swanboy join:2001-01-22 Hollywood, FL |
to dbmaven
Re: My review of MagicJackThanks for sharing, I'm glad to see everyone is experiencing excellent service like I have been. Just as an update, I continue to use my MJ line a lot throughout the day. I've experience no problems. |
actions · 2007-Jul-31 7:28 pm · (locked) |
swanboy |
New MJ UI |
Via a software update last night, the UI has changed a little. There is now a place to dynamically select (and add) your 911 address. Given the mobile nature of MagicJack service, this is a very good thing to have, and provides for the best safety as well. |
actions · 2007-Aug-2 8:59 pm · (locked) |
coaster5 join:2007-07-13 New Port Richey, FL 1 edit |
I got the update as well. Very impressed that the 911 service is a priority for such a young service. MJ has a bright future. Makes me glad I didn't prepay $200 for a year of service with another voip company. |
actions · 2007-Aug-2 9:35 pm · (locked) |
laserjobs Premium Member join:2004-05-02 Las Vegas, NV |
to swanboy
Here is sort of a peek that is going on behind the scenes » develop.talk4free.com/I don't know what all the actions are but it is interesting to see they are working on things |
actions · 2007-Aug-2 9:51 pm · (locked) |
swanboy join:2001-01-22 Hollywood, FL |
Heh, funny thing. I noticed the same URL and explored a bit, but wasn't going to publish it, for fear I would irritate someone. Great to see though. |
actions · 2007-Aug-2 10:17 pm · (locked) |
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to dbmaven
I tried faxing with Magicjack. The fax appeared to go through however, the receiver received either a garbled or cut off document. |
actions · 2007-Aug-13 12:11 pm · (locked) |
dbmavenThere's no shortage Mod join:1999-10-26 Sty in Sky |
I have both sent and received faxes with no problem whatsoever.
As has been said, it appears to depend on the local unit attached to the MJ line. |
actions · 2007-Aug-13 12:43 pm · (locked) |
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said by dbmaven:I have both sent and received faxes with no problem whatsoever. As has been said, it appears to depend on the local unit attached to the MJ line. By "local unit" , do you mean the fax machine itself? Also, I notice the softphone accesses your favorites (bookmarks). I wonder if this info is sent to Majicjack.... |
actions · 2007-Aug-13 1:49 pm · (locked) |
dbmavenThere's no shortage Mod join:1999-10-26 Sty in Sky |
said by jeffnyc:By "local unit" , do you mean the fax machine itself? Yes - your fax machine, not the one you're calling. |
actions · 2007-Aug-13 1:52 pm · (locked) |
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I am using a Canon MP390 multifunciton. Anyone else have similar?
I was able to send the fax through my voicestick line. |
actions · 2007-Aug-13 2:00 pm · (locked) |
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to swanboy
How is this better than Skype?I use Skype with a bluetooth headset (and boy that is hard to setup at first) off of my laptop. I have Skype's ~$30/year unlimited domestic calling plan.
Other than being able to use any landline phone, what makes this so great vs. Skype?
Is there any way to check voicemail remotely without the device? |
actions · 2007-Oct-20 1:10 pm · (locked) |
dbmavenThere's no shortage Mod join:1999-10-26 Sty in Sky |
said by fairuser:Is there any way to check voicemail remotely without the device? Like most voicemail systems, you simply call your phone number and enter your password to retrieve voice mail from any phone. |
actions · 2007-Oct-20 3:00 pm · (locked) |
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to swanboy
Re: My review of MagicJackI live down in Costa Rica and have been using voange and skype for the past five years.. Just got a Magic Jack a few days ago and I'll I have to say is bye bye vonage.
