If any of your readers would like to buy magicJack from a reputable retailer with customer service, try JR.com (where I work):
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4222299
Due to the demand, we are out of stock right now, waiting for the next shipment.
I ordered Magicjack 7 days ago, paid extra for shipping.
Should have bin here in 2 or 3 days,nothing yet,not even
a email for the tracking number.
The magicjack sounds like its a nice item.Would like to buy one someday if I get some extra cash.I see a lot of people are knocking it.The only thing I can say about that is some people will kick if they did not have legs.My sister has one and she loves it.Dan dont let the know it alls upset you and keep up the good work.
Installed MJ on an XP Pro laptop machine. It worked fine. Bought a new laptop with Vista Home Premium. Installed the same MJ & it worked fine. Downloaded the new service pack 1 for Vista and my MJ became very loud. So loud it was distorted. Tried the Magic Fix, tried using a different USB Port, Talked with Tech Chat. They had me check different things in my new laptop which were already set to what they claimed they needed to be set at. I decided on my own to uninstall service pack 1 for vista, did a system restore and restored to 2 days before the service pack 1 was installed and now the MJ works fine again. Has anyone had this same adventure and found a way to have a working MJ with the service pack 1 installed? If so, please post a message here or write to me directly at swfdj1 AT gmail.com.
Thanks in advance. And never give up. It is a good phone. We just need to work a few bugs out and I know Dan and his crew are working hard at that.
I have had MagicJack for quite a while now, was a seller of Globalinx for 40$ a month for all fees,and this was so good that i stopped selling that and started telling people about mj and about all the money they could save all year ,hope all people jump on this and because the deal is unbeatable for the U.S. economy ,all mj need is more local area codes and we will all be set ,but as long as its free calls who cares where you have to call me at as long as i register the right address 911 will find me.
Dave had said that he had attached his MJ to the wall and now he can use 7 phones through out his house. How do you do this. I am not very tech savy…just cheap. My PC is in my bedroom and I don’t want to move my answering machine to my room. Can you help??/ Anyone??? Anyone???
You have to make sure that your existing telephone company is disconnected from the main distribution panel. Once that is done all you have to do is plug the phone cable from the MJ to any oulet in the house and all the outlets should be able to receive calls.
Can a jack splitter be connected to the line to access several phones before a single line is connected to the Magicjack?
Thanks Gary. I have digital phone now so it is already disconnceted from the outside line…Cool!! My MJ shipped today…I am excited to see it come!!
So far, so good. I was worried because I saw a few people that ordered and had trouble recieving MJ. I ordered regular shipping and got a tracking # from USPS and evidently, it left Palm Beach FL. on Fri. Should show up at my door around Tues. Who knows but it is in the “safe” hands of the USPS. (Now if they could just deliever my mags without shredding half of them!!!) We will see!!!
Seems kinda pointless to have “free” calling when you can’t get a local area code for the phone number. I live in a city with three area codes, eight milliion people and MagicJack hasn’t got a single local area code phone number available. So, back it goes. I wish they’d have waited to market it until they could deliver what they promised. It’s been a colossal pain in the ass to purchase a phone and get it all set up only to find out that it’s useless except for outgoing calls.
Got the thing and hooked it up in less than 20 minutes (and most of that was spent untangling USB cords behind my PC). Works great. Just wish they had a local number for my area. Does anyone know when GC is going to be giving more #s out??
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY !!!
It has been 43 days since I ordered my MJ; still no response from ‘Dan’ or ‘Gary’, or anyone else.
They seem to answer some of the tech. questions, but a non-delivery response is not within their capabilities.
Larry;
Send an e-mail to dan@magicjack.com with all your details.
My MagicJack doesn’t work.
Oh, am I supposed to have a reliable broadband connection?
What’s an anti-virus program? Is it better than seeing my physician?
Sheesh!
I knew there was a reason I got out of the retail business.
One of the requirements should be that you have a brain.
My MJ works flawlessly.
My MJ, worked as advertised, “”EXCEPT THAT I TO, AS I HAVE READ ‘ was subject to My voice being choppy as I spoke to recieving parties, i did the MJFIX, Tried another USB port, and GOT A POWERED USB THINGY, STILL NO FIX, CAN ANYONE OFFER SOUND ADVICE., to help me …. PLEASE ??? M L H
Still lovin’ the MJ…Is there any other way to get a local # than GC???
Sound quality mainly depends upon your internet connection. Try these and see if it helps:
Power down your modem and your router (if any) wait a minute and then power them up.
Try eliminating the router and connect your PC/Laptop directly to the modem.
Do a VOIP test. There are a number of sites which allow you to do this without downloading anything.
Best of luck!
Well, I saw and ad for it on TV last night, and so I ordered one. Haven’t gotten a confirmation email yet as to when exactly it’ll be sent out. I’ve been reading the mixed reviews from people who already have MagicJack, and although some of the negatives worry me a bit, I still hope it arrives soon. I didn’t pay for the extra shipping… because usually I get stuff by mail within a week.
If this works, this will be a fair compromise phone setup until I can afford the $400 for Ashton Kutcher’s VOIP product, Ooma. Which does NOT plug into the computer, but into the modem itself.
Ok, Ladies & Gentlemen:
Here’s what magicJack is all about:
http://www.pevoosow.com/magicJack.html
can anyone Help me, My MJ is not allowing me to transmit my Voice to other callers,OR it is just choppy, broken up . I have tried thr MJfix, Switched to another USB port, And purchased a pwr supply for the usb. problem still persists, HELP !! maryhorn36@hotmail.com
I am having a problem with my magicJack..I plug the phone jack into the magicJack and plug the magicJack into my USB. NOTHING happens! I have no dial tone on my phone and no “on the screen direction”. What am I doing wrong?
Hi all
I have got the following message while connecting through wmagic jack USB
Not connected, No 911 info available.
regards,
rajasekhar
The first and biggest problem i have with magicjack is you can use any type of cd/dvd burning software with it. I have had alot of issues with that part of magicjack. When connected it works great, no real problems with quality as good if not better than a cell phone. If you get skipping or breaking up it may be your connection. I have dsl 3meg up and 768 down and have not problems with that. Hopefully in the future they will come out with software that is compatable with burning software untill then i guess you almost have to get a second pc to run just the phone.For those interested here is a list of incompatable programs. musicmatch, musicmatch Jukebox or Yahoo Jukebox,
Roxio,NERO, Skype and Vonage
K – it sounds like you are trying to install MJ for the first time? Need to allow for software to download, then complete MJ registration process — all takes about 5minutes. Plug MJ into USB port before you plug phone into the RJ11 end of the MJ. Then when you plug corded, cordless or portable phone into the other end of the MJ, dial-tone has been delivered.
