MagicJack

[Maverick2002]

http://www.magicjack.com/4/index.asp

I'm seeing commercials for this thing. I'm guessing it works kind of like VoIP? Does it require your computer to be one or just any 'ol device with a USB port & broadband connection (like a NAS)?

Very curious about this ... I wouldn't mind paying $20/year for my own fax line.

 

[nickbits]

Must be a computer and must be on. Fax support is questionable.

 

[krnmastersgt]

Definitely seems like a standard VoIP device, probably should work with your NAS box if you're considering it (hell I'm considering it over my parent's current Vonage plan). I'm just wondering how dependable the phone services are, a static number + caller ID is all that I'd really consider relevant to dependability, but then another factor is how much of the computers resources it might use up (parent's compy is pretty scarce of resources as is).

 

[Maverick2002]

Actually I don't know, looks like they can screen your numbers: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MagicJack

And there's no software uninstaller ...

But it might be worth it if I can use it as a fax line though. Looks like it's a "bundled VoIP" sort of deal.

 

[krnmastersgt]

Assuming they dont have safeguards that just let me blast the program out of my registry, I don't see the real need for an Uninstaller app included. And considering the amount my dad pays to Vonage and then eFax, this would be a welcome alternative. I guess I'll do more research in this when I can be bothered for the time, thanks for bringing it up :thumbsup:

 

[M0RPH]

Question for anyone who has it. I know PC has to be on to get calls, but if it's not on do the calls go to voicemail?

 

[de8212]

Originally posted by: M0RPH
Question for anyone who has it. I know PC has to be on to get calls, but if it's not on do the calls go to voicemail?

Yes

Here's a copy/paste from their FAQ.
Your computer must be on and you must have an active Internet connection to be able to place and receive calls.

Voicemail and Call Forwarding WILL work if your computer is off or your magicJack is unplugged.

If the computer is off OR if you do not have an active Internet connection OR if the magicJack is unplugged from your computer...your magicJack voicemail will receive the call.

AND

If you enabled the magicJack Call Forwarding feature, you can have your magicJack number forward to an alternative mobile, home or business number.

NOTE: You may not forward to an International telephone number without prepaid minutes in your account.

 

[dtgoodwin]

I tried it using it to replace my Vonage. The Vonage is staying while the Magicjack is on it's way back. Because of limited power available from the USB port, they only "technically" support one phone connected directly to it. They suggest that if you use a USB hub that provides power, which is funny because the install instructions say to NOT use a hub of any sort, that you may be able to power more than one. I had it plugged into a new motherboard (directly to the back - full power ports) and it failed. Even with a powered hub, it wouldn't reliably run a single cordless phone base through my home's structured wiring - even with only that phone patched in. I have a fax as well as standard phone that I need to use. With just the single phone, I was lucky if I could get it to work for 5 minutes before dying. The only fix was to unplug it and plug it back in. If you have only one phone, and if you have a PC that's always on nearby, then it may be worthwhile. To me, the ability for Vonage to power any and all phones I wish to patch in, and missing one of my favorite features from Vonage, simul-ring, made it a no brainer. I'm on the limited Vonage plan and never exceed my minutes anyway.