My voange use to sound like it was under water when outlook would check for new mail or if I was trying to browse the net and talk at the same time. So far Magic Jack does not have any of these issues.
turbo |
actions · 2007-Oct-22 7:43 pm · (locked) |
turbokaos |
to fairuser
Re: How is this better than Skype?If you don't ever leave the US I probally wouldn't even think to much about it but my self who is from the US but lives in Costa Rica its a must have. It nice to be able to just unplug the magic jack and bring with me when I travel too. |
actions · 2007-Oct-22 7:58 pm · (locked) |
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abcdefg to swanboy
Anon
2007-Oct-23 1:12 pm
to swanboy
Re: My review of MagicJackMajicjack vs. skype
Skype is $60 a year for both in and out calling to non skype phones ($30 in and $30 out). Majicjack is only $40 for the first year and $19.95 for the second year.
I use skype as my back up phone, I use my cell phone exclusively (no landline). This will save me some money and if it has good enough quality, I will use it and save some minutes on my cell phone.
I need some kind of a backup phone in case there is a major natural catastrophe here (southern California). I have access to satellite internet and I have tested Skype on it. Skype was, for lack of a better description, simplex, not duplex, but I could have short conversations with people. I will test out Majicjack on the satellite and see how that works out. I will use it to contact family out of state when "The BIG One" hits. |
actions · 2007-Oct-23 1:12 pm · (locked) |
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to swanboy
I bought a magicjack, in fact I bought 2. I tried to use the free shipping "sunrocket" code on them. no go. So I just paid for the two I bought and left a note that I could not use that code. I was told that shipping could not be combined. I spent $14 for $2.32 postage stamp. Yes shipping could be combined but not for me! Both jacks came in a single padded envelope combined!. I voiced my dismay . but it fell on deaf ears Including at at least 1 of the big 3 boys mentioned here. I see if you buy off ebay, (6.99 with $3.99 ea after that) they can somewhat combine shipping. but even the full price of the reduced shipping of the second device is more than real the cost of shipping. I think the overall price of the "jack" should be based on the excessive shipping charge ($47). BTW I was never responded with my shipping concerns other than the response "shipping can not be combined" even though both came in 1 envelope with a $2.32 stamp on it. Its not $39.99!!! add $7 because that is the price! 1 to 100! no shipping discount! |
actions · 2007-Oct-30 10:18 pm · (locked) |
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Niggle
Anon
2007-Oct-31 6:42 am
I think the overall price of the "jack" should be based on the excessive shipping charge ($47). BTW I was never responded with my shipping concerns other than the response "shipping can not be combined" even though both came in 1 envelope with a $2.32 stamp on it. Its not $39.99!!! add $7 because that is the price! 1 to 100! no shipping discount!
Wow. That makes them sound like a bunch of sleazebags. Thanks for the heads up. |
actions · 2007-Oct-31 6:42 am · (locked) |
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diflsdlkwe
Anon
2007-Nov-8 1:37 pm
said by Niggle :
Wow. That makes them sound like a bunch of sleazebags. Thanks for the heads up. As opposed to a bunch of cheapskates? The 'excessive' shipping charge is part of their business model. Don't like it? Don't buy it. |
actions · 2007-Nov-8 1:37 pm · (locked) |
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Niggle
Anon
2007-Nov-8 3:17 pm
diflsdlkwe said: ==As opposed to a bunch of cheapskates?==
No, as opposed to honest merchants. 'cheapskate' is cutting corners and offering an inferior service for the money you pay. 'sleazebag' is piling on outrageous charges.
==The 'excessive' shipping charge is part of their business model.==
That's like saying a pickpocket's activities are his 'business model'.
==Don't like it? Don't buy it.==
I can agree with you about that. |
actions · 2007-Nov-8 3:17 pm · (locked) |
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I guess you never bought anything on ebay before.... Why do you think its worthwhile for merchants to sell for a penny on ebay??? They make money on the shipping - so what, do the math in your head, if you think the overall price is worth it buy it, if not don't.
Remember, in addition to postage, there are handling costs - they have to pay for the labor of stuffing the envelopes and those envelopes arent free either....