Raj – did you register your MJ? Do you have internet access while attempting to perform these functions?
Try clicking here if you require addtl technical assistance;
http://www.magicjack.com/6/magicfix.asp
You still have to be anchored to your computer for this. Other than the fact that my grandmother could use this, seems like a skype copy.
I believe that the BIG difference between MagicJack and Skype is that with Skype you can only receive calls from Skype users (unless you get one of their subscription plans and not even sure they include the ability to RECEIVE calls from non-Skype users).
Also outgoing calls from Skype to regular phones costs $2.95 per month for the US and Canada which comes out to more than $35 per year, which is a lot more than Magicjack’s just under $20 rate.
Feel free to correct anything in my post that is wrong. I need to confirm everything above, but that is my understanding so far from checking both sites this morning.
I’m a public school teacher, not related in any way to any technology company. However, being somewhat of a computer nerd, I’ve had VOIP in one form or another for about 8 years now. I ordered MagicJack with very low expectations and basically have been blown away by it. One call didn’t work but in the two months I’ve had it, every other call has worked perfectly, sound quality is excellent, and of course, the price is ridiculously low and uncomplicated. I have my computer on 24/7 already so that isn’t an issue with me. MJ is connected to several cordless phones so I’m not “tied” to my computer as some people put it. I can make calls/receive calls on the cordless phones anywhere in the house or yard.
Being a pessimist, I’m waiting for something bad to happen to ruin what so far has been an absolutely fantastic product. 7 digit dialing is about the only complaint I have (we use 7 digit dialing in my city) and explaining to visitors that they have to use 10 digit dialing on my phone is tiring. Many of the complaints I’ve read haven’t been my experience. All my CD/DVD burning software still runs normally, my computer acts normally, my Vonage PAP2 works fine with MJ. . .
The big complaint seems to be people saying you “are anchored” to the computer which is hogwash if you simply plug a cordless phone into the MJ. That’s about being anchored as much as you’re anchored to an RJ-11 plug in the wall. Just get the 7 digit dialing, please!
Hey Dan, how about some truth in advertising? I only today ordered this product via the magicJack website and have run into issues, leaving me to ask myself, “Self… what did I get into?” I will admit that at this point, I don’t know anything about the products actual pros and cons. However, we’re gonna have problems if all of the tech and customer support is as I’ve already experienced it.
I’ll let the full transcript of my live chat with a poorly outsourced “Jan” speak for itself:
Chat start time May 20, 2008 4:19:18 PM EST
Chat end time May 20, 2008 4:56:20 PM EST
Duration (actual chatting time) 00:37:01
Operator Jan
Chat Transcript
info: Please wait for a site operator to respond.
info: You are now chatting with ‘Jan’
Jan: Hello, how may I help you?
Melissa: Why does my free trial period begin up to 14 days before I even receive the magic jack?
Jan: Yes because free trial starts at the date of the shipping.
Melissa: Yet you offer “a 30 day free trial”. 16 days does not equal 30 days.
Melissa: Is this false advertising?
Jan: I apologize for the inconvenience.
Melissa: You didn’t answer my question.
Jan: No it isnt false advertising
Melissa: But it is if your website advertises “Use the magicJack for free for 30 days”. How can I “use” something I don’t have for 10-14 days?
Jan: I apologize for that inconvenience Melissa
Melissa: I want my 30 day free trial to be 30 days of actual use, as per your website.
Jan: It cant be because there is the shipping for it
Melissa: Then send it free next-day air to my home. I want your company to provide what it advertises.
Jan: I apologize for the inconvenience Melissa
Melissa: So you will send it next day air to my home? Awesome :)
Melissa: (Home address omitted), Louisiana, USA
info: Your chat transcript will be sent to spicycajun@gmail.com at the end of your chat.
Jan: No, that is why I am apologizing.
Melissa: Then I want my 30 day free trial extended.
Melissa: I don’t want apologies.
Melissa: They don’t help your advertising to tell the truth.
Jan: No, it cant be extended Melissa I apologize for the inconvenience.
Melissa: Then your company should stop lying.
Melissa: What’s your automated response to that?
Jan: I apologize for the inconvenience
Melissa;
I honestly believe that the magicJack is not for you.
I get the impression that you have already made up your mind that you are not going to like it so I would suggest that you cancel your order and save yourself the shipping cost (both ways).
Damn, Gary’s comment has helped me decide I don’t want this product. Melissa makes a valid point and she gets no satisfactory answer from the ‘customer service’ voice. Then she gets a condescending comment here.
Just because a product is inexpensive, doesn’t mean there should not be truth or quality service.
God Melissa,
How cheap can you be….Gonna fight over a few days..LOL I have a MagicJack,,,didn’t even ask for a free trial..It works perfectly..!!!!!!!!!!If you get to use it just a few days..you can still return it…..such nitpicking…unreal :)
When I went to order at the Magic Jack site, I filled out all the information required and looked up at the top and bottom of the screen and saw no “closed lock” which usually signifies that the entry of your personal information as well as your credit card information is safe and hidden from everyone except Magic Jack.
I also saw that someone (elsewhere) had bought it through Pay Pal which also would have been fine for me.
Anyone have any ideas? I would like to buy one, but do not want to do it through them unless it is done safely.
I got Magic Jack with no problems at all. Arrived in the mail in 3 days. Connected it to my computer, downloaded the software and was up and running. I had a HTTPS connection when I supplied my information. For a service that costs $20 a YEAR there sure are alot of whinners. I got it because my AT&T cell phone service SUCKS at my house and they cost me over $130 a MONTH. How can MagicJack be any worse than a sucky company like AT&T?
Thank you Eric.
I tested it out and on the second page of the order segment, the Http changed to HTTPS.
OK now I feel comfortable in putting my order in.
Thanks again for your post. Now I am going to give Magic Jack a try.
Kate
Great comment Gary!! (I get the impression that you have already made up your mind that you are not going to like it so I would suggest that you cancel your order and save yourself the shipping cost (both ways)).
I guess I was lucky. I ordered MJ in March 08 and it arrived in a week, even had USPS tracking #. A couple of minor problems were resolved very efficiently through live chat. The solution to one issue was to switch USB ports! I haven’t had more than the one expected charge to my credit card. Have to admit I am satisfied so far.
I ordered it on Friday morning and I received it on Tuesday. I plugged it into my laptop and it took about 2-3 minutes to install drivers and updates (I am using Windows Vista Home Premium). It seems to work fine. I will comment more as continue testing. As of now, it does everything it says it does. More later.
