I got the Magic Jack phone doo-dad today, and it works like a charm!
It’s about the size of a Tic-Tac box with a cable attached. One end of the cable has a phone jack connection, the other end has a USB connection. Plug in the phone, plug into the Magic Jack and wait for the software to install.
I had a glitch on that last part. The software wouldn’t auto-install because I had that feature turned off as a security measure.
They had a link on their website for Magic Fix which I ran a couple times before the installer finally launched.
The only drawback is the limited number of area codes to choose from as your “home” number. I picked Boca Raton, Florida because I’d like to live there.
Since we intend to us it only for outgoing long distance calls, it’s a non-issue.
I attached a cheapo phone and the quality of the call was excellent. No echo, no delay, no static. It was a better quality call than using our cordless landline. Far better than any Skype call.
Don’t call me, I’ll call you – free.
Leave your phone number in my comments, an area that is kind of like a toilet stall.
UPDATE: During the install, the set up for Magic Jack changes your default external sound. If you want your speakers to work, go into the control panel change the default for sound to your speakers.
My friend got his and ran into the same installation difficulties as I did. This is not plug and play – or even plug, run install, and play. It requires running upgrades and their “fixer” program and trial and error.
UPDATE 2: I went to their website and looked at the reviews and I don’t think these folks are scammers because of the glowing review from (among others) PC Mag.
UPDATE 3: Scariest story yet:
In short, it not only has one agree to ads with its paid-for system, but claims that the ads are necessary for it to work. It will also snoop on your calls to target ads more accurately, and has you sign away your legal right to take it to court if it defrauds or otherwise harms you. Delightful.
It gets sexier. When you access Magic Jack’s instant web help page, a bizarre series of “compatibility tests” take place first, reporting lies like “Your Magic Jack is functioning properly” even if you don’t have one installed.
UPDATE 4: Nice write up in Twice.com, the official newsletter of the Consumer Electronics Show. They might have spent more time on the customer service angle, however. Thanks Bob.
UPDATE 5: Anybody using Magic Jack with Vista and wireless? How is that working for you? Easy-Peasy?
UPDATE 6: http://www.magicjack.com/techchat/ is where I found a live chat for tech support. Since I don’t have an issue with Magic Jack, I don’t know how good they are with their support. But it debunks the statement by many that there is no tech support. They may not be good, but they are available!