Magicjack is a great deal for $40 or $47, even given their flaws. And the second year for $20 is dirt cheap too. |
actions · 2007-Nov-8 3:31 pm · (locked) |
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EdwardATeller
Anon
2007-Nov-13 8:47 pm
I just got my MagicJack today. It took me some time to get it to work, but I bet some people won't have any trouble. I tried it first on some low level computers I had in order to minimize power consumption. When I tried it on the third computer, it installed without a hitch, but I already had my number at that point.
On one computer, the MJ wouldn't provide a dial tone without a powered USB hub. The blue light not lighting up was the giveaway that I had an underpowered USB connection.
Now that I have it running, I have to say that I couldn't rely on it as my only phone line. My phone doesn't always ring when I call in to the MJ line. When I hang up the MJ line, it doesn't always hang up properly.
Sometimes when I call the MJ, it autoanswers with the phone still on the hook.
But as a second line primarily for making outbound calls, it is a pretty good option. |
actions · 2007-Nov-13 8:47 pm · (locked) |
EdwardATeller |
EdwardATeller
Anon
2007-Nov-13 10:43 pm
Playing around with it some more, the sound quality and performance are dependent on how powerful your computer is. I'd say that any computer you buy today would run the MagicJack fine, but my crappy old Toshiba 2065CDS laptop won't cut it. A Pentium III, 450 MHs is marginal on the sound quality, but the hanging up performance is fine. My Pentium 4, 1.8 Ghz has great sound quality, but I'd prefer not to use it for security reasons. None of these machines have USB 2.0. We just got a new HP with USB 2.0, and I am going to try the MJ on that next. |
actions · 2007-Nov-13 10:43 pm · (locked) |
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to swanboy
so 17th is only 3 days away, anyone know if there web portal is gonna go live??? |
actions · 2007-Nov-14 3:20 pm · (locked) |
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to swanboy
I guess I just feel that if a shipping order can not be combined (even though they were shipped in the same manila padded, envelope with a $2.32 stamp on it), the very least it would come in two packages. As far as shipping goes, a $2.32 stamp on a 65cent padded manila envelope is excessive. Yes 11 bucks overage to put in 2 jacks in a envelope and put a label on it Then wait for the postman to stop by. The proper way to ship this is the 2 pound first class with delivery conformation. I think the postage on that is $4.85.. How you ship and what you charge is important to me as a customer. |
actions · 2007-Nov-15 2:42 am · (locked) |
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EdwardATeller
Anon
2007-Nov-15 5:34 pm
MJ support pointed me to a handy utility: » www.magicjack.com/site/d ··· etup.exeRun it, and then unplug the MJ, wait a bit, and then plug it in again. I used it to restore the blue light. Sometimes the blue light will go out, and you won't have a dial tone on a phone, but the soft phone will still work. This utility restores the blue light and dial tone. I thought one of my computers had underpowered USB ports, but using the utility fixed the problem. I now have the MJ on a P3 450 Mhz box, and the sound quality is great. I don't have any problems with hangups (on the phone), and things seem great. Found out there isn't a way to block my funky Caller ID, but they are working on it. On the shipping issue, you could look at it as a restocking fee. You are paying $46.90 for each device with free shipping and a 15% restocking fee. Maybe they should describe it that way, or maybe not, but $46.90 doesn't seem unfair for the INCREDIBLE value they are offering. I see their Tech Chat is back. |
actions · 2007-Nov-15 5:34 pm · (locked) |
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Nerys to swanboy
Anon
2007-Nov-15 9:05 pm
to swanboy