To Dan Borislow:
If you are still reading this thread, I think you’re full of C-R-A-P. I see no way this device can possibly work or be more effective than Skype or any other softphone device for that matter. You have a long way to go to prove to me, first that you have a supposed 31 servers, or that this is better than any other softphone device. I’ve started my research on this crazy little gizmo you created, and it looks like a con to me. Prove to me that it works, then I will believe you.
Get one under a 30 day free trial and try for yourself.You can afford it,it is Free to try.You would be one of about 7,000 people today who would get one.I have over 400,000 active users who seem to be quite happy.There must be a reason why over 100 new people a day want to resell our product.Our softphone is the best,there is no seconds.We will be coming out with an upgrade we have been working on for 6 months within the next 10 days.The magicJack blows away Skypes quality for many reasons,but it does not seem you want a tutorial.
Dan
I’m one of the 400,000. I was also a skeptic until I decided I would piss away $40 and give it a try. I was amazed. I admit, there are a few adjustments I had to make, but nothing I couldn’t handle. I prefer my Magic Jack over Skype any day for two reasons. First, it’s idiot proof. I just plug it in, plug up my phone, and away we go. Second, I can use a regular phone instead of having to buy all sorts of expensive equipment or a bridge just to make a call.
MagicJack is portable. You can plug it into a USB port on virtually any XP or VISTA computer with a broaband ISP connection and you are up and running. Folks nowdays carry laptops around anyway, not routers. I used mine at two resorts with my laptop and the ordinary phones in the villas. It works at free public WIFI hot spots also. MagicJack is not perfect, I would say it is a bit more reliable than a cell phone. Mine continues to work when the computer goes into standby. I am very satisfied.
I noticed the magicjack area codes list San Francisco as 415 and 510. FYI, the correct San Francisco area code is 415, not 510. The 510 area code is for Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley, Richmond, and Western Alameda and Contra Costa Counties which are in the San Francisco Bay Area. As for the 30 day free trial, my opinion is that it should begin the day you register and receive your magicjack telephone number.
Melissa,
You were able to reach MJ chat?
I spent 20 mintues on their site, click on everything that suggested “live help within seconds, 24/7″ and was unable to get anything but pop ups that were supposed to fix a problem I don’t have because I hadn’t order the product.
I decided to order the extra five year option for $50. It occurred to me that first year was free anyhow meaning five years would really only be four years. At $20/yr x 4 years, the cost is $80. The $50 special gets me one extra year at a $30 savings whic is equal to 1.5 net free years.
I’d chat with MJ about it, but I can’t access their customer service dept. Can’t even find a phone number.
None the less… $40 for a trial is worth
– Kenn
PS – Worry – I wonder if the positive comments on this board are MJ operatives?
I like the MJ but i sure am having fits with it, 4 hours on tech chat couldn’t get it to work got a RMA# couple hours later it just started working then quit on reboot. just times out after 6 seconds, so switched to two different XP computers same thing switched it back same, left it alone for couple hours went to working, never could get it to work on my laptop
Bobby
I have had my MJ now for a week. What a GREAT product. Easy to install and haven’t had any call or voice mail issues.
I highly recommend this product…
PS. Their website really sucks, but the product worked as advertised.
Kenn…did you access the mJ Tech Chat Link? Sounds like you were navigating thru magicFix (which is the 1st line repair/fix process recommended by the company) anyhow, the 24/7 TechChat link:
http://www.magicjack.com/techchat/
You could be right that some of the positive comments could be MJ operatives, LOL, but some of the negative comments are also prob coming from competitors, the big bad phone companies like Verizon, AT&T or even Vonage or Skype…MJ is eating their lunch! According to an online report I recently read, MJ is selling more phone lines than any other telephone company in the industry.
Also, Dan the Inventor def chimes in here every once in awhile, you can email him at dan@magicjack.com
I love magicJack…. Nad magicJack Loves me too… To all magicjack users… MagicJack R U L E S ! ! ! !
Thanks to all the TechChat Representatives for being P O L I T E and P A T I E N T ! ! ! Thanks to all of you guys… I appreciate your assistance…
Magicjack ROCKZ!!!!!!!
sorry for melissa…she just cant help that she is so DUMB!!!!!!!!
she just throw an opportunity to save money….i have no problem with magicjack ever since i have receive it…in fact all my friends and relatives have it…we are so thankful to Dan for inventing a very wonderful thing!
I have been using magicjack for two days. It takes some time for my computer to get it up and running, but maybe that is the Media Center. What I do not like is the delay in hearing one another. There appears to be a time delay. Does anyone experience this?
I used to be a SunRocket VOIP customer; the single biggest draw regarding Skype for me is its parent, EBAY. In the telecom world, big is better, and even though EBAY may grumble, they paid a premium for Skype, and at the end of the day, they’ll probably know why.
@ Robert. Wow. You seem quite bitter. 400,000 users later and there is still a naysayer. (must work for Vonage or something!)
I just completed reseller application with Andrew (andy@andymedia.com). He represents the sole distributor to resellers. I will place my first order soon for 100 units and I already have more than half sold (before I even have them!)
I look forward to being part of this revolution in communications.
Dan Borslow is a genius.
i would love to order the magic jack, but i need a phone number to call. let me know asap!!!!
GREAT PRODUCT!
THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!
THEY DO NOT KEEP THEIR WORD WHEN THEY SAY THEY WILL RE-SEND YOUR INVOICE …FORGET IT!
FAST TO CHARGE YOUR CARD (TOO FAST)!
YOU CAN NEVER GET ANYONE AND WHEN YOU DO THEY IGNORE YOU!
THIS GROUP WILL NEVER BE A THREAT TO VONAGE … NOT ANYTIME SOON THAT’S FOR SURE!
EVER NOTICE … NO ONE TO CALL … A BROKEN MAGIC-JACK I GUESS? NO E-MAIL TO SEND YOUR ISSUES TO. BUT THAT DOES NOT MATTER THEY JUST IGNORE YOU BY NOT RESPONDING PERIOD!
WHAT KIND OF A GENIUS FORGETS CUSTOMER SERVICE? I KNOW I’M NOT ALONE ON THIS THAT’S FOR SURE.
KILL SKYPE … I THINK NOT … PLENTY OF ROOM FOR DIS-FUNCTIONAL START UPS!
WHAT DO I KNOW I’M JUST A STARVING ARTIST!
