Image source: http://bbvii.com/magicjack/connections.JPG
The Magic Jack device is plugged into your computer's usb port and the other end into your phone.
Selling for an initial fee of $39.95 plus shipping and handling.
The first year of phone service is included with the purchase price.
Thereafter, service is renewed each year for only $19.95.
You can purchase up to four additional years at a time for $59.95.
Its Competitor
Its biggest competitor in-terms of price may be Skype, but which does not offer 911 service.
Another problem with Skype is that security may be a big issue. These concerns are apparent when one browses the Skype user forums. There are several instances where Skype accounts have been hacked.
The Cost And Savings
If you do a lot of long distance calling voip (voice over Internet protocol) services tend to be cheaper than traditional landlines even with unlimited calling plans.
Savings are even greater if you pay per minute charges for long distance calling.
Broadband phone providers like Vonage, Verizon, Packet8, Net2Phone and AT&T will run upwards of $200 yearly. Magic Jack is just a pittance when compared to these providers.
Some broadband phone services also require additional equipment, activation and/or cancellation fees.
Magic Jack does not require additional equipment or any contracts. If unsatisfied with the service you may cancel at anytime without penalty.
Installation
Set-up is relatively simple. The USB device will install itself.
Select the phone number of your choice.
Setup 911 service and call forwarding if desired.
Features Include
* Three-way(conference)calling
* can be used with a headset or house phone
* Caller ID
* Call waiting
* Call forwarding
* Voicemail
* Telephone number not listed in directories
* Free phone number
* Do not disturb
* Free 911 service
* Free 411(directory Assistance)
International Calling
When traveling internationally you can still enjoy the convenience of unlimited free calling from your Magic Jack phone number to all locations in the US and Canada.
About The Founder
David Borislow inventor of the Magic Jack device and founder of Ymax communications corporation, a U.S based competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC).
Borislow has over 20 years in the telecommunications industry and winner of the J.D Power and Associates Award.
It is reported that David Borislow provided most of the funding for Magic Jack by investing $17 million from his own pockets.
Reviews
Having tested Magic Jack, I found the clarity of incoming and outgoing calls were amazingly clear on both headset and house phone.
Voicemail access once you set-up a password was easy.
You can set-up Magic Jack to ring as if it were a house phone.
Dial from your keyboard or telephone.
If you are off-line calls will automatically go into voicemail unless you have set-up call forwarding.
Switching between headset and telephone were simple.
Looking Towards The Future
At this time Magic Jack is only available online. However, there are plans to make it available in retail stores.
Although Magic Jack maybe newer than some of the older Voip providers, it is a service well worth looking into.
With the commitment of its inventor and continual upgrades, this company appears to have plans to be around for the long haul.
As with any new service there may be imperfections that will improve as system upgrades continue. However, for the price, Magic Jack may turn out to be a tough competitor for some of the more expensive Voip providers.