I have 2 major problems with this thing. First its USB instead of ethernet which means I have to run a computer 24/7 This creates my second problem. there most DEFINATELY is a monthly fee. Just because you pay yearly does not mean there is no monthly fee. your just paying 12 monthly fees at a time. NOW granted its pretty cheap (though NO assurance it will STAY $20 a year) so right now were at $1.67 a month BUT it does not stop there. While this device might only take 500mah at 5v or so the COMPUTER takes quite a lot more. Your average computer today takes 200-250 watts of power JUST SITTING THERE. Its gonna cost you ALMOST $10 PER MONTH for every 100 watts of power your machine consumes (PLUS maintenance of that machine) For me and my SPECIALLY BUILT server to record my tv programs thats $7.50 (It takes 74 watts idle) a month but I would not dare risk the reliability of that machine on this device so I would have to built another machine to run this. So figure $150 to build a cheapy machine. Lets ignore that cost for now. SO the average user is going to pay between $15+$1.66 a month and $25+$1.66 a month in "cost" to use this phone service. If your using an older computer VONAGE's 500 minute a month plan is cheaper is your using a hotter machine to run this Vonages full unlimited $25 a month plan is cheaper (and no computer to keep running and maintaining) etc.. etc.. So this $20 a year phone service turns into $200 a year on an older machine and $275 a year on the hotter machine (I subtracted 15% for NORMAL usage where you would be paying to run that computer anyway) NOW if I can make this run on my old 233mhz windows 98 tablet computer that I also keep running (weather information display) then I will be a bit more interested since it only costs me $3-$4 a month to run that machine. On this machine my yearly cost would be max $68 still no where near $20 a year but still a VERY good deal !! ESPECIALLY if I can run more than one on the same machine. Plus its such a slow machine that there are no moving parts except the hard drive so maintenance should be low if not zero. BUT can this machine handle running both WIFI and Magic Jack if it can even run Magic Jack? If this thing was ETHERNET instead of USB I can not see it consuming more than 1-2 watts. lets assume 2 watts (though I am betting less than 1) but at 2 watts its $2.40 a YEAR in electricity plus the $20 so $22.40 a YEAR NOW THAT would be a good deal ALSO if you need it just to MAKE phone calls. Such as KIDS wanting there own line or something like that. IE its only plugged in WHEN they want to talk its also a great deal. SO PLEASE Magic Jack come out with a ETHERNET version please!!! |
actions · 2007-Nov-15 9:05 pm · (locked) |
laserjobs Premium Member join:2004-05-02 Las Vegas, NV |
The actual magicJack is just an USB to RJ11 adapter with a flash drive and it uses a softphone on your computer for all voice processing. The best VoIP device for power consumption would be an ATA. |
actions · 2007-Nov-15 9:36 pm · (locked) |
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Nerys to swanboy
Anon
2007-Nov-16 1:48 am
to swanboy
Huh did not realize that. So this service is nothing more than skype with a gadget that makes a phone into a headset? can you DIAL numbers from the phone? Is there a super low profile windows app that will work with this service IE one that will work on lower performance hardware? Linux is not an options since many of the required drivers for this do not exist namely the touch screen Odd I thought this was an actual voip phone that just used the PC for power and internet connection. Drat :-( |
actions · 2007-Nov-16 1:48 am · (locked) |
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Yup. Thats why my magicjack is for backup purposes only. I use Onesuite prepaid for long distance calls and Onesuite voip for incoming which can be use on ATA.
I still had my cell phone though. |
actions · 2007-Nov-16 3:40 am · (locked) |
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to swanboy
I WAS INTERESTED ALSO BUT ACCORDING TO THE FOURM REVIEWS I AM KIND OF DISAPPOINTED THAT THEY DONT HAVE POTS TELEPHONE SWITCH AS WELL AS THE AREA CODE AVAILABILITY.ANY MORE INFORMATION OR EXPERIENCE.I TRIED CHATING WITH THEIR WEB PORTAL(EVERYTIME I HAD A CHAT WITH GELLEN) THIER SAYING IS THAT WE ARE WORKING ON IT.NEXT MONTH AREA CODE WILL BE AVAILABLE. OK,THE GUY WHO HAS INTRODUCED THE 10-10 NUMBER PORTAL,I THINK THIS BETA WILL BE POWERFUL CHANGE IN THE MARKEET AS THEY SAY.
THANKS |
actions · 2007-Dec-28 8:14 am · (locked) |