James Parrish, you should email Dan Borislow, the inventor and he’ll git her done! Why do you need to talk with any customer service puke when you can talk to the man himself!? What other new product gives you that type of access to the big kahuna????
dan@magicjack.com
hi on the whole i am satisfied can’t wait for my state to be on the list of area codes i am in maine and i have to use another statesarea code
i’m waiting for my mj, i want to know that my town don’t have the area code, but there is a area code the same as mine next town over, if someone calls me? will they get charged long distance?
Yes they will be charged long distance.
Will magicjack work with Clearwire Internet provider?
Thanks
I have a problem with magicjack. While hardware wizard tries to install software for mj. A box pops up telling me the file usbccgp.sys (unknown) is needed. Then it says type the path where the file is located and clik ok. I am not real computer literate and this is causing me a real headache. Can someone help me.
Thanks
T.Pierce
Go to the following site:
http://www.magicjack.com/1/customercare.asp
Click on:
“have Vista” and downlod the upgarde and install. This will work both for XP and Vista. Make sure your magicJack is plugged it.
MJ working on computer speakers and I think it would work using microphone but I need to get one. Question is following?
I can dial out on the phone but as for using the phone to talk I cant do it. What do I do to get phone to work? I can recieve calls on the computer but not on the phone.
I went to audio and voice and it is using Sigma Tel Audio do I need some type of phone device so the phone will work?
Gary thanks for your previous help. Can you help me again please.
DTP
I just don’t get Why everybody are so excited about this ? It’s at least three years that USB-phone adaptater are sold like the wengoBox.
unlimited VOIP for 20$ is quite the current price for this isn’t it ? So what is revolutionnary ? the fact that the softphone is embedded in the key ?
T.Pierce;
1. Click on the menu button on the softphone and select ’switch to headset’. On the next screen make sure that the the ‘telephone’ is selected.
2. Try using a different phone.
Has anyone tried to get a “live” chat? It has been my experience that your odds of winning the lotto is better than your chances of actually getting a “live” chat. Once you determine that you need help you are sent on a game of hide-and-go-seek.Since its pass the thirty day money back policy so I’m stuck with magicjack for a year. Magicjack can rest assured that the $39.99 you got from me this year won’t happen again.
I have a question to pose for you “seasoned” MagicJack users. I currently live in AZ and could get area code 623,602 from MJ, but in a few moths I will be moving back east to NC, area code 336, available from MJ also, but once you have service and move to a different state, can one change the phone number? or are you stuck with the same number.
Thanks I have been wanting this for a long time, cell phone use aint what it used to be, and I am tired of paying my Internet subscriber, Cox Communications, $30.00 a month and thats just for local, with no long distance..
Thanks in advance !!!
You get to change the phone number once for free. After that it is $10.00 per change.
Suggest you do a search under “magicjack complaints”. There are a multitude of issues especially with the 30 days free offer.
Seems it’s about impossible to get money back. Which in this case isn’t supposed to even be billed before the 30 day trial is over.
Not a pretty picture. (what a surprise).
I can’t find the canadadian area codes on the site. Does anyone have a link to that info?
No Canadian area codes are available and will not be for sometime to come. The official MJ response is ’soon’ and that can mean anything.
Most of us here in Canada just use it for calling out backed by a barebone POTS line for incoming calls.
I just received the MagicJack and its is great.. I’ve made many phone calls and nobody knows that I am running VOIP. Installation went smoothly, and the quality exceeds my expectations.
As for Customer Service, I experienced a bug when I placed the original order – it seems that if you opt for any of the additional or optional services, the website changes the 30-day trial to immediate billing.
No problem – I looked through the website until I located an ONLINE CHAT service – used it, and within minutes had my “immediate” bill problem resolved.
As for returns (and why you would want to I don’t know yet), you need to follow the instructions listed in the FAQ – GET AN RMA NUMBER (Return Material Authorization), and make sure you ask them for a return label to send it back… that way they will even pick up the shipping cost back to them (as stated in the Infomercial). Simple.
I highly recommend the MagicJack, and only wish that they would have some sort of referral reward program… so far, I’ve referred 4 friends, and all have purchased. 4 for 4 – better odds than Vegas!
MagicJack Servises is pathatic. The whole deal looks like a scham. First you cannot reach them through phone and the link provided for a live chat is turned off all the time taking back to the page you had started in.
After days of trying to reach them, finally i did manage to chat with their representative. The first representative Junrex did not have any solutions so he escalated it to James who in turn promised that he will escalate it furhter and have this resolved and that a Magic Jack representative will contact me within a day. It has been more then 21 days and no one has called or contacted me.
The whole thing is scam. They are only interested in selling the device and are not concerned if you use it or not. They are not into providing phone service they are into making a quick buck. But word gets around about their pathatic services and as with other companies that went under who thought that they can get away without providing services; seems MagicJack is also headed towards a pathatic end and will disappear like a Magic.
Duke
Been almost 2 months now since I installed MJ and have not had any problems. I’ve been able to take it on trips with me and connect it via my laptop to hotel phones and it works great.
This is great for my business since folks can still call my Maryland number and reach me regardless of where I’m staying.
I truly wish that I had something positive to say about MJ. I’ve had it almost two months and have had to contact customer service at least five times. We’ve had issues dialing out and receiving calls since we’ve had it. I’m glad that it seems to work well for some people but if you’re thinking about trying it…don’t expect too much.
I cannot make calls to Mexico in spite of the fact that I have $10.00 in my international account even when I dail 011-52-area code and number.
Wondering what my problem is and how to solve this situation? Thank you for helping me out
CREEPY MAGIC JACK “ORDERING – ORDERED 4 TIMES TO NO AVAIL
I have tried to order 2 Magic Jacks, 5 times.
One time, via infomercial phone number gave my credit card etc. Never got the Magic Jack.
I followed the orders via MagicJack.com live help chat, again gave my credit card info,
and never got the those 2 Magic Jacks.
I have emailed the company PR for Magic Jack, they have never responded to my complaint.
I have had more chats with Magic Chat live help, again and again, they said that there is no
“record” of my repeated orders attempts. Last live chat ’support” have taken my INFO again,
and promised response in up to 28 hours. All this saga is going on since May, still to date
as of the date of this posting, I have never got : Not a response, not the Magic Jacks.
What I want to know is, who is taking costumer credit card/personal data, and how it is used
Something stink. Any one know what to do?
I have read these reviews, and have had no such problems the two months I have had the Magic Jack.
1. They didn’t bill me till the 30 days were up.
2. No gliches, NONE – works with my vista, XP, AND EVEN my Win98 !
3. Works sending faxes, just attached it to my fax machine!
4. Calls are clearer than with my reguar house phone.
5. Works WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD (while attached to my laptop that has a aircard attached)
6. Have not missed ANY calls while it was on a internet connected computer – and have gotten voice mails in my emails during the time it was not connected (there are some times I am out of cell tower range for my air card – thus not connected)
Can not tell you how happy I am that I took a chance on this amazing product.
