The "Magic Jack" is a stand-alone VOIP (voice over IP) device that piggy-backs off your high-speed internet connection to give you an extra phone line. It has a number of neat advantages, and a few drawbacks._____________
First.. getting one new.. Just go to magic jack's web site.. they always have an offer going.. Does it look like it will expire soon? Don't worry, there will be another one soon. Sniff around the web site.. thats all you are going to get, except one page of registered self-help stuff. Enjoy it.._____________
Ok.. Problems.._____________
You can't change the registered name.. Enjoy being Jack Russell of Snake Navel Texas, you are stuck with the original owner's name._____________
You are stuck with the number and area code.. MagiJack allows ONE free phone number change, and your's has been used up already - guaranteed! Want another? that's $10._____________
Want to register your MagicJack (assuming it is new +/or unregistered, outside of the USA.. pick a USA location and number, but don't try to order the extra breakage insurance! The web registration locks at non-usa postal codes!_____________
Want to change the password? Add a new email account with a new password, then remove the old account. This is how a good seller will xfer it to you. Then you can move it one more email account over, and move it back with a different password if you so chose.. You do all of this from the self-help page on the website, after you log in._____________
Connection problems? quality problems? Try toggling over to 3G top left of the "running" screen.. might help.._____________
Bogs your PC down? AH! the joys of an older PC with type1 USB ports! Try to tell your virus scanner to ignore the 2 MJ drives! Try to obey their injunction about putting it on a hub. Try to ci\onnect directly to the PC's ports._____________
MAC? Never tried it.. they want an intel processor mac._____________
Tech support: 1st line tech support is an eliza type program! I swear, all you get are canned responses! Not too helpful. What do you want for US $40 ???_____________
1st time use: It will do a software upgrade, let it, do not interrupt.. it takes 5 minutes or so. Do not attempt on a dial-up line, it will never complete. Fortunately, it seems to download the whole upgrade file, check it, then apply it, so if you foul up the download, and it has sat for 6 hours, you can probaby pull the plug on the whole pc, resart and do it again._____________
Returns: There are none! Unless you ordered directly from MJ, bring it back to place of purchase! Perhaps replacement would work, but I am not too confident.. the RMA page looks like it want a "real" invoice._____________
Good things:_____________
When it works you get a dial tone on your old phone, just like a real phone._____________
You can use it on your PC without a phone, with mic and speakers._____________
You can get a USA number while being outside the USA Could be good for travelling.
Pop it and an ebay "hello kitty" mini-phone in your bag and tie up your hotel's internet. (the hellokitty corded phone was the smallest /cheapest I found with built in speaker + mic .. my first one arrived defecto, so I am waiting on this combo)_____________
The 1st year subscription comes with the jack and you get free USA + Canada calls._____________
Caller ID will only show your number, not your "Jack Russell" name._____________
If you have a fixed USA address, you can PROBABLY get your address tied to your MJ number for 911. If you are out of country - ie Canada, forget it._____________
They have been promising Canadian numbers for years now. The guy/business who was going to set it up looks vanished/ dormant. The CRTC (our FCC) will want $2.50+ a month for any canadian number, so that is not going to happen any time soon._____________
The voice mail is wonky, but will work eventually. They will email sound clip links to you! wow!_____________
The LD charges (your USA # to europe etc) are cheaper than skype (but there are cheaper plans out there)_____________
So.. as a travel trick, or spare out-call line for a small business, the Magicjack is probably worth considering._____________
OH.. and USA sellers keep gouging Canucks for postage on these! USPS will ship it international 1st class to canada, in a padded envelope, no insurance, for under $2
Of course ebay defaults at international-express-gold-plated-overnight USPS shipping (the tracking is handy), but that is a seperate rant.. ANd a few USA sellers HATE going down to the PO and standing in line.. so ask qustions before you buy!
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