The MagicJack
We’ve all seen the late nigh magic jack advertisements on our TV. But it seems like it’s too good to be true, what is the catch? To find out, we tested out the item with several computers and different internet configurations.
It seems like the magic jack is going to change the face of telecommunication. Magic jack promises that for just 19.95 a year. Supposedly you can eliminate a monthly phone bill and save hundreds of dollars per year. As a bonus, you’ll enjoy unlimited local and long distance calling (at NO additional cost) and many other free features. As if that wasn’t enough, they now are giving a free 30 day trial. But before you run to go purchase one there are a few things you should know.
Without getting into too much technical information, you plug one end of the magic jack into an open USB port on your computer, plug a basic phone line into the other end of the jack, and now you can make and receive calls just like with any other phone service, using your regular home phone. Testing your internet connection speed is the most important factor effecting call quality. Upload speed was the factor affecting call quality. The suggested speed was at least that of 500 Kbps upload speed to guarantee excellent call quality. There are a number of free sites which you can check the speeds on, examples include speakeasy.com.
I’ll start with the cons of the product. When your power or Internet connection are down, you won’t have phone service. One annoying issue is that you will be given a new phone number in the area code of your choice, but not all area codes are available. A list of the area codes will be given to you.
The pros outweigh the cons. You can’t beat the price and related savings. A simple comparison can be made without phone companies. Compare $19.95 a YEAR to the $25.99 per MONTH charged by Vonage or $29.99 or more per MONTH by your cable or phone company. Save hundreds or more per year and get relieve yourself of your monthly phone bill. You can make calls directly from your computer using a USB headset as an alternative to using a telephone handset (if preferred). Easy installation, regardless of what windows you carry. Unlimited Local & Long Distance Calling (At NO additional cost). It’s portable. Take it with you when you travel, even when traveling internationally.
Magic jack delivers on its pledge of crystal clear calls, given your Internet connection is the right speed and quality. It’s suggested that at least 500 Kbps upload speed is used. The fact of the matter is that the real deal is the actual product itself. Now for a limited time magic jack has a free 30-day trial offer if you order online. So there’s really nothing to lose. Before purchasing the item you should test your internet connection speed to see if it supports it.