Hollyecho Montgomery
Bangor, PA
I’m glad to know that your magicjack is working fine, Hollyecho and you can’t explain how happy you are with it. I am also a magicjack user and lover of it. Have had my magicjack for months now and I am enjoying with it.
You are one of those fortunate people.
For those who weren’t able to even ordering, make sure to order online
http://www.magicjack.com/1/step2.asp.
Make sure to enter all correct information and make sure that the order process is finish. You will know that your order went through because you will receive an email after an hour of ordering or more.
Dan,
Build a low power consumption stand alone VoIP appliance, you may find a larger customer base. While they still have to purchase DSL service and power a modem 24/7, they would have to power a computer 24/7 or even need a computer
I am also very skeptical by nature. I have had Magicjack for a few weeks and have used it for both long distance calls and faxing. The unit works perfectly for me. I do not plan to make this my permanent “only” phone, and leave my computer on all the time. My local phone service is just that! I would have to use a phone card or enroll with a long distance carrier at unreasonable costs. My main reason for the MagicJack was to have unlimited long distance whenever I wanted it. It does serve my purpose well. One note: there are times(as I read earlier in other comments) when you do get a deficient connection when you dialup in Magicjack, but the great thing is you can hangup and re-dial until it clears up. This has only happened a very few times or two. I have made a few calls long distance up to 1 hour or more in length with no connection problems. So far, it’s great!
My Order for Magicjack went just like clockwork. Received the unit in 4 days via USPS. I have XP Pro operatng system and have found that if you are making a phone call via Magicjack, I cannot be working on-line at another task on the internet. I need to finish the call before performing other internet tasks! I did have some minor problems setting up the MJ unit on my laptop. It is operating on XP also, and I had difficulty downloading the software, etc. I later found out the wireless DSL needed to be re-set to make a good internet connection. If you have problems with sound quality, connections, or calling, I would definitely make sure you are connected direct to a USB port on the computer and not through a ” USB hub”. (This is recommended in Magicjack’s instructions.)
MagicJack has serious problems. Firstly, they have NO intention of honoring their 30 free trial. Its blatant and flagrant fraud. Their “return” button does not work. Getting their “live chat” sends you on a wild goose chase of the same series of buttons. You have to make a note of the link when you find it but its very obviously intentionally well hidden. Staff claim to be in Florida.
Now, their product has a virus like domination of your computer, you CANNOT use magic jack without it taking up a live USB connection, it puts a “Splash” advertizing on your screen that takes several minutes on startup, you can’t reduce it, its offensive. Every time the magic jack is used, again it takes over your computer screen so you can’t work. The only solution is a dedicated computer.
Now, their rates may sound cheap but they are NOT.
For example, one calling destination is 9 cents a min on my corner store calling card. At Magic Jack its 5 cents, now, at VOIPBUSTERS.com you get free usa, Australia, UK and, wait for it that same destination at 2.4 us cents a min, that is 1.5 Euro cents.
VOIPBUSTERS.com really put magic jack to shame. There is no need for a “USB Jack” of any kind. With many voip companies you can use telephone line adapters that do not require your computer to be on, you just leave it in your live router attached to your live highspeed connection.
I used a Linksys WIP WiFi phone on phone busters with cell phone like quality. On a soft phone the quality was as good as you will ever get.
I’ve just ordered a Cisco 7960 phone to use with Voipbusters and that should provide the ultimate in standard at what has got to be very minimal cost.
I’m extremely disappointed in MagicJack and in particular, the fact that they chose to infect computers with advertizing, their lack of support for “adapters or voip phones” and their blatant failure to honour their 30 day return policy. They made me so mad I felt compelled to post this warning.
MAGIC JACK RETURN ADDRESS
P.O. BOX 6846
West Palm Beach
FL 33405
Their billing telephone number is 561-594-2140
MAGICJACK OPERATES ON FRAUD
WARNING Their 30 day trial period is next to impossible to cancel. They cancellation button on their web site does.
Their live chat is a difficult link to find.
Now, they play “the credit card game”, The use every possible feature to eliminate the possibility of a refund at every stage. Its like repeatedly having to shovel ants.
They insist on a “order number”, check your email file, you will find around SIX such numbers plus other tracking numbers, confirmation numbers all designed to confuse and in sum, guaranteed to allow them to claim “Insufficient information provided”.
If you don’t actually ACTIVATE their disposable non reusuable usb stick, they provide a refund of the device only, not the shipping charge which is several times what it costs them to ship. (fraudulent shipping charge)
They claim their “trial period” starts upon the date of order, it can takes weeks before you receive the item. In my case it took 5 weeks to get it. They told me on “live chat” that the trial period would start upon activation and not the date ordered. Don’t believe them.
The next thing is you cannot “hit return button” the link does not work, and it instead directs you to a “free second number”, once you decline that offer you reach yet another dead link.
My visa card had to wait till 11:00 am which is when the MagicJack billing department opens. I spent an hour on the phone listening to bullony from them.
How to deal with them.
Send the item back with proof of mailing.
MAKE SURE you send a letter CAN CELLING their authority to bill you in future and specifically canceling your agreement for their right to bill your credit card.
My credit card company warned me that they do bill upon renewal to even cancelled accounts. Apparently this is all legal.
MagicJAck may comply with the law but their business operation is very obviously fraudulent and a SCAM.
Their long distance rates are DOUBLE other VOIP companies such as VOIPBUSTERS. Dan, PM me , refund me and I’ll stop posting.
@Ramjet. Your postings and rants are shameful. Over 800,000 customers later and your acting as if they have all been duped. It seems as if you are one of the blog-squatters, people who are paid to bad mouth. Heck, $40 later and you get Unlimited Local and Long Distance in US and CANADA. Where is the scam in that?
My favorite rant that makes no sense “MagicJAck may comply with the law but their business operation is very obviously fraudulent and a SCAM.”
I hope your check clears from your scumbag employer RamJet.
I can’t agree more with Mr Bricks..Ramjet is a lamo, whiner (blogsquatter?!! haha…thats a name I never heard of but it sounds about right!) I bought my MagicJack many months ago and have used it every single day since I got it (took 3 days to ship/arrive since my order)– it installed with ease and I could not be happier with my MagicJack. Not one day of trouble or issues!! Then, the other day (Wed, I think), I saw MagicJack being sold on QVC as their ‘Today’s Special Value’…it was selling for $33/MJ (down from the $39.95 on MJ site), so I bought a few more which I’ll be giving to my siblings for Christmas. BTW, when I purchased by MJ on QVC their ‘ticker’ showed that they had sold over 35,000 MagicJacks during the show. Guess if MagicJack is good enough for QVC and it passed all the Quality Assurance tests that I’m sure QVC requires of any manufacturer or product sold on their home shopping channel, then it is clearly good enough for all consumers! Way to GO, MagicJack!
