How does this actually work, do you need to be on the computer to call? Do you plug your phone into the magic jack or does the magic jack plug into the wall?
Do you have one? Do you like it? Oh and can you keep the same number
(Sorry so many questions, I am thinking of getting one and cutting the landline.. but don't want to do it if it does not really work well)
it only works for you if you do tons of long distance calling or overseas. We had one before just using Skype. I would use Skype overy Magic Jack any day. Which is what we do now. If you want cheap but better services for land lines go Vontage.
I would say no. My husband used to work in collections and there's nothing worse than being called at work for a delinquent bill (or they'll call your mom, your brother, your neighbor, your babysitter) just because they couldn't get in touch with you because your magic jack isn't letting calls through.
Embarrassing.
Get a pre-paid cell phone instead!
NO! I only know one person stupid enough to get it and they said it doesn't work. Yeah, duh! The line cuts in and out. As they said it worked great until they needed to make a call. :(
my husband (network engineer, definitely not stupid) could not make it work, cursed at it and returned it. So maybe not stupid to buy one, stupid to keep one perhaps?
NO I have Vonage and I am pleased with it. Service is great and I can even call Europe without breaking the bank. Right now I pay $33, before I had a $45 landline + AT&T long distance and internaional $30/month. Without the internaional plan Vonage is even cheaper. You need a HighSpeed internet connection for it to work.
well, I have had one for over 3 years and I rarely have a problem with it. I like the fact that you only have to purchase it, then pay $20 a year- I don't have the $$ for a regular phone bill. If you have problems hearing, it might be that the phone that you are trying to use it with isn't compatible - we upgraded to a V-Tech phone and all our calls are crystal clear. as far as I know you can keep the same number- but you need to get online with customer service before you accept the number that comes with it- otherwise you will have a new number- but they do have customizable numbers- maybe you could get something unique!
I guess it's not getting rave reviews! I don't have one but my friend does and she is actually really happy with it. It works great for her. She originally got it b/c she was going to Colombia (South America) to adopt her kids. She has recommended it to a few people, but maybe she's the exception!
I have an Ooma that works pretty well - some quality issues at times but overall good. We ported our number over, so we didn't have to change anything. Now we'll pay just 3.50/month in taxes, but the unit itself cost $200. We had unlimited long distance and our monthly bill was $50, so we should make the money back in a few months. I only did it b/c Clark Howard recommended it.
We downloaded GMail on our computer. It is FREE to call anywhere anythime in the U.S...but I don't know about overseas. I had been thinking of the Magic Jack too....but glad we did GMail. I can save alot of minutes on my cell phone and no more landline!
Yes, I certainly wouldn't be so harsh as to say only stupid people buy them.
However, I really have heard that they don't work well and are unreliable. It'd be nice to have cheap phone...but...well...
I don't know what services you have available in your area. We go through Century Link, which used to be Qwest, which used to be USWest. We bundle our phone and internet and qualify for a low income reduction, plus I call and threaten to quit if they ever up my bill when they try. SO right now I'm just starting a brand new five year price guarantee...we pay about 50 a month for phone with unlimited long distance and features, and high speed wireless internet. I "think" that's a good price...haven't really done any comparing, but it's within our budget.
We have it, it works mediocre at best (I can never hear the other person very well during a phone call). Don't waste your time or money! I wouldn't consider myself "stupid" as a someone else put it, just hopeful to find an affordable alternative :)
