MagicJack

[Anonymous]

Anyone use this http://www.magicjack.com/5/index.asp? Is it as good as a landline?

[Anonymous]

I love ours. Started using it when we lived overseas to call back to U.S. The sound, even from overseas, was like I was talking to someone next door. The only thing is is that you have to have your computer on to use and so if in an emergency you should have an alternative.

[Anonymous]

If I'm not mistaken, Consumer Reports gave it a good rating.

[Anonymous]

This article appeared in
February 2010 Consumer Reports Magazine.


The claim
Magic Jack, a VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) phone device and service, "makes your monthly phone bill disappear," an online ad says. "Save hundreds, even thousands, of dollars" and get "no more poor reception." You plug Magic Jack into a computer's USB port, plug the line cord of your own phone into the other end of the USB adapter, and Magic Jack uses the Internet to make and receive calls. You need broadband Internet access, and the computer has to be on for you to make or receive a call. If it's off, messages go to voice mail. The charge: $39.95 for the device and one year of local and long-distance calling; then $19.95 per year. Details are at www.magicjack.com.

The check
One of our electronics experts made dozens of calls over several days, sometimes while downloading files or playing online computer games.

Bottom line
Shazam! Calls connected, and voice quality was clear, though not as clear as on a good corded phone on a regular line. When our tester downloaded a big file while playing an online game and making a call, there was some interference. But if you can live with a few limitations, it's a great deal. Vonage VoIP service can cost $216 a year; Skype, $95, and you must buy a Skype phone.

[Anonymous]

Sounds pretty good! we switched to VoiP when it was fairly new and put up with about a year of bad (experimental) service but have had no real complaints since. I thought it was a good deal at $20/month but wow! this sounds better! On our tight budget I might wanna try this!

This is the kind'a thing that's really gonna P.O the phone companies (does anyone still use a phone co?) and truly put the power in the hands of the consumer. Now if we can JUST find a way to jettison Time Warner!

[Anonymous]

We have VoiP, but we use Phone Power. No complaints so far. We used to use AT&T for our VoiP, but they stopped the service in 10/2009.