Magic Jack is SHAMEFULL, not me, they lie cheat. They hide by failing to post their address or contact information on their web site.
Their call quality can be terrible. The FAIL to allow telephone adapters or VOIP WiFi phones so you are forced to watch their advertizing. Obviously, you can use “magicjack” blocker programs.
MAgic JAck could have been a good product if they had some ETHICS but they don’t, they business ethics suck, its FRAUD, its a RIP OFF, they lie, they provide false information and say anything.
Now, if you want to keep Magicjack and would like a second number, just call up in the 30 day free trial and watch the offers start. They will do anything to push you over the 30 days.
Now remember this, If you sign up for “extra years” that is NOT REFUNDABLE as part of the free trial. Notice how they really push that?
They know many will move on to cheaper and better providers like my favourite, VOIPBUSTERS.com
Most of all, MagicJack play “dirty” with VISA card, and you don’t need their unexpected charges.
I wish I had never heard of magicjack.
My Visa card told me they had lots of complaints about magicjack and they did an investigation and found all my complaints valid down to checking their website and attempting to get live chat and wait for it, finding out that Magicjack accounting don’t even answer their phones till 11:00 am.
My bank instructed me to send the jacks back and wait 30 days plus shipping and if MagicJack do not refund, the bank will reverse.
I can’t wait and will slam this Fraudulent Magicjack as much as I can till i get my money back. I have never had any company piss me off as much as magicjack. Its a fraud and everyone needs to be warned. I’m going to start calling all their press referrals, who gave them promotion.
Lets see how Dan likes that.
Ashole.
I JUST ordered mine yesterday. BUT I ordered it via QVC!! On sale for 36 bucks PLUS 30 day return. I know QVC and I know IF I have any problems within the first 30 days, returning it will not be a problem.
So my advice to anyone THINKING about getting MJ ( took me about a yr to decided and a LOT of reading) get it from someplace where returning it will not be a problem. QVC.com is where I ordered mine yesterday and they say it will be here next week. So I cant complain, so far anyway!
Joe
UPDATE…. I JUST got my MJ from QVC today an within 5 min I was making calls. CLEAR AS A BELL, to me and to whom I was calling. In fact they had no idea I was using a VOIP service and one even said I sounded clearer to her than usual. I am running XP WITH SP3… So for me SP3 was NOT an issue. Not a buzz, no echos, no sounds other than my voice and their voices.
Oh and as far as the confimation email? I did get one withing 5 min of registration of MJ.
So I am one happy camper ( so far) and can HIGHLY recommend it to anyone and I suggest to avoid any ordering and returning problems get it from QVC. NO I do not work for QVC, I just buy stuff from them time to time.
Joe
None of the web sites for magicjack are available to answer questions BEFORE you purchase it. My question is this, it seems you must still pay for a land line so you have a working jack, so the only benefit would be for long distance??????
No.. IF you have cable broadband you can cancel your land line IF you have DSL you may not be able to as you need to have it to have DSL. ALL you need for Magic Jack to work is a PC with broadband. I have DSL so I cant make MagicJack my only phone line and cancel my “regular” phone service. IF I had cable internet I would do it in a heartbeat as MagicJack works FLAWLESSLY for me…..
Joe
still no canadian area codes i live in british coloumbia using a us area code please tell me how that is
and when the “magic” wears off and the company takes the money and closes up, what are we left with, a useless little blue goodie
I purchased in July paid for an extra year $19.95, but account shows that license expire in July of 2009. Also use for my business line paid with Corporate American Express, but phone was put in wifes name. I have tried to get customer service to change after waiting 45 minutes and chatting with an idiot for about 20 minuts still have not changed either. Anyone have any ideas for me to get resolved.
I had this thing for 2 weeks now, it worked about 3 days, till we realized,that all incoming calls where actually long distance from the same area code, even from next door,it also uses your minutes on your cell ph. I got in touch with them you can only do it on a chat window, they assigned me 3 different numbers that did not work,and 2 that did not even have a existing prefix. AND NOW THEY TELL ME THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE NONEWORKING NUMBERS. $10.00 DOLLARS EACH.I will most certainly not pay for them.I still have no working phone now,But they tell me they will fix it i dont believe that,but i want to see.IF I HAD TO DO IT AGAIN, NO WAY WOULD I GET IT.
ELVIRA….you are a fool. You have repeatedly shown up for almost nine months in blogs too numerous to mentions. Tell your employer Comcast, Verizon, OOMA or Vonage or whomever to stop with the B.S. 1.5 millon magicJacks later and improved Customer Service and you and your few dozen paid bloggers or comments or posters still are trying to knock magicJack. Good try. We, the magicjack loyalist are 100% thrilled by teh service, quality and PRICE. Enough Elvira. ALl others who btich about the company going high and try..you idiots made your ROI in less than one month…I would bet my house (a very nice house) that 99% of posts are foolish asses and simply whining idiots. Heck, for $40 i call everyday anywhere and LOVE IT!
magicJack is saving me about $60 a month. Thank you., Its great! I love it and no problems with install or use. Great quality. Tell the world
Wow am I impressed. Just got my Magicjack (thankfully not a Crappyjack) about 1/2 hr ago and it’s up and running already! Fantastic, I am currently on hold having my landline disconnected. A whopping $68.00 per month savings, woo hoo. What a nice product, I am pleased as punch, thanks!
i applied for a magicjack and im still waiting on it it has been three weeks now and i just want to know whats going on with it if there is any one going thru the same ordeal
I ordered the magicjack back in July of this year ….a piece of crap. Now trying to get a hold of these people !! What a joke. I had a open chat with them and they are giving me the run round , when telling them my refund should of been here over a month ago. No phone number , no email address !!! Don’t deal with this scam !!!!!!! Still trying to get my refund !!!
