Has anybody used Magic Jack?

Question

I read on the internet that it was a scam and didn't really work, has anybody tried it? what are the pros and cons?

Answer 1

I think its a good deal....if that's what you want....you can call anyone for free in the US and Canada for free....land line or cellphone!! I have one for over 1 year now and love it!

I'm glad that someone fells the same way about the MJ!

you just put the MagicJack into your USB port and use any old analog phone and make calls....!

the MJ software install when you put the MJ n your USB post....with the software and also a softfone if you wanna use it !

I use it since last year, and so far I love it! but you gotta know what you really want out of this gizmo! I use it strictly for travel and as a 2nd line in my house!

Don't expect too much from MagicJack....its not a phone service per se.....!

I had no problems installing it...matter-of-fact ....the install was faster and much more easier then my other VoIP service!

Land Phones its really easy to use....like a VoIP service (Internet phone)

but you computer got to be on at all times for it to work!!

You gotta download their software....but its very easy and you don't need to do nothing else...! I have it since last year...! so far I love it...I take it on vacation to other countries so I can call back for free with an US area code! Make sure you use another user account and not the admin account...also if you have trouble...check your device manager....don't do your iPot stuff at the same time...!

all you get is the Magic Jack...the rest you learn on your on, or at the MJ forum!

You will be up and running within 5 minutes....you can ask here questions when you get it going!! There are alot of little things you have to know........for it to work just right!!

the most important thing with the MJ...it all depends on your ISP provider....! I use other VoIP on my computer, but the MJ was the easiest to install...

Answer 2

If you really want a long + detailed list of pros and cons, go see this...

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?...

It took me a while to locate that for you, but this IS what you asked for!

The answer I mean (second one down) was NOT chosen as the best answer.  But maybe it should have, as it does explain about the ADMIN install issue from a first person perspective.  That same guy also suggests this site too:

http://www.magic-jack.info/

Great primer on the Magic Jack in general with lots of helpful links, discount coupon code tips, screen shots and ideas!  

I wonder if Vonage and Skype staffers are on a Magic Jack bashing campaign because Magic Jack is now (or will soon be) hurting those companies.  Vonage in particular is in DEEP trouble if MJ catches on!

I wonder who some detractors work for.  Hmmm...  A Magic Jack competitor maybe?  Many people DO seem to be spreading Magic Jack FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt).  

On the other hand, the Magic Jack showmercials are pretty cheezy and they ARE stretching the truth when showing that 11 year old kid installing one in 10 seconds.  Even a lightning fast T3 connection can't install one THAT fast!  LOL  But, everybody who wants to charge you way too much for VOIP (which should be cheap to all) hates the Magic Jack!

The other reason some call it a scam is probably because Magic Jack will be a HOLD on your credit card when they ship it to you.  Do some think they will just trust you to send them their money a month later?  It IS a FREE 1-month trial offer and they are sending you the product for gosh sakes.  

Heck, when you buy gas with a card at gas pumps nowadays, they'll put a $50 to $75 hold on your card before you even pump one drop!  

There are also plenty of idiots out there with a computer too! LOL  Seriously, if you have a decent computer and internet connection, you should be fine.

IF you want to use an old XP pc with a slow as h**l Celeron chip and 256 Megs of RAM on the cheapest broadband connection - an upstream of say only 256 Kb, chances are good you will NOT be happy with a Magic Jack!  Some folks will not know how slow and outdated their computer is when compared to a new machine.  (Like it could NEVER be the case their pc simply isn't good enough?)

I'd suggest having at least 1 GIG of RAM (but 2 will work even better) on a connection with a decent upload speed at least 512 to 768 Kb.

In short, when it works well on your pc, it's a great product.  If it doesn't however, many will say it's lousy and even a Scam! But I suppose that's just human nature.  

Mine works super!  I did not expect the calls to be as clear as they are.  But, I didn't go to a dollar store to buy the cheapest phone I could find either.  YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary).

Good Luck!

Answer 3

It's great!!  I love it!!

I have 1 magicJack setup on my home computer, and for $20 USD a year ($40 for the 1st year - $20 for the magicJack & $20 for calling) I get all calls to the US and Canada for free.  I just plugged it into an available USB port - I didn't use the USB extender cable, it can affect voice quality - and you will be able to quickly choose an area code for your new magicJack phone number.  It can't be beat.  I was able to get my magicJack working in about 15 minutes.  Now there is one drawback, the voicemail system you get for missed calls is not that good compared to Vonage, AT&T or Verizon.  But for $20 a year calling, I'll live.  I use mine for all of my outgoing personal calls and I forward incoming calls to my Vonage phone or my cell phone.  

Also, you need to have a high speed internet connection, preferably cable, fiber optic, T1 or T3.  Call quality could suffer with DSL speed connection.