I plugged my magic jack into my computer – windows xp and the computer wont take it – whats the problem
Magic Jack? It’s as bad as Vonage is…the technology is not there yet…dont waste your money or time…
I just made my purchase of a majic jack and in five minutes I too , was making calls all over the U.S… I love it,, it’s saving me tons of money per year , I can’t find the first thing wrong with it.. These other Blog-Trolls as I call them are the ones being paid to misslead people from a great product .. They wont go after a real job , so they sit at home down grading products from their lil’ list… Santa will be real upset with you !!! Majic jack is a wonderful product .. If you dont want to buy it from an online company ,, Go to Radio Shack ,,, they are carrying them and you can ask all the questions you’d like … Money I save from the land-line I dont pay for now 1,,, I use toi pay for my internet connection .. What a really good deal … Thanks bunches!!!! majic jack … Calls are clear, quality is great ,, these others are just Wendy Whiners…
1. Incoming Calls: magicIn : magicJack will allocate a unique phone number to you, which will allow you to receive free phone calls over the Internet. magicJack does not guarantee that a requested phone number can be allocated to you or that you can make use of the incoming call features of the magicJack device.
2. Outgoing Calls: magicOut: You can make free calls to other magicJack device users located anywhere in the world, and to subscribers on traditional telephone networks or wireless networks in the United States. You will not have the ability to call any number that would require the addition of any charges to your phone bill, such as 900 or 976 numbers or any other “fee per call” type service.
A. Here’s the Problem I have. I live in Hawaii. There is no area code yet for HI. So MagicJack assisgns me an area code or I can choose, and I can opt to change the area code once. Here’s a really lame catch to that, if my friends call me with thier HI calls they will be billed long distanced, since it’s not an HI area code. Call me when MagicBullet gets HAWAII area code
3. We may provide for a fee, premium prepaid services, powered by YMAX Communications Corp. (”YMAX”), including International Calling and Conferencing services and the rates for those services will be governed by YMAX’s effective price lists or tariffs and are not governed by this Agreement. magicJack may make available to you, for an additional fee, enhanced versions of the magicJack Software (”Upgraded Software”) which provide new features and functions.
Seems like this gadget would do wonders, but since the area code isnt availabe for Hawaii, sorta defeats the purpose… even If I had a landline, or a cell phone and I wanted to call home to my MagicJack, I would then get charged a longdistance phone call just to call . sorta self defeatist.
Anyhow might be nice in other states, in Hawaii not acceptable.
I picked up a magic Jack for 29.00 at Radio shack. The same day I got an acer 200$ special in a small box so I could have it next to my tv to watch internet content. I decided to place my MagicJack on this computer and leave it on all the time. I have a cordless phone plugged into it and can use it all over the house. The sound quality is awsome. no feedback- you could hear a pin drop. with skype on long calls I often need to hang up and call back- with the Jack I do not. I Have lots of friends in NZ, Canada, UK etc. Guess what they are getting for xmass. I will register the MagicJacks here and then send them to my friends. Then we will all have local numbers in the same area and…..since most are expats- they can call family and friends. I am a shamless early adopter and, aside from my Chumby, MagicJack is my favorite, PRACTICAL, inexpensive gadget of 2008.
how toget latest upgrade of magic jack
Go to the magicjack website/customer care and click on ‘have vista’ to download and apply the latest upgrade. This works for XP/Vista.
I purchased awhile back and WAS thrilled. I noticed making some holiday calls to friends and family that I got cut-off at about a half hour. It was a huge pain, especially since I had to reboot and start again. Also, if this is the new upgrade then count me out. I want the old software. I must have told 50 people about magicJack but thanks Mr. Borislow, the inventor, I have to say no thanks. Your commercial says talk all you want —————– I guess not in a row. This si bad news and the beginning of the end. File this under too good to be true.
So far I cant transfer my phone number over. And this is a huge inconvenient.
On the other hand the web site is no a professional one. It’s full with details about savings but billings details and explanation.There is no option to call in and talk with someone.
Maybe few of us still remembers about Sun rocket, good price and after a while they’ve just went out ot bussines.
Sometimes it’s to good to be true.
Isnt it amazing how all these great reviews for such a scam product all have the time of around 10 am every day? hmmmmm….what a coincidence! magicrap is a waste of money trust me….screw all these ‘oh i love it! i didnt even know what a phone was until i found magicjack!’ haha all you positive posters are ridiculous.
AND YET it works for me, from DAY ONE. Aug 08…. Not a single complaint till they enforced a 60 min timeout. That pissed me off, but for those 60 min, call is perfect as it always is…
Joe
I bought a magicJack over a year ago while it was still in Beta.
I like gadgets and toys.
At first worked ok, but had some problems. Then I stopped using it for awhile and then began using it again two months ago. The magicJack service got upgraded. I also have a Vonage device I use for business.
For personal use, I am actually quite pleased with magicJack service now.
I am amazed at all the complaints about magicJack.
For an initial $40 and then $20 a year after, it really is quite a good little device.
For unlimited long distance as low as $49.99 per year for unlimited American & Canadian long distance (except Alaska, Hawaii, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, & Yukon). And for an extra $10 a year we offer “callback” that will save cellular airtime if you have free incoming minutes.
NO COMPUTER NEEDED
NO ADVERTISING POP-UPS
CALL FROM 550 LOCAL ACCESS NUMBERS IN THE USA & CANADA
http://www.CallCheap.com
Maybe I got my Magic Jack after all the kinks were worked out. I am not sure why anyone would complain about this product. It has been THE easiest device I have ever put on my computer. I’m not a techno-geek so easy is good. I was referred to the company by a raving fan and had high expectations and have been very pleased. I have become a raving fan now myself. Never used skype so I don’t have anything to compare it to (so what do I know?). I really like the product.
magicJack® vs. Skype®
I have looked into Skype® vs. magicJack® and have determined that the two services are very, very, very much alike! One is hardware based while the other is software based.
If you know from my association with the computer world going back as far as the TI 99/4a that I have always been a hardware man. For that reason, I favor magicJack® between the two services.
magicJack® costs $1.67 per month for calls to anywhere in the U.S.A. or Canada, $1.00 per month with a 5 year license; versus $2.95 per month with Skype®, $1.48 per month with a 1 year account.
They both have conference calling, voice mail, and call forwarding. Skype® charges money for other features that magicJack® does not charge their users, however that is minimum -> however it still costs the user money.
The magicJack® portability feature is the tipping point that makes it the better of the two services.
magicJack® softphone features
* Menu – Switch to headset, download Outlook plug-in, and other configuration options.
* Contacts – This is your list of contacts for quick reference.
* Calls – This provides call history. Using this feature allows you to quickly and easily reconnect to past calls.
* Favorites – This lists your favorite web sites that you have listed in your browser giving you instant access to them
* Redial – redial
* Vmail – This lets you set your own voice mail. To set MagicJack voice mail message you must login to their website and select user options to set voice mail for different locations. I also like the fact MagicJack sends an email with the .WAV file of the voice mail.
* 411 – Is an internet linked to Free411.com.
* Google – A simple hot link to Google for web searching.
* 911 Address – This function defaults to your original entry in MagicJack, but it also gives the benefit of adding multiple address in case you use this at work, home, families houses etc.
Portability – this feature lets you take or send the magicJack® dongle overseas to call friends, family, business associates, and etc. anywhere in the world for just the cost of the device and its original service contracts. Sure beats a telephone calling card for members of the Armed Services, students, and vacationers.
Tired of telephone deceptive advertising and hidden charges that rack up. Don’t like headset even though I think voip can worked thru an adapter at an additional cost. Magicjack kicks a**. I love it and it was simple to install. No more expensive phone calls or monthly bills. WAY TO GO MAGICJACK! EXCELLENT NO CREDIT CHECK NEEDED. Everybody wants a credit check all the way from a job to auto insurance, a reason to charge you extra. Don’t like to throw money away on a merchants’ profit needs.
Got tired of the magicjack pop-ups, and found a good and free tool that kills pop-ups in MJ, just google magicblock
I ordered my jack 1st week in Jan 09 and received it on the 19th as promised. Plugged in to my Gateway (3yrs old) with windows XP and with in 1/2 hr. up and working with phone #, and addressed with 911 and all the other goodies, not a tec geek. working as they promised and all is good and crystal clear voice both ends. No problems as of yet, as I’ve read in prior reviews where psople have dropped , or frozen there computer when a call came in ,maybe I’m one of the lucky ones with out bugs…………? Magic Jack you rock………….. This is not my main phone, it works in conjunction with my cell. Also at night it is a great way to talk to friends while on line, playing on poker stars, never lost or dropped calls, or had my computer lock-up. I also use a Uniden 6.0 walk a phone with a second base. Every thing works fine and so does the support line from Magic Jack ………..
thetoolman_53
From comments on other websites, it looks like magicjack is charging you $19.95/yr (after first year) to come into their marketing pool. They’re selling your info and feeding you ads tailored to your internet habits. It replaces your system.dll with its own, and from there on tracks everything you do.
It’s called spyware.
In Re retrieving messages!!! Whomever set up myour me4sswagew re3trieval system is dumber than doo-doo. My I.Q has be3ewn tested at above or around 146, and I fucking canno0t get yoour godedamnede system to divulge a way to let me hear my verbalmessages. Choose the brightest from among nyourselves to makesome calls into magicn=jack, and then attempt to HEAR the voiceswho called.
#2) I purchased another 5 hyears of calls and am only poossessed ;f a balance of $4.32. If an explanation can help me call me on 8432401565. This nomber will produce actual voice contact. C.D. Springs
Charles:
For someone who professes a 146 IQ, your spelling is atrocious, In fact you are almost not understandable..
IF I can figure out what you are saying ( and that is NOT EASY), you are having trouble getting your messages from voicemail. Have you tried the online chat with Magic Jack? They can also help you with your 5 yr balance problem. BUT if you can’t spell for shit they will not be able to understand you at all. So maybe find someone with a lower IQ who can spell and have them contact Magic Jack to help with your problems….
Good Luck
Joe
hello
this is the first time that I’ve read about magicjack
i’ve been using skype for more than 2 years now and so far so good
but i would like to give it a try
thanks for the info!
cheers!
Don’t see everyone that they are making money with the SpyWare from the USB connector?
I haven’t use it, but with all the complaints I found in different sites, I decided to look for another solution.
I am interested in the system that Markus is using: Fritz!Box + Voipstunt, but I have one more concern….. How do I received calls using this system??
Thx
My Magic Jack is awesome, I bought it at Radio Shack instead of online why? because there was a few people complaining about it and I didn’t want to wait for it or have the problems people were complaining about slow refunds also I know Radio Shack would refund my money the same day if I took it back if I didn‘t like it, and as the old saying goes if it is to good to be true then generally it is but not this time, Magic Jack works great! I had no problems installing it on my laptop which is on my wireless network, I have a Pentium 4 and DLS, the voice quality is outstanding just like my landline, I read people were complaining the can’t use their computer because it slowed them down and uses all their system resources when using the phone not true they must have an old 486 or a Pentium 133 from back in 1995, or that they use too much power leaving the computer on all the time just to use the phone well a CPU doesn’t use that much power, just turn off the monitor when not using computer that is what uses a lot of power like a TV set, the only thing that might not be so good is no phone number. to customer support but everything or possible problems is covered in help which very easy to use, seriously even a 8 year old could set this up. You get caller ID, call forward, call waiting, conference calling more than 3 people !, free information 411, voice mail, etc and it is all free!!! I personally would keep your landline incase of power outage Magic Jack has 911 service but it wont work if computer is off for any reason. all long distance is free in the U.S. and Canada even over seas if your calling someone in the U.S or Canada !
$19.99 per year If you look at it this way it is only $1.66 a month or $59.99 for 5 years service that is .99 per month for an extra phone line and phone number give one to your teens for there room or even laptop and buy them a small phone to pack with them so you can call them, save money traveling most motels and hotels provide free internet save on long distance calls and per call local charges to your room, use it at Libraries, parks, coffee shops, airports etc that have WiFi connections, it can be used in any computer so if you don’t have a laptop and visiting family that does just take your phone and Magic Jack with ya use the computer, give it to family as a gift or kids in college or moved out of state,
I know I am sounding like a salesman for Magic Jack but I am not, it is a good product that s saving me money and added convenience. Like I said buy it at Radio Shack you’ll get a 30 day free trial, if you don’t like it just take it back to them for a full refund, what do you have to lose other than your time driving back to the store.
Also if your to big of a wiener to get it working yourself have one of your children do it for you or get a neighbor’s grade school child to help you and give them 5 bucks for it.
P.S. also for the people complaining about no phone support when they have chat support, how do you think they keep cost down if they had to hire hundreds of people to train and take those calls or outsource it to a call center the product would cost hellofa lot more than $19.99 a year but in the future it could happen.
I am satisfied with my Magic Jack here in the Philippines! I bought this gadget on March 17 this year and have been enjoying making calls to the usa and canada and all my friends and relatives from abroad enjoys it much more when they call me. Before I really don’t agree with Magic Jack until I actually tried it by myself. I understand that in some instances MJ doesn’t work with other PC’s due to hardware/software issues. To those people who are frustrated with their experience about MJ I guess what you need is PATIENCE and some technical know-how or you have got to be familiar with your computer so you can make it to work just like mine. Stop all the bickerings and calling names ok. PEACE TO ALL.
My postal code is not accepted. How do I contact Magic Jack to apply???
On the application form Canada is included, Alberta the province is posted but the zip keeps bouncing me off.